How Simi Valley Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Simi Valley maintains 74 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Simi Valley falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

To keep chickens or other farm animals in Simi Valley, the parcel must be inside the City's Animal (A) Overlay Zone (or the more restrictive Limited (L) Overlay Zone), or must be at least 20,000 square feet with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060. Roosters are separately capped at four (4) per parcel under the adopted Ventura County Code § 4494-3, with a 40-foot setback from neighboring residences.

Key details: Primary Code: Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060 (Animal Keeping). Overlay Zones: Animal (A) – all farm animals; Limited (L) – limited species only. Outside Overlay: Minimum 20,000 sq ft + CUP required. Hens in (L) Zone: Max 5; coop 3-6 sq ft per hen; max 6 ft coop height. Rooster Limit: Fewer than 5 per parcel (VCC § 4494-3).

Keeping farm animals outside an overlay zone without a CUP, or exceeding the per-zone limits, is a zoning violation enforceable by Code Enforcement. Keeping five or more roosters is a misdemeanor/infraction under VCC § 4494-5, and each rooster over the limit and each tethered rooster is a separate violation; an Animal Control Officer may also issue an administrative civil penalty under Article 8.

Compared to other cities, Simi Valley takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildlife Feeding

Simi Valley discourages and may prohibit the intentional feeding of wildlife including coyotes, deer, and bears. The city's proximity to open space and hillside areas creates frequent human-wildlife interactions requiring management.

Key details: Coyote Feeding: Prohibited under state law. Common Wildlife: Coyotes, deer, bobcats, mountain lions. Trash Security: Secure containers recommended. State Law: CA Fish & Game Code 251.1.

Intentionally feeding coyotes is a violation of state law with fines up to $1,000. Feeding wildlife that creates nuisance conditions may result in Code Enforcement notices. Persistent feeding that attracts wildlife to residential areas may be treated as a public nuisance with escalating fines.

Pet Limits

Under Simi Valley Development Code § 9-44.060 (Animal Keeping), a maximum of four (4) domestic dogs, cats, and/or Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (in any combination) may be kept on a single residential lot in the OS, RE, RVL, RL, RM, RMod, RH, RVH and MH zones. Keeping five or more dogs or cats for commercial purposes constitutes a 'kennel' under the adopted Ventura County Code and requires a county-issued kennel license.

Key details: Primary Code: Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060 (Animal Keeping). Pet Limit: 4 total (dogs, cats, and/or Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs combined). Applies In: OS, RE, RVL, RL, RM, RMod, RH, RVH, MH zones. Kennel Threshold: 5+ dogs or cats over 4 months kept for commercial purposes (VCC § 2592). Dog License: Required at 4 months / 30+ days kept (VCC § 4411).

Exceeding the four-animal limit is a zoning violation enforceable by Simi Valley Code Enforcement and may result in a Notice of Violation, administrative citation, and required reduction in the number of animals. Operating a commercial kennel without a county kennel license is a misdemeanor/infraction under VCC § 2600-1, and an Animal Control Officer may issue an administrative civil penalty under Article 8.

Exotic Pets

Exotic and wild animal ownership in Simi Valley is regulated by both state law and the municipal code. California Fish and Game Code restricts many species, and Simi Valley may impose additional restrictions on keeping non-domestic animals in residential areas.

Key details: State Regulation: CA Fish & Game Code, Title 14 CCR 671. Ferrets: Illegal in California. Venomous Animals: Prohibited in residential zones. Animal Services: (805) 388-4341.

Keeping a restricted species without proper permits is a misdemeanor under California Fish and Game Code, carrying fines up to $1,000 and potential confiscation of the animal. City code violations for unauthorized exotic pets carry additional administrative fines. Animals may be seized and relocated to appropriate facilities.

This is one of the stricter rules in Simi Valley's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Simi Valley requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in any public area. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks within the city's park system.

Key details: Leash Required: 6 feet maximum in public areas. Dog Parks: Off-leash in designated areas only. Licensing: Required through Ventura County. Waste Cleanup: Mandatory in all public areas.

Off-leash violations result in citations with fines starting at $50 for first offense. Failure to clean up pet waste carries separate fines. Dogs involved in bite incidents are subject to quarantine and the owner may face misdemeanor charges. Unlicensed dogs receive correction notices with fees.

Breed Restrictions

Simi Valley does not have a breed-specific ban. California Food & Agricultural Code § 31683 prohibits any local dog-control program from being specific as to breed (except for spay/neuter and breeding requirements under HSC § 122331). The City instead uses the adopted Ventura County 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' dog framework (VCC §§ 4470-3 through 4470-17) based on a dog's actual behavior.

Key details: State Preemption: Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 31683 (no breed-specific bans). Breed-Specific Exception: Spay/neuter/breeding only (Cal. HSC § 122331). Local Framework: Ventura County Code §§ 4470-3 et seq. (Potentially Dangerous / Vicious Dogs). Off-Premises Restraint (Potentially Dangerous): Non-retractable leash ≤4 ft; responsible adult. Off-Premises Restraint (Vicious): ≤4 ft leash + basket muzzle + responsible adult.

Violation of a potentially-dangerous or vicious-dog order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail, or both (VCC § 4470-17). The City may seek injunctive relief under § 4470-18. California Civil Code § 3342 also imposes strict civil liability on any dog owner whose dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of prior viciousness or owner knowledge.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Simi Valley gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Beekeeping

Simi Valley permits beekeeping on residential properties subject to setback requirements and hive quantity limits. Beekeepers must maintain hives to prevent nuisance conditions and ensure adequate water sources for bees on the property.

Key details: Property Line Setback: 25 feet from property lines. Dwelling Setback: 50 feet from neighboring homes. Flyway Barrier: 6-foot fence or hedge required. Water Source: Must be provided on property.

Beekeeping that creates a nuisance through excessive swarming, stinging incidents, or inadequate maintenance is subject to Code Enforcement action. Hives not meeting setback requirements must be relocated. Fines for nuisance beekeeping start at $100. Aggressive or Africanized colonies may be ordered removed immediately.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Simi Valley, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Simi Valley can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.