Simi Valley's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Simi Valley, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Erosion Control

Simi Valley requires a Stormwater Pollution Control Plan for any construction site before a grading, building, or demolition permit issues. Sites of one acre or more must submit a Local SWPPP identifying site-specific erosion and sediment BMPs, signed by the project engineer and the owner.

Key details: Trigger: Any site needing a grading permit. Local SWPPP threshold: Sites 1 acre or larger. Criminal penalty: Up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine. Enforcing office: Director of Public Works. Hillside slope limit: 30 ft max manufactured slope height.

Violating the stormwater chapter is a misdemeanor under SVMC Section 6-12.801, punishable by up to six months in County Jail and/or a $1,000 fine, in addition to civil fines set by City Council resolution under Title 1, Chapter 8 and recovery of the City's investigation and attorney's fees. Each Responsible Party is jointly and severally liable for compliance. A Notice of Violation, Administrative Compliance Order or Cease and Desist Order may be appealed to the Director of Public Works under Title 1, Chapter 8, Sections 109 through 112.

Stormwater Management

Simi Valley bans discharging anything but stormwater into the City's storm drain system, with a narrow list of exempt flows like firefighting water and dechlorinated pool discharge, and backs it with misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Key details: Governing law: SVMC Chapter 6-12, adopted Ord. 1195 (2012). Default rule: Non-stormwater discharges to storm drains banned. Pool discharge limit: Chlorine residual under 0.1 mg/L. Pool discharge pH: Must be between 6.5 and 8.5. Criminal penalty: Up to 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine.

Discharging a prohibited substance to the storm drain system violates Section 6-12.201. Under Section 6-12.801, violators face civil fines set by City Council resolution under Title 1, Chapter 8, plus recovery of investigation and attorney costs, and criminal misdemeanor penalties of up to six months in County Jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Each responsible party is jointly and severally liable, and paying a fine does not excuse correcting the violation.

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.

Flood Elevation Requirements

New homes in Simi Valley's mapped flood hazard zones must have their lowest floor built at least one foot above the base flood elevation shown on FEMA's flood maps, with different formulas for AO zones and unnumbered A zones.

Key details: Freeboard requirement: 1 foot above BFE for residential lowest floor. AO zone rule: 1 foot above FIRM depth number, or 2 feet if none. Base flood defined as: 1% annual chance flood. Certification required: Registered engineer or surveyor before occupancy. Enforcing official: City Floodplain Administrator.

Building a new residential structure with its lowest floor below the one-foot freeboard standard in Section 7-5.603(d)(2) is a violation of the flood damage prevention ordinance and blocks issuance of an elevation certificate under Section 7-5.402(e), which the Floodplain Administrator requires before occupancy. Converting a below-BFE enclosure to living space without amending it to comply is separately prohibited and can trigger a stop-work order.

Flood Zones

Portions of Simi Valley fall within FEMA-designated flood zones, primarily along the Arroyo Simi and its tributaries. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet floodplain development standards and carry flood insurance if federally financed.

Key details: Flood Zones: Along Arroyo Simi and tributaries. Elevation Requirement: 1 foot above BFE. Substantial Improvement: 50% threshold triggers compliance. Insurance: Required in SFHA with federal mortgage.

Building in a flood zone without proper permits and elevation certificates is a violation of both city code and NFIP requirements. Non-compliant structures may not be eligible for flood insurance. The city may deny permits for development that increases flood risk. Penalties include fines and potential removal from the NFIP for the community.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Simi Valley is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Simi Valley's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.