How Simi Valley Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Simi Valley maintains 74 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. 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.

Pool Barriers

Simi Valley enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements mandating fences or walls at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around all residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Key details: Minimum Height: 60 inches (5 feet). Gate Latch Height: 54 inches minimum. Opening Size: No 4-inch sphere passage. Door Alarms: Required for house doors to pool.

Non-compliant pool barriers are a serious safety violation. The Building Division may issue immediate correction notices. Fines start at $250 and increase for non-compliance. Properties with pools that lack required barriers may not pass resale inspections. Drowning incidents involving non-compliant barriers may result in criminal liability.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Simi Valley actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

Retaining Walls

Simi Valley requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height and engineering for walls supporting surcharges. Retaining walls are common in the city's hillside areas and must meet structural and drainage standards.

Key details: Permit Trigger: Over 4 feet from footing to top. Engineering Required: Licensed engineer plans. Drainage: Weep holes or drain pipe required. Hillside Areas: Additional geotechnical review.

Unpermitted retaining walls that fail or cause damage may result in the owner being liable for neighboring property damage. Code Enforcement may require retroactive permitting with double fees. Walls that do not meet engineering standards may be ordered removed or reconstructed. Violations carry fines from $100 to $500.

Material Restrictions

Simi Valley does not allow chain-link residential fences pursuant to SVMC Section 9-30.030.A.6.e. Other materials (wood, vinyl, masonry block, wrought iron, stucco) are reviewed by the Planning Division for compatibility with neighborhood character and are subject to the height and location rules in SVMC 9-30.050.

Key details: Chain-link in residential: Prohibited (SVMC 9-30.030.A.6.e). Typical accepted materials: Masonry block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vinyl. Plan review: Zoning Clearance from Planning Division. Boundary cost-sharing: Cal. Civ. Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act). Required notice to neighbor: 30 days written notice before incurring costs.

Installing a chain-link fence in a residential zone in violation of SVMC 9-30.030.A.6.e is a Zoning Code violation enforced by the City's Code Enforcement Division. Violations may result in a Notice of Violation, administrative citation, and an order requiring removal or replacement with a compliant material. Disputes between neighbors over the cost or material of a shared boundary fence are governed by California Civil Code Section 841 and resolved in civil court, not by the City.

Height Limits

Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 9-30.050 limits residential fences to roughly 42 inches in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Walls/fences up to 8 feet are allowed along arterial streets or where a property abuts a commercial/industrial zone.

Key details: Front yard limit: ~42 inches. Side/rear yard limit: 6 feet (highest adjacent grade). Traffic Safety Sight Area limit: 24 inches without permit. Arterial street / next to commercial-industrial: Up to 8 feet. Code section: SVMC 9-30.050.

Fences exceeding the 42-inch front-yard limit, the 6-foot side/rear limit, or the 24-inch TSSA limit without a permit violate SVMC Chapter 9-30 and are enforced by the City's Code Enforcement Division within the Department of Environmental Services. Enforcement actions can include a Notice of Violation, an order to lower or remove the fence, and administrative citations. Where a Building Permit was required (e.g., walls over six feet, retaining walls), construction without that permit is also a Building Code violation under SVMC Title 8.

Permit Requirements

Simi Valley requires a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division before installing, altering, or replacing a property line wall or fence. A Building Permit is generally not required for standard residential fences at or under 6 feet, but is required for garden walls over 6 feet, retaining walls, and any fence over 24 inches in a Traffic Safety Sight Area.

Key details: Zoning Clearance required: Yes - all new/altered/replacement property line walls and fences. Building Permit for fences at or under 6 ft: Generally not required. Building Permit for garden wall over 6 ft: Required. Building Permit for retaining walls: Required. Building Permit for TSSA fence over 24 in: Required.

Constructing a fence or wall without the required Zoning Clearance, or building a wall over six feet (or a retaining wall) without a Building Permit, violates SVMC Title 8 and Chapter 9-30. The Building & Safety Division's complaint process can issue Notices of Violation, require submittal of after-the-fact permits, and order removal of non-conforming work. Continued violations are subject to administrative citation. The City directs questions about building & safety violations to (805) 583-6723.

Neighbor Fence Rules

California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) applies in Simi Valley, requiring adjacent property owners to share equally in the cost of maintaining boundary fences. The city does not mediate private fence disputes but enforces code compliance.

Key details: Cost Sharing: Equal split presumed (CC 841). Notice Required: 30 days written to neighbor. Dispute Resolution: Civil matter, mediation or court. City Role: Code compliance only.

The city does not adjudicate private fence disputes. However, fences that violate height limits, setback requirements, or material standards are subject to Code Enforcement action regardless of which neighbor built the fence. Both property owners may be cited for non-compliant boundary fences.

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

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley's fence regulations 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.

These rules come from Simi Valley's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.