Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Simi Valley, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Simi Valley maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with homelessness & encampment rules. 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.

Encampment Sanitation

Simi Valley bans camping in any public park, street, or public place unless the area is specifically designated or permitted, and restricts camping on private property within 2,000 feet of improved land under Municipal Code Section 6-5.01. Where limited residential-yard camping is allowed, the code requires a sanitary toilet within 100 feet of the campsite and caps it at three consecutive days.

Key details: Public camping: Banned outside designated or permitted areas. Private-yard camping: Max 3 consecutive days, written owner permission. Sanitation: Toilet required within 100 feet of campsite. Penalty: Misdemeanor under Section 6-5.01(f). Exemption: Construction-site security camping allowed.

Occupying an unpermitted camp in a public park, street, or place, or camping on private property without the owner's written permission, beyond the three-day yard-camping limit, or without the required 100-foot sanitary toilet, is a misdemeanor under Section 6-5.01(f). A code enforcement officer or peace officer can order an unlawful camp vacated on the spot, and the burden of proving written permission exists falls on the person occupying the camp.

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

Sit-Lie Rules

Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 5-44.02 bars leaving any unattended item, including bedding, carts, or belongings, in a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way for more than 10 minutes, or leaving anything that hinders or blocks pedestrians and vehicles. Belongings tied to a person without a fixed address get a 48-hour written notice before removal.

Key details: Adopted: Ordinance 1283, effective February 8, 2018. Time limit: 10 minutes unattended, 3 minutes if hazardous. Homeless belongings notice: 48 hours minimum before removal. Storage retrieval: Free, no ID required except medications. Penalty: Misdemeanor or infraction, Sec. 5-44.05.

Section 5-44.05 makes any violation of Chapter 44, including leaving personal property in a public area past the rules in Section 5-44.02, a misdemeanor or an infraction, with the City Attorney deciding which applies. Property removed under this section is processed under Title 2, Chapter 13 of the Code, and owners without a fixed address get the extra 48-hour notice period before their belongings are collected and stored.

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.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley is tougher than many cities when it comes to homelessness & encampment rules. Out of the 2 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.

This guide is based on Simi Valley's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.