Landscaping Rules in Simi Valley, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Simi Valley or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Simi Valley has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Simi Valley has a tree preservation ordinance that protects native oaks and significant trees from unauthorized removal. Permits are required to remove protected trees, and replacement planting or in-lieu fees are typically required.

Key details: Protected Species: Native oaks 5+ inch diameter. Permit Required: Yes, from Community Development. Replacement Ratio: 2:1 or 3:1 planting required. Fine Range: $1,000 to $10,000 per tree.

Unauthorized removal of a protected tree is a significant violation with fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per tree depending on size and species. The violator may also be required to plant replacement trees at enhanced ratios and pay restoration costs. Criminal prosecution is possible for willful violations.

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.

Composting

Simi Valley supports residential composting consistent with California SB 1383 organic waste diversion requirements. Backyard composting is allowed on residential properties with proper containment and maintenance to prevent nuisance conditions.

Key details: Backyard Composting: Allowed with proper containment. SB 1383: Organic waste diversion required. Setback: 5 feet from property lines. Green Waste Bin: Curbside collection available.

Composting that creates nuisance conditions (odor, pest infestations, or runoff) may result in Code Enforcement action. Owners receive a notice to correct the condition within 10 days. Failure to properly separate organic waste per SB 1383 may eventually result in contamination fees from the waste hauler.

The rules around composting in Simi Valley lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Weed Ordinances

Simi Valley runs an annual Weed Abatement Program through the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement that requires property owners to remove weeds, grasses, shrubs, and dead trees from lots, parcels, and alleys that pose a fire hazard, with 30 days to comply after notice. If the owner does not comply, the City hires a contractor to clear the property and bills the owner at a premium rate, with unpaid charges placed as a lien.

Key details: Program lead: Fire Marshal + Code Enforcement. Compliance window: 30 days from notice. Inspections start: May (annually). Defensible space: 100 ft recommended. Fire-resistant zone: 30 ft around structure.

If the property owner fails to abate within the noticed period, the City hires a commercial contractor, completes the work, and bills the owner at a premium rate, generally with an additional administrative fee. Unpaid charges are recorded as a lien against the property. Repeat or aggravated violations can also be cited as municipal-code violations.

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.

Grass Height Limits

Simi Valley does not set a numeric maximum lawn-grass height in the Municipal Code. Instead, vegetation is regulated through the Fire Marshal's annual Weed Abatement Program, which requires property owners to remove weeds, grasses, shrubs, and dead trees that pose a fire hazard. State law (California Health & Safety Code Sections 14875-14922) backs that authority by defining unmaintained or dry vegetation as a public nuisance.

Key details: Fixed inch limit: None in Municipal Code. Operative standard: Fire-hazard / weed abatement. Compliance window: 30 days from notice. Recommended defensible space: 100 feet around structures. Recommended fire-resistant zone: 30 feet around structure.

If a property owner fails to clear weeds or debris within 30 days of notice, the City will have the abatement work done by a commercial contractor and bill the owner at a premium rate, often with an additional administrative fee. Unpaid charges become a lien against the property. Repeat violators may also be cited under SVMC Chapter 1-10 (administrative citations).

Tree Trimming

Under Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 9-38 (Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance), all mature native oak trees and all historic trees are protected citywide, and all other mature trees are protected except in single-family-home yards. Routine pruning that does not endanger the tree's life is permitted, but removing or heavily pruning a protected tree requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Environmental Services Director.

Key details: Code section: SVMC Chapter 9-38 (Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance). Mature oak threshold: 5 inches DBH (diameter at 4.5 ft). Mature non-oak threshold: 9.5 inches DBH. Always protected: Native oaks; historic trees. Not protected: Non-oak mature trees in single-family yards.

Removing, relocating, cutting down, or otherwise destroying a protected tree without a Tree Removal Permit is a violation of SVMC Chapter 9-38 and is enforced by Code Enforcement (805-583-6753) as a municipal-code violation. Damaging a street tree or median tree without authorization triggers additional fines plus replacement-tree costs assessed by Public Works. Required replacement specimen trees must be planted on the same property and maintained.

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

Water Restrictions

Simi Valley's Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 imposes year-round permanent water conservation standards under Ordinance WWD-08 (2009), including watering only before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., a 15-minute-per-zone irrigation cap, and prohibitions on washing hardscapes and non-recirculating fountains. The Board of Directors can declare Stage I through Stage IV water supply shortage conditions that layer additional restrictions on top of the permanent rules.

Key details: Water provider: Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (City-operated). Governing ordinance: Ord. No. WWD-08 (2009). No-water window: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Per-zone limit: 15 minutes/day (exempts drip and 70%-efficient sprinklers). Hardscape washing: Prohibited.

Violations of WWD-08 and the resolutions implementing higher-stage shortages are enforced by the District. The District's standard progression starts with a courtesy notice or warning, escalates to administrative fines, and can include flow-restriction devices for repeat or egregious waste. The City's Water Conservation staff (805-583-6790) responds to water-waste complaints. Failure of a new or rehabilitated landscape project to meet MWELO is corrected at plan check, and a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until landscape and irrigation plans comply.

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

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 4 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.

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.