Simi Valley's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Simi Valley, California, there are 2 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.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Every light fixture in Simi Valley, residential or commercial, must be aimed away from neighboring property under Development Code Section 9-30.040(A), with no glare crossing onto adjacent land or streets. Flashing lights are banned outright under Subsection (B), with no exception for signs, holiday displays, or security devices.

Key details: Core standard: Light directed away from adjacent use. Flashing lights: Strictly prohibited, no exception. Applies to: Commercial, industrial, residential fixtures. Cross-referenced code: SVMC Title 8, Ch. 21. Governing section: SVMC § 9-30.040(A)-(B).

A fixture that throws light or glare onto a neighboring property or street violates Section 9-30.040(A) regardless of the fixture's height or wattage, and flashing lights violate Subsection (B) outright. Code Enforcement can require immediate re-aiming, shielding, or removal of a noncompliant fixture, and under SVMC Section 1-2.01 any Development Code violation is an infraction or misdemeanor, the latter carrying up to a $1,000 fine, six months in County Jail, or both, per violation.

Dark Sky Rules

Simi Valley requires cutoff, shielded fixtures for any outdoor lighting plan tied to new parking or building construction. Development Code Section 9-30.040(C) caps fixture height at 14 feet within 100 feet of residential property, bans exposed lenses and low pressure sodium lamps, and limits the brightest-to-dimmest ratio to 7:1.

Key details: Fixture height near homes: 14 ft within 100 ft. Fixture height elsewhere: 20 ft maximum. Illumination ratio cap: 7:1 max-to-min. Prohibited lamp type: Low pressure sodium banned. Plan required: Photometric plan by licensed engineer.

Installing outdoor fixtures that exceed the 14- or 20-foot height caps, use exposed lenses, exceed the 7:1 illumination ratio, or use low pressure sodium lamps violates Section 9-30.040(C). The Building Division can withhold final approval on the required photometric plan, and any completed installation that does not match the approved plan is a Development Code violation punishable under SVMC Section 1-2.01 by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in County Jail, or both.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley's outdoor lighting 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.

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.