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

If you live in Simi Valley or are thinking about moving there, parking 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 parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Driveway Rules

Simi Valley requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces and prohibits blocking sidewalks, driveways, and fire hydrants. Driveway modifications require permits from the Public Works Department.

Key details: Surface Required: Concrete, asphalt, or approved pavers. Lawn Parking: Prohibited. Max Driveway Width: Typically 20 feet at property line. Sidewalk Blocking: Prohibited even partially.

Parking on unpaved surfaces or blocking sidewalks results in Code Enforcement notices with correction deadlines. Unpermitted driveway modifications may require removal or retroactive permitting. Fines start at $100 and increase for repeat violations. Vehicles blocking sidewalks may be cited under traffic code provisions.

Abandoned Vehicles

Simi Valley enforces abandoned vehicle regulations on both public streets and private property. Vehicles that appear inoperable, unregistered, or have been stationary for extended periods may be declared abandoned and removed.

Key details: Street Notice Period: 72 hours before tow. Private Property: Must be operable and registered. Storage Requirement: Enclosed structure if inoperable. Report Line: Code Enforcement (805) 583-6238.

Abandoned vehicles on streets are tagged with a 72-hour notice and towed if not moved. Owners must pay towing and storage fees to recover vehicles. Inoperable vehicles on private property result in Code Enforcement notices with 10-day compliance deadlines. Fines for maintaining an abandoned vehicle on private property start at $100 per day.

Overnight Parking

Simi Valley does not impose a blanket overnight on-street parking ban for ordinary cars, but vehicles must be moved within 72 hours (CVC 22651(k)) and RVs or oversized vehicles cannot remain on the street more than 48 hours (SVMC 4-9.402).

Key details: Blanket overnight ban?: No - not a citywide rule. Standard vehicle limit: 72 hours (CVC 22651(k)). RV/oversized limit: 48 hours (SVMC 4-9.402). Posted-sign restrictions: Enforced separately under SVMC Title 4 Ch. 9. Complaint hotline: (805) 583-6921.

Vehicles in violation of the 72-hour rule may be towed under CVC 22651(k). Oversized vehicles violating the 48-hour limit are cited under SVMC 4-9.402 and may be towed at the owner's expense.

Street Parking Limits

Vehicles parked on Simi Valley city streets must be moved every 72 hours or the Police Department may cite or tow them under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) as authorized by local ordinance.

Key details: Maximum stay (standard vehicle): 72 consecutive hours. Maximum stay (RV/oversized): 48 hours at registered Simi Valley address. State authority: California Vehicle Code 22651(k). Report hotline: Simi Valley PD Parking Hotline (805) 583-6921. Enforcing agency: Simi Valley Police Department.

A warning notice may be left and the tires marked; if the vehicle has not moved after 72 hours, it may be cited and towed at the owner's expense pursuant to CVC 22651(k).

RV & Boat Parking

Simi Valley restricts parking of RVs, boats, and other oversized vehicles or detached trailers on every city street under SVMC Section 4-9.402, with a 48-hour visitor/loading allowance at a registered Simi Valley address.

Key details: Oversized dimensions: Over 23 ft long, 7 ft wide, or 8 ft high. Detached trailers: Prohibited on all city streets. Resident exception: Up to 48 hours at registered Simi Valley address. Visitor parking: Permit required (no grace period). Code section: SVMC 4-9.402.

Citations are issued under SVMC 4-9.402 and vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense. The flyer states: 'Violators will be cited under 4-9.402 S.V.M.C. and vehicles may be towed at their owner's expense.'

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.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Under SVMC 4-9.402, commercial and oversized vehicles longer than 23 feet, wider than 7 feet, or taller than 8 feet may not park on any Simi Valley city street, and commercial vehicles of 10,000+ lb GVW associated with a home occupation may not be parked overnight in residential areas.

Key details: Size threshold: Over 23 ft long, 7 ft wide, or 8 ft high. Detached trailers: Prohibited on all city streets. Home-occupation rule: No overnight commercial vehicle 10,000+ lb GVW in residential area. Permit option: Temporary permit via SVPD Traffic Bureau (case by case). Enforcement: Simi Valley Police Department; Code Enforcement for home-occupation.

Citation under SVMC 4-9.402 and towing at the owner's expense. Home-occupation violations are pursued separately through Code Enforcement under SVMC Title 9.

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 parking rules. Out of the 6 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.

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.