Simi Valley's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Simi Valley, California, there are 5 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.

Holiday Displays

Simi Valley regulates any holiday display carrying wording, a logo, or other message as a non-commercial temporary sign under Municipal Code Section 9-37.070. No permit or fee applies, but the display cannot stay up longer than 128 consecutive days, must stand six feet or under if free-standing, and cannot carry any internal or external illumination under the sign standards.

Key details: Duration cap: 128 days for non-commercial signs. Election signs: 60 days before vote, 7 to remove. Max height: 6 feet if free-standing. Illumination: No internal, external, or redirected lighting. Setback: 5 feet from the property line.

A holiday display that qualifies as a sign and is kept up past the 128-day limit, or the 7-day post-election window for election signs, becomes an illegal sign; Section 9-37.070 cross-references Section 9-37.090(E) for enforcement and abatement of noncompliant signs, and either City staff or the property owner may remove it. An illuminated qualifying display is out of compliance from day one regardless of duration, since Subsection C.5 bars any internal, external, or redirected lighting on a temporary sign outright.

Political Signs

Simi Valley permits political signs on private property consistent with First Amendment protections and California Elections Code. Political signs may be displayed without a permit but are subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

Key details: Permit Required: No, for political signs on private property. Size Limit: 32 square feet in residential zones. Display Period: 90 days before to 10 days after election. HOA Rights: Cannot prohibit per CC 4710.

Signs placed in the public right-of-way are subject to removal by the city. Signs remaining more than 10 days after an election may receive Code Enforcement notices. HOAs that remove political signs within the statutory display period may face legal action from homeowners.

Window Signs

Temporary window signs in Simi Valley cannot cover more than 40 percent of the glass surface they are attached to, and no permit is required to post them. Neon window signs are held to half that allowance and cannot flash, rotate, or vary in brightness.

Key details: General window sign cap: 40% of glass surface. Neon window sign cap: Under 20% of glass surface. Permit required: No permit for window signs. Neon movement: Cannot rotate, flash, or vary intensity. Window sign definition reach: Includes signs within 2 feet of glass.

A window sign that exceeds the 40 percent coverage cap, or a neon window sign that exceeds 20 percent coverage or flashes or rotates, is a Development Code violation and, if not corrected, may be treated as a public nuisance under SVMC Section 9-37.090(A), subject to removal proceedings under Chapter 9-78 (Enforcement of Development Code Provisions).

Digital Billboards

Electronic changeable copy signs in Simi Valley cannot flash, animate, or change message faster than once every 30 seconds. Signs near residential zones must go dark between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and text-only displays cap out at 40 square feet on an 8-foot freestanding structure.

Key details: Max message change rate: 1 message per 30 seconds. Content limit: Text only, no graphics. Hours near residential zones: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Max height: 8 feet, freestanding only. Max display area: 40 square feet.

A sign that violates the electronic sign standards is an unlawful public nuisance under SVMC Section 9-37.090(A), subject to removal proceedings under Chapter 9-78 (Enforcement of Development Code Provisions); the Director may also ask the City Council to declare an illegible or unsafe sign a public nuisance under Section 9-37.090(B) after notice to the sign and property owners.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sales are exempt from a Temporary Use Permit if held no more than once per 180 days for up to three days, but any sign advertising the sale must still follow the Development Code's general temporary sign rules on height, placement and removal.

Key details: TUP-exempt frequency: One 3-day event per 180 days. Max freestanding sign height: 6 feet above grade. Prohibited locations: ROW, utility poles, trees, fences. Removal requirement: Supporting structure fully removed with sign. Governing signage rule: General temporary sign standards.

A garage sale sign left in place after the three-day sale window, posted in the public right-of-way, or attached to a utility pole, fence, or tree is an unlawful public nuisance under SVMC Section 9-37.090(A) and may be summarily abated by the City under Section 9-37.090(E), with proceedings for removal handled under Chapter 9-78 (Enforcement of Development Code Provisions).

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

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley's sign 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.

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.