Moving to Simi Valley, CA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Simi Valley is a mid-sized city in Ventura County, California, with about 126000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 74 ordinances across 19 categories that affect daily life in Simi Valley.

Noise Ordinances

Amplified Music & Events: Simi Valley prohibits amplified music and sound equipment that creates noise audible beyond property boundaries during nighttime quiet hours. Daytime amplified sound must stay within residential decibel limits measured at the property line..

Also covered: Leaf Blower Rules (moderate), Aircraft Noise (permissive), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Simi Valley for details.

Animal Ordinances

Chickens & Livestock: To keep chickens or other farm animals in Simi Valley, the parcel must be inside the City's Animal (A) Overlay Zone (or the more restrictive Limited (L) Overlay Zone), or must be at least 20,000 square feet with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060. Roosters are separately capped at four (4) per parcel under the adopted Ventura County Code § 4494-3, with a 40-foot setback from neighboring residences..

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Pet Limits (moderate), Exotic Pets (strict). See the full animal ordinances guide for Simi Valley for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Simi Valley enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements mandating fences or walls at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around all residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs..

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Material Restrictions (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Simi Valley for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Simi Valley permits one ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot ministerially under SVMC 9-44.160, conforming the city to state law (Gov't Code 65852.2 and 65852.22) with 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 18-ft height, and up to 1,200 sq ft detached..

Also covered: Tiny Homes (moderate), Carport Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Simi Valley for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Simi Valley regulates outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution and glare affecting neighboring properties. The city's Development Code includes standards for shielding, intensity, and direction of exterior lighting on residential and commercial properties..

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: When a Simi Valley building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa, California's Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features, typically including a code-compliant enclosure isolating the pool from the house..

Also covered: Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Simi Valley for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Simi Valley offers streamlined permitting for residential solar panel installations consistent with California Solar Permitting Guidebook requirements. Most rooftop solar systems qualify for over-the-counter permits with expedited review..

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Simi Valley requires permits to remove protected trees including native oaks and designated significant trees. The application process requires an arborist report and the city typically mandates replacement planting or in-lieu fees..

Also covered: Heritage & Protected Trees (strict). See the full tree protection guide for Simi Valley for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Simi Valley allows temporary garage sale signs on the property where the sale occurs. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs, and must be removed immediately after the sale ends..

Also covered: Political Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Simi Valley for details.

Property Maintenance

Trash Bin Storage: Simi Valley requires trash, recycling, and green waste bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days. Bins must be placed at the curb by specific times and retrieved promptly after collection..

Also covered: Property Blight (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Simi Valley for details.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Simi Valley enforces stormwater management regulations under the Ventura County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Construction projects must implement best management practices to prevent pollutants from entering storm drains..

Also covered: Grading & Drainage (moderate), Flood Zones (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Simi Valley for details.

Landscaping Rules

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..

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (strict), Composting (permissive), Weed Ordinances (strict). See the full landscaping rules guide for Simi Valley for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Simi Valley strictly limits signage for home-based businesses to maintain residential neighborhood character. Only small identification nameplates are permitted, and no advertising signs visible from the street are allowed..

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (permissive), Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Home Daycare (permissive). See the full home business guide for Simi Valley for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Simi Valley specifies how and where residents must place trash, recycling, and green waste bins for curbside collection. Proper placement ensures efficient collection and prevents street obstruction and neighbor conflicts..

Also covered: Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Simi Valley for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Simi Valley prohibits commercial cannabis businesses including dispensaries, cultivation facilities, manufacturing, and distribution operations within city limits. The city opted out of allowing commercial cannabis activity under Proposition 64..

Also covered: Home Cultivation (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Simi Valley for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies to qualifying rental properties in Simi Valley, requiring landlords to have a just cause for eviction and providing relocation assistance for no-fault evictions after 12 months of tenancy..

Fire Regulations

Wildfire Zones: Significant portions of Simi Valley are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones by CAL FIRE. Properties in these zones face enhanced building standards, defensible space requirements, and vegetation management obligations..

Also covered: Brush Clearance (strict), Outdoor Burning (strict), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Simi Valley for details.

Parking Rules

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..

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), Abandoned Vehicles (moderate), Overnight Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Simi Valley for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: On May 11, 2026 the Simi Valley City Council voted 5-0 to give initial approval to a new short-term rental ordinance that requires every operator to obtain an annual city permit, complete an annual inspection, and pay roughly $741 per year in fees, with a final second reading scheduled June 8, 2026 and an effective date of January 1, 2027. Until that ordinance takes effect, the Simi Valley Municipal Code does not define or separately license short-term rentals; only an existing Transient Occupancy Tax registration (SVMC Chapter 3-5, Article 3) applies..

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (strict), Occupancy Limits (moderate), Registration Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Simi Valley for details.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Simi Valley. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.