Simi Valley, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

01 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code states the City's core building-permit rule: except as specifically listed in Chapter 5, no building, structure, or building service equipment regulated by Title 8 and the adopted technical codes may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished unless a separate permit for each building, structure, or piece of equipment is obtained from the Building Official first. 03 then lists specific exemptions from a building permit, including fences not over seven feet high, retaining walls not over four feet measured from the bottom of the footing (unless they support a surcharge or hold hazardous liquids), water tanks on grade holding no more than 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter ratio no greater than two to one, and platforms, sidewalks, or driveways rising no more than 30 inches above grade that are not over a basement and are not part of an accessible route.

03(b) still requires separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits for exempted work if that work involves those trades. 00. 05 becomes null and void if work does not begin within 12 months or is abandoned for 180 days, after which a new permit and full fees are required.