Simi Valley, CA Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

050(A) of the Development Code sets extra construction standards for any "multi-story structure exceeding 48 feet or three stories in height" built in the Office Commercial (CO), Planned Development Commercial (CPD), or industrial zones (General Industrial, Light Industrial, Commercial Industrial), with height measured as defined by California Administrative Code Title 19. " The same subsection adds a helistop requirement for any structure exceeding 75 feet, plus independent front, rear, internal, and side yard setbacks each equal in depth to the structure's height, though the Planning Commission may grant setback deviations through the Conditional Use Permit process for buildings near the Simi Valley-San Fernando Valley Freeway or on an unusually shaped lot.

A site-specific traffic study is also required for any qualifying tall structure under subsection (A)(4). For buildings outside CO, CN, and CPD that want to exceed the Table 2-6 height limit instead, subsection (B) allows a Conditional Use Permit route, with Commission findings that the added height is compatible with surrounding land uses. This fire sprinkler and communication-system mandate is distinct from the sprinkler standard the City has adopted for one- and two-family homes under the 2022 California Residential Code (SVMC Chapter 8-23); Simi Valley's local amendments to that chapter do not modify the state's own residential sprinkler provisions, so single-family construction instead follows the state code as adopted.