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Simi Valley, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governs
Height measurement & limits
Limits set by
Zoning district
Above limit
Only listed exceptions
Code section
SVMC 9-30.060

Summary

Simi Valley's development code prescribes how the height of structures is measured against the height limits set for each zoning district, and defines the exceptions that may extend above those limits.

This Section describes the required methods for measuring the height of structures in compliance with the height limits established by this Development Code, and exceptions to those height limits.

B. Maximum height of structures. The height of each structure shall not exceed the height limit established for the applicable zoning district by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), or a height limit established for a specific land use or structure by Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) except as otherwise provided by this Section.

C. Height measurement. The maximum allowable height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the average of the highest and lowest points of the portion of the site adjacent to the building, whether natural or paved surface, to the topmost point of the structure, excluding chimneys or vents. See Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-4. Height Measurement

D. Exceptions to height limits.

1. Roof structures (including mechanical penthouses, chimneys, vents) may exceed the height limits required by the applicable zoning district provided that no additional floor space for the principal use is thereby created.

2. The height of an existing residence or residential accessory structure may be increased up to 10% in height, when it is in the Valley Floor, the site is developed as a detached single-family use, the roof has a minimum slope of 25% (3:12), and the slope increases in height from all property lines.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).

Full Breakdown

Simi Valley Municipal Code section 9-30.060 describes the required methods for measuring the height of structures in compliance with the height limits established by the Development Code, and the exceptions to those height limits. Height limits are set per zoning district, and only the features identified as exceptions may extend above the district's maximum building height.

Violations & Fines

Building above the district height limit, other than through an identified exception measured under SVMC 9-30.060, is a zoning violation enforced by the Planning Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is building height measured in Simi Valley?
By the methods in SVMC 9-30.060, against the height limit established for the structure's zoning district.
Can a structure exceed the height limit?
Only through the exceptions identified in the development code; the base limit is set per district.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Simi Valley

All Simi Valley rules

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