Simi Valley, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (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.
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?
Can a structure exceed the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle structure height limits.