Landscaping Rules in Simi Valley, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Simi Valley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Permit required to remove or heavily prune protected trees
Some RestrictionsSimi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 9-38 (Tree Preservation, Cutting, and Removal); Section 9-38.090 (Exceptions)
A 'Mature Tree' is any living native oak tree that has a diameter of 5 inches or more, or a tree of any other species that has a diameter of 9 1/2 or more inches as measured 4 1/2 feet above the root crown. Protected trees include all historic trees, all mature native oak trees, or any mature trees which are associated with a proposal of urban development, are located on a vacant parcel, or are...
Weed Ordinances
Simi Valley runs an annual Weed Abatement Program through the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement that requires property owners to remove weeds, grasses, shrubs, and dead trees from lots, parcels, and alleys that pose a fire hazard, with 30 days to comply after notice. If the owner does not comply, the City hires a contractor to clear the property and bills the owner at a premium rate, with unpaid charges placed as a lien.
Annual Weed Abatement Program enforced citywide
Some RestrictionsCity of Simi Valley Code Enforcement / Fire Marshal - Weed Abatement Program
Property owners will be required to remove all weeds, grasses, shrubs or dead trees upon lots, parcels or alley ways of land in the City of Simi Valley that pose a fire hazard. Every spring, the Fire Marshal identifies properties where overgrown weeds present a potential fire hazard, notifies property owners, and oversees the removal of such hazards by either the property owners or a public con...
Water Restrictions
Simi Valley's Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 imposes year-round permanent water conservation standards under Ordinance WWD-08 (2009), including watering only before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., a 15-minute-per-zone irrigation cap, and prohibitions on washing hardscapes and non-recirculating fountains. The Board of Directors can declare Stage I through Stage IV water supply shortage conditions that layer additional restrictions on top of the permanent rules.
Permanent water rules + Waterworks District No. 8 stages
Light RestrictionsCity of Simi Valley / VCWWD No. 8 Permanent Water Conservation Measures (Ord. No. WWD-08, 2009)
Water before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. Irrigate no more than 15 minutes per day, per irrigation station/zone (does not apply to low-flow drip irrigation or sprinklers meeting 70% efficiency standard). Eliminate any excessive irrigation flow and/or runoff. Cease washing exterior hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways. Use only recirculated water in decorative fountains or water feature...
Artificial Turf
Single-family front yards can be covered up to 100 percent in artificial turf with a Zoning Clearance, provided the turf meets the material standards in the Development Code glossary. Multi-family, commercial and industrial properties are capped at 50 percent of the landscape area.
Simi Valley Artificial Turf Rules for Yards
Some RestrictionsSimi Valley Municipal Code Sec. 9-33.030(C) and (E) (Landscape Requirements)
With a Zoning Clearance, up to 100 percent of the landscaped area may be covered by artificial turf that meets the definition and standards in Article 8 (Glossary) Artificial turf that does not meet the standards contained in Article 8 (Glossary) is prohibited...E.Use of Artificial Turf. For multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties, the use of artificial turf in up to 50 percent of t...
Composting
Simi Valley supports residential composting consistent with California SB 1383 organic waste diversion requirements. Backyard composting is allowed on residential properties with proper containment and maintenance to prevent nuisance conditions.
Simi Valley Composting and Organic Waste Rules
Some RestrictionsCalRecycle SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy
California's Organic Waste Reduction SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California's hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires. Feed People and Fight Climate Change Fight Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste To reduce methane pollution and othe...
Looking for Ventura County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Simi Valley city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Ventura County →