Permit Requirements: Camarillo vs Simi Valley
How do permit requirements rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Camarillo and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Camarillo generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet under CMC Title 16, consistent with California Building Code exemptions. Retaining walls over 4 feet, fences over 6 feet, electric fences, and fences in setbacks or easements may require permits.
View full Camarillo rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley requires a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division before installing, altering, or replacing a property line wall or fence. A Building Permit is generally not required for standard residential fences at or under 6 feet, but is required for garden walls over 6 feet, retaining walls, and any fence over 24 inches in a Traffic Safety Sight Area.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Exempt | Fences 6 feet or less | - |
| Permit Required | Over 6 feet, retaining walls >4 ft | - |
| Electric Fences/Gates | Permit required | - |
| HOA Approval | Required separately from permits | - |
| Community Dev | (805) 388-5360 | - |
| Zoning Clearance required | - | Yes - all new/altered/replacement property line walls and fences |
| Building Permit for fences at or under 6 ft | - | Generally not required |
| Building Permit for garden wall over 6 ft | - | Required |
| Building Permit for retaining walls | - | Required |
| Building Permit for TSSA fence over 24 in | - | Required |
| Planning contact | - | (805) 583-6769 enviroservices@simivalley.org |
| Building & Safety contact | - | (805) 583-6723 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in Camarillo?
Standard fences up to 6 feet do not require a building permit under the California Building Code as adopted by CMC Title 16. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and electric fences/gates require permits. Zoning compliance is still required.
Do I need HOA approval for a fence?
Yes. Nearly all Camarillo HOAs require architectural review approval before any fence installation or modification. Submit plans to your HOA architectural committee before construction. HOA approval does not substitute for any required city permits.
What about retaining walls?
Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top) require a building permit and may need engineering. Combined retaining wall and fence heights are measured from the lower grade. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360.
Simi Valley FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my backyard fence in Simi Valley?
You need a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division (free check that confirms location, type, and height comply with SVMC 9-30.050). A Building Permit is generally not required for a wood, vinyl, or masonry fence at or under six feet. Submit a plot plan to the Planning Division to start.
When do I need a Building Permit for a wall in Simi Valley?
A Building Permit (in addition to the Zoning Clearance) is required for: any garden wall over six feet in height, any retaining wall, and any fence, wall, or hedge over 24 inches within the Traffic Safety Sight Area or public right-of-way. Contact the Building Permit Counter at (805) 583-6723.
What happens if I build a fence without a Zoning Clearance?
Code Enforcement can issue a Notice of Violation under SVMC Title 8 and Chapter 9-30 and require you to submit a plot plan for after-the-fact review. If the fence does not meet height, material, or TSSA rules, you may be ordered to lower, modify, or remove it.
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