Height Limits: Simi Valley vs Thousand Oaks
How do height limits rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yard setback areas. Taller fences may be approved through a variance or modification process.
View full Simi Valley rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Maximum 6 feet along side or rear lot lines, minimum 10 feet from front lot line. Front yard fences limited to 3 feet in height. Up to 9 feet allowed along rear line with Community Development Director approval for noise attenuation. TOMC Sec. 9-4.2509.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Side/Rear Yard | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Front Yard (Solid) | 3 feet maximum | - |
| Front Yard (Open) | 4 feet maximum | - |
| Measurement | From finished grade, higher side | - |
| Side/Rear | - | 6 feet max (10+ ft from front lot line) |
| Front Yard | - | 3 feet max |
| Exception | - | Up to 9 ft rear with Director approval |
| Code | - | TOMC Sec. 9-4.2509 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Simi Valley?
Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet. Front yard fences are limited to 3 feet for solid fences or 4 feet for open/see-through designs with 50% or more open area.
Can I build a fence taller than 6 feet?
Fences over 6 feet require a variance or modification approval from the Community Development Department. Contact (805) 583-6800 for the application process.
How is fence height measured?
Height is measured from the finished grade on the higher side of the fence to the top. For retaining wall and fence combinations, measurement starts from the lower grade.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Thousand Oaks?
Front yard: 42 inches (3.5 feet) in most residential zones. Side and rear yard: up to 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and likely a variance. Contact Community Development at (805) 449-2100.
Can I have a taller front yard fence?
You would need a variance from the Planning Commission, which requires a public hearing. Open-style fences (wrought iron, split rail) may have slightly different allowances. Check with Community Development.
Do fences on retaining walls have special rules?
Yes. Combined fence-and-wall height is measured from the lower grade, so a 4-foot retaining wall with a fence can only have a 2-foot fence to stay within the 6-foot total limit without a variance.
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