Height Limits: Simi Valley vs Ventura
How do height limits rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Ventura, CA?
Simi Valley and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 9-30.050 limits residential fences to roughly 42 inches in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Walls/fences up to 8 feet are allowed along arterial streets or where a property abuts a commercial/industrial zone.
View full Simi Valley rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) Title 24 (Zoning) limits fences enclosing the front yard to 3 feet 6 inches measured from the adjacent sidewalk under the form-based frontage standards (SBMC §24.595.270 Porch and fence; §24.305.030(C)(5) Frontage type standards). Walls or fences along street frontages used as parking-lot screening are capped at 3 feet, while interior side/rear screening between non-residential parking and a residential zone may rise to 6 feet (SBMC §24.305.040 General site design standards; §24.415.100 Landscaping and Screening, Coastal Zoning Code).
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Front yard limit | ~42 inches | - |
| Side/rear yard limit | 6 feet (highest adjacent grade) | - |
| Traffic Safety Sight Area limit | 24 inches without permit | - |
| Arterial street / next to commercial-industrial | Up to 8 feet | - |
| Code section | SVMC 9-30.050 | - |
| Contact | Planning Division (805) 583-6769 | - |
| Front yard fence max | - | 3 ft 6 in (SBMC §24.595.270) |
| Side/rear yard fence max | - | 6 ft typical (outside street setback) |
| Building permit threshold | - | Over 7 ft (CRC R105.2) |
| Spite-fence cap (state) | - | 10 ft (Cal. Civ. Code §841.4) |
| Code portal | - | sanbuenaventura.municipal.codes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley FAQ
How tall can my back yard fence be in Simi Valley?
Side and rear yard property line fences may be up to six feet in height as measured from the highest adjacent grade under SVMC Section 9-30.050. A Building Permit is generally not required for a standard residential fence at or under six feet.
Can I put a 6-foot fence in my front yard?
No. SVMC 9-30.050 limits front yard fences to about 42 inches so they do not block visibility. In a Traffic Safety Sight Area, the limit drops to 24 inches measured from the top of the nearest street curb unless you obtain a permit.
When am I allowed an 8-foot fence?
If your property line is along a major arterial street, or if your yard is adjacent to a commercial or industrial zone, SVMC 9-30.050 allows a property line wall or fence up to eight feet. Garden walls over six feet may also require a Building Permit.
Ventura FAQ
How tall can my front yard fence be in Ventura?
Per SBMC §24.595.270 (Porch and fence), a fence enclosing the front yard generally cannot exceed 3 feet 6 inches measured from the adjacent sidewalk. Certain frontage types under §24.305.030(C)(5) cap it at 3 feet. Confirm your zone with the City Planning Division before building.
Do I need a building permit to install a 6-foot wood fence?
No state-level building permit is required for fences 7 feet or less under California Residential Code R105.2, but Ventura zoning still applies and your fence cannot exceed the front-yard 3.5-foot limit. Block walls and any fence over 7 feet require a permit through the City Building & Safety Division.
Can my neighbor build a 12-foot fence to block my view?
Cal. Civil Code §841.4 declares any fence over 10 feet 'maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying' a neighbor a private nuisance. You can sue in civil court for abatement and damages.
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