Material Restrictions: Simi Valley vs Ventura
How do material restrictions rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Ventura, CA?
Simi Valley and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley does not allow chain-link residential fences pursuant to SVMC Section 9-30.030.A.6.e. Other materials (wood, vinyl, masonry block, wrought iron, stucco) are reviewed by the Planning Division for compatibility with neighborhood character and are subject to the height and location rules in SVMC 9-30.050.
View full Simi Valley rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura prohibits barbed wire and razor wire fencing in residential zones. Electric fences are generally not permitted in residential areas. Chain link, wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and masonry are standard approved materials. The downtown historic district may have additional material restrictions.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Chain-link in residential | Prohibited (SVMC 9-30.030.A.6.e) | - |
| Typical accepted materials | Masonry block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vinyl | - |
| Plan review | Zoning Clearance from Planning Division | - |
| Boundary cost-sharing | Cal. Civ. Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) | - |
| Required notice to neighbor | 30 days written notice before incurring costs | - |
| Prohibited | - | Barbed wire, razor wire in residential zones |
| Electric Fences | - | Generally prohibited in residential areas |
| Approved Materials | - | Wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, masonry |
| Historic District | - | Additional architectural review may apply |
| Screen Fencing | - | Wood or masonry at commercial-residential boundary |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley FAQ
Is chain-link fencing allowed in a Simi Valley residential yard?
No. The City's Planning Division states that chain-link fences are not allowed pursuant to SVMC Section 9-30.030.A.6.e. Property line fencing must use an approved material such as masonry block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, or vinyl.
Does my neighbor have to split the cost of a shared fence in Simi Valley?
California Civil Code Section 841 presumes adjoining landowners share equally in reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of a boundary fence. You must give 30 days' prior written notice including the problem, proposed solution, estimated cost, and timeline before the neighbor is obligated.
Ventura FAQ
Can I use barbed wire on my fence in Ventura?
No. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones in Ventura.
What fence materials are allowed in Ventura?
Standard approved materials include wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, block/masonry, and composite materials. The finished side must face outward.
Are there extra rules for fences in the historic district?
Yes. Properties in the Downtown Ventura Historic District may face additional architectural review requirements for fence materials, design, and compatibility with the district character.
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