Simi Valley, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
First, ensure your proposed fence or wall meets the City standards for location, type, and height by reviewing the Residential Fences and Walls Exhibit and SVMC Section 9-30.050 "Height and Location Requirements for Fences, Walls, and Hedges." Next, prepare a plot plan (refer to Sample Plot Plan and Minimum Setbacks) showing the location, type, and height of the proposed wall or fence, and submit it to the Planning Division. If all requirements and standards are met, a Zoning Clearance is issued. For most residential fences and walls, a Building Permit is not required. However, if you are planning to build a wall or fence over six feet in height or a retaining wall, a Building Permit may be required, in addition to a Zoning Clearance.
Full Breakdown
Per City of Simi Valley Planning Division guidance citing SVMC Chapter 9-30, the permit process for residential fences and walls works as follows. 050. Next, the applicant prepares a plot plan showing the location, type, and height of the proposed wall or fence, and submits it to the Planning Division. If all requirements and standards are met, a Zoning Clearance is issued. For most residential fences and walls at or under six feet, a Building Permit is not required. However, a Building Permit (in addition to the Zoning Clearance) is required for: a garden wall over six feet in height, any retaining wall, and any fence, wall, or hedge over 24 inches in height within the Traffic Safety Sight Area or the public right-of-way. org; the Building Permit Counter is at (805) 583-6723. Building Permit applications are subject to SVMC Title 8 (Building Code), including Chapter 5 (Permits).
Violations & Fines
Constructing a fence or wall without the required Zoning Clearance, or building a wall over six feet (or a retaining wall) without a Building Permit, violates SVMC Title 8 and Chapter 9-30. The Building & Safety Division's complaint process can issue Notices of Violation, require submittal of after-the-fact permits, and order removal of non-conforming work. Continued violations are subject to administrative citation. The City directs questions about building & safety violations to (805) 583-6723.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my backyard fence in Simi Valley?
When do I need a Building Permit for a wall in Simi Valley?
What happens if I build a fence without a Zoning Clearance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle fence permit requirements.