Significant portions of Simi Valley are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones by CAL FIRE. Properties in these zones face enhanced building standards, defensible space requirements, and vegetation management obligations.
CAL FIRE designates large areas of Simi Valley as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), particularly hillside areas bordering open space. The 2019 Easy Fire demonstrated this risk, burning over 1,800 acres and damaging or destroying structures. Properties in VHFHSZ must use fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and ignition-resistant exterior materials per California Building Code Chapter 7A. New construction requires fire sprinklers, enhanced access roads, and hydrant spacing per VCFPD standards. Existing homes must maintain 100 feet of defensible space and may be required to retrofit with Class A roofing upon sale or re-roofing. The city's General Plan Safety Element incorporates wildfire risk mapping and evacuation route planning.
Non-compliance with VHFHSZ building standards is a building code violation that can halt construction. Failure to maintain defensible space after notice results in abatement by the fire district at the owner's expense. Insurance companies may cancel coverage for non-compliant properties. Penalties range from $100 to $1,000 per day of non-compliance.
Simi Valley, CA
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Simi Valley, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle wildfire zones.
See how Simi Valley's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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