Moving to Simi Valley, CA?

Simi Valley prohibits amplified music and sound equipment that creates noise audible beyond property boundaries during nighttime quiet hours. Daytime amplified sound must stay within residential decibel limits measured at the property line.

Simi Valley regulates the use of leaf blowers and similar powered garden equipment through noise ordinance provisions. Gas-powered leaf blowers are subject to operational hour restrictions and maximum decibel levels consistent with state law.

Aircraft noise is federally preempted (FAA). No local noise ordinance applies to aircraft in flight. Camarillo Airport (CMA) is the nearest general aviation facility.

Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 22 establishes noise standards that prohibit excessive noise during nighttime hours in residential zones. The city enforces both qualitative nuisance standards and quantitative decibel limits measured at property boundaries.

Simi Valley treats persistent or habitual barking dogs as a public nuisance under the municipal code. Dog owners are responsible for preventing their animals from creating noise disturbances that affect neighboring properties.

Simi Valley restricts construction activity to specific daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays. Construction is generally prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays in residential areas to protect neighborhood quiet enjoyment.

Simi Valley does not impose STR liability insurance minimums because short-term rentals are not an allowable land use under SVMC 9-22.030.A.1. A 2024-2026 draft ordinance would have required liability insurance, but the Planning Commission voted 4-0 on March 4, 2026 to recommend keeping the prohibition.

The Simi Valley short-term rental ordinance approved on first reading May 11, 2026 caps overnight occupancy at two adults per bedroom (children are not counted), bans all events and parties, and requires neighbor notification for unhosted units. Until the ordinance becomes effective on January 1, 2027, there is no city-specific guest cap, and the California Building Code (Title 24 CCR) occupant-load default applies.

As of early 2026, Simi Valley has NO STR ordinance. Short-term rentals are currently unregulated but the Planning Commission voted 4-0 in March 2026 to recommend a citywide ban, pending City Council action.

On May 11, 2026 the Simi Valley City Council voted 5-0 to give initial approval to a new short-term rental ordinance that requires every operator to obtain an annual city permit, complete an annual inspection, and pay roughly $741 per year in fees, with a final second reading scheduled June 8, 2026 and an effective date of January 1, 2027. Until that ordinance takes effect, the Simi Valley Municipal Code does not define or separately license short-term rentals; only an existing Transient Occupancy Tax registration (SVMC Chapter 3-5, Article 3) applies.

Short-term rental properties in Simi Valley must comply with enhanced noise and nuisance standards. Guests and operators are responsible for ensuring rental activity does not disturb neighboring residents, with strict quiet hours and occupancy-related noise limits.

Short-term rental operators in Simi Valley must collect and remit transient occupancy tax on all stays of fewer than 30 days. The TOT rate is consistent with hotel and lodging taxes applied throughout the city.

Short-term rental properties in Simi Valley must provide adequate off-street parking for guests. The city prohibits STR guest vehicles from blocking driveways, sidewalks, or creating neighborhood parking shortages.

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.

Simi Valley requires property owners to maintain defensible space and clear brush within prescribed distances from structures. The Ventura County Fire Protection District enforces vegetation management standards critical to the city's wildfire-prone landscape.

Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited in Simi Valley. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District and Ventura County Fire Protection District enforce strict no-burn policies with limited agricultural exceptions.

Simi Valley allows recreational fire pits and outdoor fireplaces on residential properties subject to Ventura County Fire Protection District regulations. Fire pits must maintain specific clearances from structures and combustible materials.

All fireworks, including those labeled 'safe and sane,' are completely banned in Simi Valley. The city enforces a total prohibition due to extreme wildfire risk in the surrounding hillside and canyon areas.

Simi Valley requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces and prohibits blocking sidewalks, driveways, and fire hydrants. Driveway modifications require permits from the Public Works Department.

Simi Valley enforces abandoned vehicle regulations on both public streets and private property. Vehicles that appear inoperable, unregistered, or have been stationary for extended periods may be declared abandoned and removed.

Simi Valley does not impose a blanket overnight on-street parking ban for ordinary cars, but vehicles must be moved within 72 hours (CVC 22651(k)) and RVs or oversized vehicles cannot remain on the street more than 48 hours (SVMC 4-9.402).

Vehicles parked on Simi Valley city streets must be moved every 72 hours or the Police Department may cite or tow them under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) as authorized by local ordinance.

Simi Valley restricts parking of RVs, boats, and other oversized vehicles or detached trailers on every city street under SVMC Section 4-9.402, with a 48-hour visitor/loading allowance at a registered Simi Valley address.

Under SVMC 4-9.402, commercial and oversized vehicles longer than 23 feet, wider than 7 feet, or taller than 8 feet may not park on any Simi Valley city street, and commercial vehicles of 10,000+ lb GVW associated with a home occupation may not be parked overnight in residential areas.

Simi Valley enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements mandating fences or walls at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around all residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Simi Valley requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height and engineering for walls supporting surcharges. Retaining walls are common in the city's hillside areas and must meet structural and drainage standards.

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.

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.

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.

California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) applies in Simi Valley, requiring adjacent property owners to share equally in the cost of maintaining boundary fences. The city does not mediate private fence disputes but enforces code compliance.

To keep chickens or other farm animals in Simi Valley, the parcel must be inside the City's Animal (A) Overlay Zone (or the more restrictive Limited (L) Overlay Zone), or must be at least 20,000 square feet with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060. Roosters are separately capped at four (4) per parcel under the adopted Ventura County Code § 4494-3, with a 40-foot setback from neighboring residences.

Simi Valley discourages and may prohibit the intentional feeding of wildlife including coyotes, deer, and bears. The city's proximity to open space and hillside areas creates frequent human-wildlife interactions requiring management.

Under Simi Valley Development Code § 9-44.060 (Animal Keeping), a maximum of four (4) domestic dogs, cats, and/or Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (in any combination) may be kept on a single residential lot in the OS, RE, RVL, RL, RM, RMod, RH, RVH and MH zones. Keeping five or more dogs or cats for commercial purposes constitutes a 'kennel' under the adopted Ventura County Code and requires a county-issued kennel license.

Exotic and wild animal ownership in Simi Valley is regulated by both state law and the municipal code. California Fish and Game Code restricts many species, and Simi Valley may impose additional restrictions on keeping non-domestic animals in residential areas.

Simi Valley requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in any public area. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks within the city's park system.

Simi Valley does not have a breed-specific ban. California Food & Agricultural Code § 31683 prohibits any local dog-control program from being specific as to breed (except for spay/neuter and breeding requirements under HSC § 122331). The City instead uses the adopted Ventura County 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' dog framework (VCC §§ 4470-3 through 4470-17) based on a dog's actual behavior.

Simi Valley permits beekeeping on residential properties subject to setback requirements and hive quantity limits. Beekeepers must maintain hives to prevent nuisance conditions and ensure adequate water sources for bees on the property.

Simi Valley has a tree preservation ordinance that protects native oaks and significant trees from unauthorized removal. Permits are required to remove protected trees, and replacement planting or in-lieu fees are typically required.

Simi Valley supports residential composting consistent with California SB 1383 organic waste diversion requirements. Backyard composting is allowed on residential properties with proper containment and maintenance to prevent nuisance conditions.

Simi Valley runs an annual Weed Abatement Program through the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement that requires property owners to remove weeds, grasses, shrubs, and dead trees from lots, parcels, and alleys that pose a fire hazard, with 30 days to comply after notice. If the owner does not comply, the City hires a contractor to clear the property and bills the owner at a premium rate, with unpaid charges placed as a lien.

Simi Valley does not set a numeric maximum lawn-grass height in the Municipal Code. Instead, vegetation is regulated through the Fire Marshal's annual Weed Abatement Program, which requires property owners to remove weeds, grasses, shrubs, and dead trees that pose a fire hazard. State law (California Health & Safety Code Sections 14875-14922) backs that authority by defining unmaintained or dry vegetation as a public nuisance.

Under Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 9-38 (Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance), all mature native oak trees and all historic trees are protected citywide, and all other mature trees are protected except in single-family-home yards. Routine pruning that does not endanger the tree's life is permitted, but removing or heavily pruning a protected tree requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Environmental Services Director.

Simi Valley's Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 imposes year-round permanent water conservation standards under Ordinance WWD-08 (2009), including watering only before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., a 15-minute-per-zone irrigation cap, and prohibitions on washing hardscapes and non-recirculating fountains. The Board of Directors can declare Stage I through Stage IV water supply shortage conditions that layer additional restrictions on top of the permanent rules.

Simi Valley permits cottage food operations under California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616/AB 1271). Residents may prepare and sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchen after registration with Ventura County Environmental Health.

Simi Valley allows home-based businesses in residential zones through a home occupation permit process. Businesses must be clearly incidental to the residential use and comply with restrictions on signage, employees, traffic, and storage.

California state law permits small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) in residential zones as a matter of right. Simi Valley cannot prohibit small family daycare homes but may regulate large family daycare homes serving 9 to 14 children through a use permit process.

Simi Valley strictly limits signage for home-based businesses to maintain residential neighborhood character. Only small identification nameplates are permitted, and no advertising signs visible from the street are allowed.

Simi Valley home occupation permits restrict client and delivery traffic to prevent impacts on residential neighborhoods. All client visits must be by appointment and total daily traffic must remain consistent with normal residential activity levels.

Hot tubs and spas in Simi Valley are subject to the same barrier, permit, and safety requirements as swimming pools. Portable hot tubs with locking covers may satisfy barrier requirements but still need electrical permits for hard-wired installations.

Above-ground pools in Simi Valley must meet the same safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls at least 60 inches may use walls as part of the barrier system.

When a Simi Valley building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa, California's Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features, typically including a code-compliant enclosure isolating the pool from the house.

A new pool or spa in Simi Valley requires a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division to confirm setbacks, followed by a building permit from the Building & Safety Division; both are issued at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

Simi Valley swimming pool owners must maintain pools in a safe and sanitary condition, including proper chemical treatment, functioning equipment, and anti-entrapment drain covers. Unmaintained pools creating mosquito breeding conditions are subject to abatement.

Tiny homes on foundations in Simi Valley are regulated as ADUs or standard dwellings and must meet California Building Code requirements. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and may not be used as permanent residences on residential lots.

Simi Valley regulates carports as accessory structures under SVMC 9-30.080 (Table 3-2 setbacks; accessory structures may not cover more than 40 percent of any yard) and as covered parking under Chapter 9-34 (parking stall must be a clear 9 by 18 feet with no encroachment from posts). A building permit is required, and ADU-replacement carports must follow SVMC 9-44.160.

Simi Valley ministerially allows an attached or detached garage to be converted to an ADU under SVMC 9-44.160(E)(1) — no additional setbacks are required when keeping the existing footprint, and lost garage parking is generally waived under state law.

Simi Valley permits one ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot ministerially under SVMC 9-44.160, conforming the city to state law (Gov't Code 65852.2 and 65852.22) with 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 18-ft height, and up to 1,200 sq ft detached.

Detached freestanding sheds and similar nonresidential accessory structures must sit at least 20 ft from the front, 3 ft from side and rear lot lines per SVMC 9-30.080 Table 3-2, may cover no more than 40% of any yard, and require a building permit if the floor area exceeds 120 square feet.

Simi Valley enforces stormwater management regulations under the Ventura County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Construction projects must implement best management practices to prevent pollutants from entering storm drains.

Simi Valley requires grading permits for significant earth-moving activities and enforces drainage standards to prevent erosion, sedimentation, and impacts on neighboring properties. Hillside grading is subject to enhanced review.

Portions of Simi Valley fall within FEMA-designated flood zones, primarily along the Arroyo Simi and its tributaries. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet floodplain development standards and carry flood insurance if federally financed.

Simi Valley prohibits commercial cannabis businesses including dispensaries, cultivation facilities, manufacturing, and distribution operations within city limits. The city opted out of allowing commercial cannabis activity under Proposition 64.

California Proposition 64 allows adults 21 and older to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per household for personal use. Simi Valley requires cultivation to be indoors and out of public view consistent with state law requirements.

Simi Valley offers streamlined permitting for residential solar panel installations consistent with California Solar Permitting Guidebook requirements. Most rooftop solar systems qualify for over-the-counter permits with expedited review.

Simi Valley allows temporary garage sale signs on the property where the sale occurs. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs, and must be removed immediately after the sale ends.

Simi Valley permits political signs on private property consistent with First Amendment protections and California Elections Code. Political signs may be displayed without a permit but are subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

Simi Valley requires trash, recycling, and green waste bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days. Bins must be placed at the curb by specific times and retrieved promptly after collection.

Simi Valley enforces property maintenance standards to prevent blight and maintain neighborhood quality. Properties must be kept free of junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, and conditions that create health or safety hazards.

Simi Valley regulates outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution and glare affecting neighboring properties. The city's Development Code includes standards for shielding, intensity, and direction of exterior lighting on residential and commercial properties.

California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies to qualifying rental properties in Simi Valley, requiring landlords to have a just cause for eviction and providing relocation assistance for no-fault evictions after 12 months of tenancy.

Simi Valley specifies how and where residents must place trash, recycling, and green waste bins for curbside collection. Proper placement ensures efficient collection and prevents street obstruction and neighbor conflicts.

Simi Valley provides curbside trash, recycling, and green waste collection through a contracted waste hauler. Residents must separate materials into designated bins and follow collection day schedules and placement requirements.

Simi Valley requires permits to remove protected trees including native oaks and designated significant trees. The application process requires an arborist report and the city typically mandates replacement planting or in-lieu fees.

Simi Valley designates certain exceptional trees as heritage trees based on their size, species, historical significance, or ecological value. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection beyond standard tree preservation requirements.