Pop. 125,500 · Ventura County
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 allows chickens on residential properties subject to zoning restrictions on the number of birds and setback requirements from neighboring structures. Roosters are generally prohibited in standard residential zones due to noise concerns.
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.
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 impose breed-specific legislation banning or restricting any particular dog breed. California state law (Food and Agricultural Code 31683) prohibits local breed-specific bans, though dangerous dog declarations apply to individual animals regardless of breed.
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.
Animal hoarding in unincorporated Ventura County is addressed through the animal keeping standards in §8107-2 and nuisance abatement under Division 13. Exceeding the allowed number of animal units for a lot size constitutes a zoning violation.
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 allows a range of fence materials including wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link, and masonry in residential zones. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential areas, and some HOAs impose additional material restrictions.
Simi Valley's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yard setback areas. Taller fences may be approved through a variance or modification process.
Most residential fences under 6 feet in Simi Valley do not require a building permit. Permits are required for fences over 6 feet, masonry or concrete walls, and fences with electrical components such as automated gates.
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.
Simi Valley requires property owners to remove weeds and maintain lots free of overgrown vegetation that creates fire hazards or unsightly conditions. The annual weed abatement program targets vacant and undeveloped parcels.
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 requires residential property owners to maintain their landscaping in a neat and orderly condition. Overgrown grass, weeds, and unmaintained vegetation are considered property maintenance violations subject to Code Enforcement action.
Simi Valley requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not encroach on public sidewalks, streets, or neighboring properties. The city has a tree preservation ordinance protecting certain native and significant trees from unauthorized removal.
Simi Valley enforces water conservation regulations for landscape irrigation consistent with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The city periodically implements mandatory watering restrictions during drought conditions.
Artificial turf installation in unincorporated Ventura County is generally permitted and encouraged as a water conservation measure. The county does not prohibit synthetic lawns, consistent with California's AB 2104 which prevents HOAs from banning artificial turf.
Ventura County encourages native plant landscaping in unincorporated areas through its water-efficient landscape ordinance, consistent with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New development and major renovations must use water-efficient plants.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in unincorporated Ventura County under California Water Code Section 10574. No permit is required for residential rain barrels, and the county's watershed protection programs support stormwater capture.
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 allows garage conversions to ADUs under California's streamlined ADU law. Converted garages are exempt from replacement parking requirements, but must meet building code standards for habitable space including insulation, ventilation, and egress.
Simi Valley permits accessory dwelling units consistent with California ADU laws (Government Code 65852.2). ADUs up to 1,200 square feet are allowed on single-family lots with streamlined permitting and reduced fees.
Simi Valley exempts small sheds and accessory structures under 120 square feet from building permit requirements. Larger structures require permits and must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage standards in the Development Code.
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.
Simi Valley requires building permits for the construction of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Plans must include barrier fencing, drainage, electrical bonding, and equipment pad details consistent with California Building Code requirements.
All residential swimming pools and spas in Simi Valley must be enclosed by barriers meeting California Building Code standards. Self-closing, self-latching gates with specific height requirements are mandatory to prevent unsupervised child access.
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.
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.
Simi Valley generally allows overnight parking on public streets unless restricted by posted signage. Certain neighborhoods and areas near commercial districts may have overnight parking restrictions to manage congestion.
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 regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential properties. Vehicles must be stored in approved locations and may not be used as living quarters or obstruct public rights-of-way.
Simi Valley enforces a 72-hour street parking limit for all vehicles on public streets. Additional restrictions apply to specific streets, school zones, and areas with posted signage limiting parking duration or hours.
Simi Valley restricts the parking and storage of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and vehicles with commercial advertising are subject to specific limitations.
Ventura County follows California's CALGreen Code requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new construction. AB 970 and updated Title 24 standards require EV-ready parking spaces in new residential and commercial developments in unincorporated areas.
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.
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.
Smoke detectors are required in all residential dwellings in unincorporated Ventura County per California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and the California Residential Code. Detectors must be installed in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.
California uniformly applies the State Fire Marshal's propane storage standards through the California Fire Code, which all local jurisdictions must enforce as a minimum.
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.
Simi Valley does not set STR occupancy limits because short-term rentals are not an allowable land use under Simi Valley Municipal Code section 9-22.030.A.1. A 2024-2026 city effort to license STRs (proposing a two-adults-per-bedroom cap) was rejected by the Planning Commission on March 4, 2026, which recommended a continued citywide ban.
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.
Simi Valley regulates short-term rentals through its zoning code, requiring operators to obtain permits and comply with specific operational standards. The city has established a registration and permit process for properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
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.
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.
Light trespass in unincorporated Ventura County is regulated under the Dark Sky (DKS) overlay zone and general nuisance provisions. In DKS areas, all outdoor lighting must be fully shielded to prevent light from crossing property lines.
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.
California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) protects homeowners in Ventura County from HOA restrictions that effectively prohibit solar panel installation. HOAs cannot increase costs by more than $1,000 or decrease system efficiency by more than 10%.
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.
Ventura County requires replacement plantings when protected oak trees are removed in unincorporated areas. Replacement ratios range from 3:1 to 10:1 depending on tree size and significance, with monitoring requirements of 5-7 years.
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.
Holiday decorations on private property in unincorporated Ventura County are generally unrestricted under First Amendment protections. Dark Sky overlay zone requirements apply to lighting. HOAs may impose additional 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.
Garage sales in unincorporated Ventura County must keep items on private property and not encroach into the right-of-way. Open storage after the sale must comply with §8107-1.6 limits. Frequent sales may constitute commercial activity requiring a business license.
Vacant lots in unincorporated Ventura County must be maintained to prevent fire hazards, nuisance conditions, and blight. Property owners are required to clear weeds, secure the property, and prevent illegal dumping under the county's property maintenance and fire prevention codes.
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.
Construction projects in unincorporated Ventura County must implement erosion control BMPs. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more require a SWPPP under the state Construction General Permit. Heightened requirements apply during the rainy season.
Unincorporated Ventura County areas within the California Coastal Zone require Coastal Development Permits under the California Coastal Act. The county administers a Local Coastal Program covering coastal communities including portions of the Rincon, Pierpont, and Solimar areas.
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.
Bulky item disposal in unincorporated Ventura County varies by waste hauler. Most offer scheduled pickup for large items. Illegal dumping on streets, vacant lots, or public property is a misdemeanor under CA Penal Code 374.3.
Ventura County implements mandatory recycling and organic waste diversion in unincorporated areas under California SB 1383 and AB 341. All residents and businesses must separate organic waste from trash, and commercial generators must participate in recycling programs.
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.
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.
Unincorporated Ventura County does not have a mandatory rental registration program for standard housing. Mobile home parks are subject to the rent control program under Division 8, Chapter 10. Landlords must comply with California state landlord-tenant law.
Ventura County's Mobile Home Park Rent Control Ordinance (Division 8, Chapter 10) protects mobile home owners in unincorporated areas from unreasonable rent increases. Annual increases are tied to the Social Security COLA, ranging from 2% to 8%.
Ventura County Ordinance Code §6249 addresses juvenile loitering in unincorporated areas. Parents may be cited for allowing minors to loiter. Violations are infractions under §6249-3.
Ventura County Parks in unincorporated areas are governed by Division 6, Chapter 3 of the county code. Parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset with specific rules for sound amplification, animals, and permitted activities.
Food trucks in unincorporated Ventura County need a county business license, a Mobile Food Facility permit from the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, and a California seller's permit. Health permits require an approved commissary.
Food truck vending in unincorporated Ventura County is subject to zoning regulations and right-of-way rules. The California Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946) limits local restrictions on sidewalk food vending. Private property vending requires owner permission.
Unincorporated Ventura County has no specific limit on garage sale frequency. Sales must be occasional and incidental to residential use. Regular or frequent sales may constitute commercial activity requiring a county business license.
Occasional garage sales in unincorporated Ventura County do not require a specific permit. Sales are treated as a temporary accessory use of residential property and must comply with open storage limits in §8107-1.6 and sign regulations.
No specific garage sale hours ordinance exists for unincorporated Ventura County. Sales creating noise before 7 AM or after 9 PM may violate the nighttime noise ordinance (§6299-1). Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours.
Setback requirements in unincorporated Ventura County are defined by zoning district under §8106-1.1 and §8106-3 through §8106-6. Setbacks vary by zone, with residential zones typically requiring 20-25 foot front, 5-10 foot side, and 15-25 foot rear setbacks.
Building height limits in unincorporated Ventura County are set by zoning district under §8106-1. Height is measured per §8106-1.3. Accessory structures are limited to heights specified in §8106-7.4. Exceptions exist for roof structures, antennas, and wireless facilities.
Maximum lot coverage in unincorporated Ventura County varies by zone and area plan under §8106-1.4. Area plans for communities like El Rio, Lake Sherwood, Oak Park, Ojai Valley, Piru, and Thousand Oaks establish specific coverage limits and exceptions.
Commercial drone operations in unincorporated Ventura County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operations near Camarillo, Oxnard, and Santa Paula airports require LAANC authorization. A county business license may be required.
No Ventura County-specific drone ordinance exists for unincorporated areas. Recreational drones follow FAA rules: fly below 400 feet, maintain line of sight, yield to manned aircraft. Many areas near airports (Camarillo, Oxnard) require LAANC authorization. Flying over wildfires is a state crime.
Residents in unincorporated Ventura County can post 'No Soliciting' signs. Solicitors ignoring posted signs and refusing to leave may be cited for trespass under CA Penal Code 602. Religious and political canvassers are exempt under the First Amendment.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in unincorporated Ventura County may need a county business license. California's Home Solicitation Sales Act (Civil Code 1689.5) gives homeowners a 3-day right to cancel purchases of $25+ made at their door.
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that polystyrene foodware achieve 25 percent recycling by 2025 or face statewide sales prohibition.
California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
California prohibits sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide under Business and Professions Code 22958, enacted by SBX2-7 in 2016. The Tobacco 21 standard applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions.
California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.