Local jurisdiction · Ventura County
Simi Valley Zoning, Planning & Building Codes
What you can build in Simi Valley depends on its local zoning and planning code, layered on the California Building Standards Code. Ask GoCodebook about any Simi Valley address.
Key points
Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
Overview
Simi Valley’s land-use rules are administered through the City’s Development Code, which is codified as Title 9, the Simi Valley Development Code and establishes the zoning map, permit types, development standards and administrative authorities that implement the General Plan. The Code groups rules into topical chapters (zoning districts and uses, development standards, permit procedures, overlays and special plans) so you can move from a district designation to the objective standards that apply to a parcel and then to the permit path. The Code requires compliance with both local development rules (setbacks, height, parking, landscaping) and state housing/building law; precise cross-references and ministerial permit paths for ADUs and two‑unit/ministerial projects are in the Code text. See the Code title and purpose at § 9-10.010 and § 9-10.020 for the legal basis and relationship to the General Plan.
How Simi Valley's code is organized
- The City calls its zoning ordinance the Simi Valley Development Code (Title 9). The title and purpose are recorded at § 9-10.010 and § 9-10.020. The Code ties zoning to the Official Zoning Map and general permit provisions in § 9-20.020 and § 9-20.030.
- Topical structure you will use:
- Zoning districts and map rules: § 9-20.020 / Zoning Map rules § 9-20.030.
- Allowable uses and land‑use permits: Chapter and sections for Land Use Permits, especially § 9-22.020 and § 9-22.030.
- District standards and tables (minimum lot sizes, setbacks, heights): Article/Chapter tables referenced throughout (e.g., Tables in Chapter 9-24 and related sections such as § 9-24.050).
- Development standards measurement rules (height, setbacks): § 9-30.060 (height rules) and § 9-30.080 (setback and projection rules).
- Citywide technical chapters: landscaping standards § 9-33 (Chapter 9-33), parking and loading § 9-34 (Chapter 9-34), and Hillside Performance Standards § 9-32.
- Administrative & decision authority (who signs what): Director, Planning Commission, Council and the Development Advisory Committee described at § 9-70.020–9-70.060 and Table 5‑1 (Review Authority).
Quick navigation tip: look up the parcel’s zoning on the Official Zoning Map (the map is incorporated per § 9-20.030) then read the district table and the referenced measurement/definition sections (for example § 9-30.080 for setback measurement) to know exact numeric limits.
Zoning district families
Simi Valley uses named district families; allowable uses and permit requirements are in the Code tables and the official Zoning Map.
Residential/open-space family examples shown in the Code include RVL, RL, RM, and RMod-Single; the Code places minimum lot size and setback rules in the residential district tables and refers to detailed lot/yard standards at § 9-24.050 and the setback measurement rules at § 9-30.080. Typical residential numbers shown in the tables include minimum lot areas (e.g., 20,000 sf for RVL, 10,000 sf for RL, 8,000 sf for RM, 5,000 sf for RMod-Single) and common setbacks such as a 20 ft front setback and rear setback 20 ft for many single‑family types — see the district tables and Section § 9-24.050.
Commercial / industrial / mixed-use family examples in the Code include CO, CN, CR, CC, CPD, CI, RCC, BP, LI, and GI. The Code directs the allowable uses and permit types for these districts to Table 2‑5 and related tables; RC C/BP site‑specific rules may be governed by a Specific Plan. See § 9-26.030 for the commercial/industrial allowed‑use structure and the requirement that new construction in many commercial/industrial districts also obtain a Planned Development Permit (§ 9-52.050).
Overlay & site‑specific tools: the Code lists overlay classifications (for example MU Mixed‑Use Overlay, A Farm Animal Overlay, H Horse Overlay, SB Sexually Oriented Business Overlay, SP Specific Plan, FC Freeway Combining Overlay, NVD New Vehicle Dealer Overlay). Overlay rules and purposes (for instance the MU Overlay goals and standards) are discussed in the overlay chapter and example at § 9-28.080. Conditional Zoning (CZ) parcels are identified on the Zoning Map and described at § 9-20.050.
(See the citywide overlay index in the Code and the dedicated overlay chapter for map extents and overlay standards.)
Citywide development standards (how the numbers work)
The Code separates measurement/definitions from the district tables so the same numeric standards are applied consistently.
Setbacks and projections are measured and allowed exceptions are in § 9-30.080; for example many residential setback rules in the district tables reference that measurement rule. Use the measurement section first, then the district table (Table 2‑3 / § 9-24.050) to find the numeric requirement.
Height is governed by the specific district limits and the height measurement rules in § 9-30.060; residential primary‑structure height examples in the district tables often show a maximum of 2 stories / 30 ft for primary residences and 18 ft for accessory structures (see the residential district table notes and § 9-30.060).
Lot coverage, FAR and open‑yard rules are set in the district tables and in related chapters (e.g., lot‑coverage references in Table 4‑6 and Chapter 9‑24); landscaping and screening requirements are in Chapter 9-33.
Parking standards are contained in Chapter 9-34 (Parking and Loading Standards). Check Chapter § 9-34 to determine required spaces by use and the rounding rules (fractions round up) that the Code applies. For a parcel you should review the parking chapter early in project design; see the City’s parking rules at the Simi Valley Parking page. Simi Valley Parking
Special standards: Hillside Performance Standards and findings are in § 9-32 and the Code imposes extra findings and restrictions for parcels outside the valley floor (erosion, slope, view protection). See § 9-32.050 for the findings required for hillside approvals.
For practicable project design: always consult the district table for the parcel (lot size, frontage, setbacks), then the measurement sections (§ 9-30.060, § 9-30.080), then citywide chapters for parking (§ 9-34) and landscaping (§ 9-33).
Specific plans & overlays
Specific Plans: where a Specific Plan is adopted, the Specific Plan governs allowable uses and standards instead of the citywide table: the Code explicitly says allowable uses and standards in the RCC and BP districts or any SP are determined by the applicable Specific Plan (see § 9-26.030(B‑C) and the note in the district table referencing Specific Plans). When conflicts arise, the Specific Plan or Development Agreement controls.
Overlays: the overlay chapter contains the list and the overlay‑specific standards (examples: MU Overlay goals and standards at § 9-28.080; other overlays are listed at § 9-28 series). The MU Overlay prescribes design standards, encourages vertical and horizontal mixed uses, and ties to the Citywide and residential design guidelines for project review. Simi Valley Overlay Districts
Conditional Zoning (CZ): site‑specific conditions tied to an APN appear on the Zoning Map and are described in § 9-20.050.
Building permits & review (the practical path)
Permits require zoning compliance: building and grading permits are issued only when the proposed use/structure satisfies the Development Code and when engineering/subdivision requirements are satisfied — see § 9-10.040(B–C). The Building Director will withhold final approval until public improvements or security are addressed.
Basic permit sequence:
- Confirm zoning on the Official Zoning Map (§ 9-20.030) and review district tables for allowable uses and required permits (§ 9-22.030).
- Determine whether the project is ministerial (Zoning Clearance, building permit, ADU ministerial path) or discretionary (CUP, Planned Development Permit, Variance). General permit rules are in § 9-22.020 and allowed‑use tables in Chapter 9-26 and surrounding tables.
- Administrative review: certain minor adjustments are handled by an Administrative Action (§ 9-52.030); all new construction in many commercial/industrial districts also requires a Planned Development Permit (§ 9-52.050).
- Director / Commission / Council roles: the City’s Review Authority and staff responsibilities are laid out in § 9-70.020–9-70.060 and Table 5‑1. Appeals follow Chapter 9‑76.
Zoning Clearances and zoning sign‑offs: applications for Zoning Clearances are ministerial and the Director signs off after finding compliance with Code standards and conditions; exemptions and examples (what doesn’t need a zoning clearance) are listed in the Zoning Clearance subsection (see the zoning clearance rules as presented in the Code).
Time limits & permit exercise: permit time limits and extension rules are in Chapter § 9-71; permits must be exercised within the Code’s timelines or returned for extension.
Design review: many overlays and project types are subject to design standards and the Citywide/Residential Design Guidelines; the MU Overlay explicitly references application of Citywide Design Guidelines in § 9-28.080. For the local design review process and when projects go to Planning Commission versus Director, consult the Review Authority tables in the Code. Simi Valley Design Review
State housing law in Simi Valley
Simi Valley’s Development Code contains explicit, locally tailored provisions that implement state housing law (ADUs, ministerial approvals for certain multi‑unit types, limitations on discretionary relief for objective‑standard projects).
ADUs and JADUs: the City’s ADU rules are codified in the Development Code (example provisions and development standards for ADUs are in § 9-44.160 and its Tables 4‑6/4‑7). The Code provides specific size limits, separation, and conversion rules (allowed detached ADU sizes up to 1,000 sf on parcels up to 8,000 sf and 1,200 sf on larger parcels for many circumstances), conversion allowances for existing accessory structures, and required separations. See § 9-44.160 for the full ADU framework and Table 4‑6 for numeric development standards. Simi Valley ADUs
Two‑unit / SB 9‑style ministerial approvals: the Code contains a Two‑Unit Residential Development path that must be processed ministerially with objective standards and that limits requests for waivers/variances on objective standards for such projects; the Code requires compliance with the objective standards and provides denial standards that follow state law (ministerial approval/disapproval only where specific adverse impacts cannot be mitigated). See the Two‑Unit Residential Development provisions in § 9-44.160 (and associated Two‑Unit tables).
Interaction with state law and ministerial rules: the Development Code explicitly states it operates under state planning and housing authorities and references compliance with state law when applicable (see § 9-10.030 and ADU/unit sections). The Code also restricts the use of discretionary variances to avoid undermining state‑required objective‑standards approvals for certain projects.
Parking & ADUs: the Code’s ADU provisions reference state ADU rules and local parking exceptions and specify when parking cannot be required consistent with state ADU law; see § 9-44.160 and Chapter § 9-34 for cross‑references. California ADU law
Practical note: because state ADU and ministerial housing laws change frequently, confirm ADU height/size and parking rules against both the local ADU section § 9-44.160 and current state law (see the California Building Standards Code and state housing law pages). California Building Standards Code California housing laws
Information Gaps / Where to confirm
- The Development Code materials provided here are the City’s ordinance excerpts and tables. For project‑level application you should always consult:
- The current Official Zoning Map on file with the Department (referenced in § 9-20.030) to confirm the parcel’s exact zoning lines.
- The full staff checklist, current design guidelines and the City’s Building Division for up‑to‑date submittal requirements and any recent ordinance amendments. The Code provides staff authority and interpretation procedures at § 9-70.060 and provides for official written interpretations by the Director at the interpretation rules.
Source References
- Simi Valley Development Code (Title 9) — Title/Purpose/Applicability: § 9-10.010, § 9-10.020, § 9-10.030, § 9-10.040.
- Zoning map and district establishment: § 9-20.020, § 9-20.030, Conditional Zoning § 9-20.050.
- District tables and residential/open‑space standards (Table 2‑3 / minimum lot sizes, setbacks): § 9-24.050 (Table excerpts).
- Height and setback measurement: § 9-30.060 and § 9-30.080.
- Commercial/industrial allowed uses and Planned Development Permit requirement: § 9-26.030, § 9-52.050.
- Overlays and MU Overlay: § 9-28.080 and overlay listing in Chapter 9‑28.
- Administrative responsibilities, Review Authority and staff roles: § 9-70.020–9-70.060 and Table 5‑1.
- Zoning Clearance guidance and exemptions: Zoning Clearance subsection (zoning clearance rules referenced in the Code).
- Parking & Loading Standards: Chapter § 9-34 (referenced in district tables).
- Hillside Performance Standards and findings: Chapter § 9-32, including § 9-32.050 for findings.
- ADU rules and tables: § 9-44.160 and accompanying ADU Tables (4‑6 / 4‑7).
Where to read the Simi Valley code
The Simi Valley municipal and zoning code is published on Municode — view the official Simi Valley code library. That lets you read the ordinance section by section.
GoCodebook goes beyond browsing Municode (see how they compare): it reads the Simi Valley ordinance together with the California Building Standards Code and answers your question — zoning, setbacks, FAR, height, ADUs, permits — with the controlling citation for your parcel.
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What zoning districts does Simi Valley have?
The Code establishes the City’s zoning districts and shows them on the Official Zoning Map; examples listed in the Code include residential/open‑space districts like RVL, RL, RM, RMod‑Single, commercial and industrial districts such as CO, CN, CR, CC, CPD, CI, RCC, BP, LI, GI, plus overlay districts (e.g., MU). See § 9-20.020 and the district tables (Table 2‑1 / Table 2‑3) for the full list and mapping rules.
Do I need a permit to remodel a house in Simi Valley?
Yes — new construction, changes, reconstructions or alterations to uses/structures must comply with the Development Code and the applicable permits must be obtained before beginning work; general permit/approval requirements are in § 9-22.020 and the Development Code applicability is at § 9-10.040(A–B). Minor work can sometimes proceed under a ministerial Zoning Clearance when the Director finds the project complies with Code standards.
Where do I find the setback and height rules that apply to my lot?
Setbacks and how they are measured are in § 9-30.080; height measurement and exceptions are in § 9-30.060. The district tables (for example the Residential Tables in § 9-24.050) list the numeric setback and height limits that apply to each zoning district.
Are there special rules for hillsides or ridge‑top lots?
Yes — the Code’s Hillside Performance Standards apply to parcels outside the valley floor and require findings and restrictions; see the Hillside chapter and findings at § 9-32.050. Projects on hillside parcels must satisfy these special performance standards.
How does Simi Valley handle ADUs?
ADUs and JADUs are regulated in the Code (see the ADU section § 9-44.160). The Code sets size, separation and conversion rules (including specific detached ADU size caps such as 1,000 sf or 1,200 sf in many circumstances), special allowances for converted accessory structures, and cross‑references to parking and setback measurement sections. For the full local ADU standard set, read § 9-44.160. Simi Valley ADUs
Does Simi Valley offer a ministerial two‑unit or SB 9 path?
The Code includes a Two‑Unit Residential Development path that must be processed ministerially and that requires objective standards and ministerial building‑permit processing consistent with state law; see the Two‑Unit provisions and standards in the Code (refer to the Two‑Unit section and tables in the Code text at § 9-44.160 and related tables). The Code prohibits seeking waivers/variances to objective standards for such ministerial projects.
Do I need a Planned Development Permit for commercial new construction?
For many commercial and industrial districts the Code requires Planned Development Permit approval for all new construction regardless of the use permit shown in Table 2‑5; see § 9-26.030(A) which references the Planned Development Permit requirement (§ 9-52.050). Always confirm the parcel’s district and table entry first.
Does Simi Valley have rent control?
No rent‑control ordinance is apparent in the Development Code excerpts reviewed here; the Code focuses on land use, development permits, and construction standards. For tenancy/rent controls check other parts of the Municipal Code or contact the City — “Not found in retrieved materials.”
Where are parking requirements and rounding rules?
Parking and loading requirements are in Chapter § 9-34; the Code states fractional parking calculations are rounded up to the next whole number and cross‑references appear in district tables. Consult § 9-34 for use‑specific rates. Simi Valley Parking
What happens if the Specific Plan conflicts with the Development Code?
When conflicts occur, the requirements of a Specific Plan or Development Agreement control over the Development Code (see the Code’s conflict rules). The Code explicitly says Specific Plans determine allowable uses and standards where applicable (see § 9-26.030(C) and the conflict rule in the Administration chapter).
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