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Simi Valley · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Simi Valley

Simi Valley's own rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text for every value.

Ask about building in a flood zone in Simi Valley See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the Simi Valley Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Simi Valley's code says

Simi Valley code What Simi Valley's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • A flood area development permit is needed before construction or development, including manufactured homes, in a special flood hazard area.
    § 7-5.501 · code text
    A flood area development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development, including manufactured homes, begins within any special flood hazard area (SFHA) established in Section 7-5.302.
Height of the lowest floor
  • The lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in AE and AH Zones.
    § 7-5.603 · code text
    In AE and AH Zones, elevated at least one foot above the BFE.
  • Lowest floor at least 1 foot above the flood map's depth number, measured from the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone.
    § 7-5.603 · code text
    In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height at least one foot above the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • The lowest floor must be at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone where no depth number is given.
    § 7-5.603 · code text
    In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height at least one foot above the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • The lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an unnumbered A zone.
    § 7-5.603 · code text
    In an A zone, without BFEs specified on the FIRM (unnumbered A zone), elevated at least one foot above the BFE as determined under Section 7-5.402(c).

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a Simi Valley flood zone?

Simi Valley's code: A flood area development permit is needed before construction or development, including manufactured homes, in a special flood hazard area. (§ 7-5.501); The lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in AE and AH Zones.) (§ 7-5.603).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Simi Valley property

Ask GoCodebook how Simi Valley's building in a flood zone rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Simi Valley Municipal Code — full text