Local zoning · Simi Valley

Simi Valley — Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation under the Simi Valley local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Simi Valley does not publish a standalone “historic preservation chapter” inside the excerpted Development Code provided; historic-resource protections are embedded across the Development Code (Title 9). The code explicitly states that one of the Development Code’s purposes is to “conserve and protect the City's historic resources” in § 9-10.020 . Key operational impacts for historic properties show up in (a) limits on ministerial tools (Urban Lot Split, Two‑Unit/SB‑9 projects, ADUs), (b) limits on receiving waivers or incentives that would adversely affect properties listed on state or county registers, and (c) special development‑standard references (setbacks, unit sizes) that still apply where historic designation exists (see citations below).

This page summarizes what the Simi Valley Development Code says about historic preservation, where it interacts with zoning and review, and what the code does not show in the provided materials. Where the Code text was not explicit in the retrieved materials, I mark that as Not found in retrieved materials or advise “Verify with the jurisdiction.”

What the Code actually says (top-level rules)

The Development Code is Title 9 (the “Development Code”) and one of its stated purposes is to conserve and protect the City's historic resources (§ 9-10.020) .
Projects seeking State‑law incentives, waivers, or density bonuses cannot receive those concessions if they “would have an adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources” (density/waiver rules in Chapter 9-31; see § 9-31.020 and the related application/waiver text) .
Certain ministerial approvals and discretionary programs are explicitly blocked for historic parcels: an Urban Lot Split cannot be ministerially approved if the property “is included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, is designated as a historic property, County Landmark, or Structure of Merit … or listed in the General Plan” (Urban Lot Split standards) .
The city’s Two‑Unit / SB‑9‑style rules limit or prohibit Two‑Unit Residential Development on parcels that are historic (State inventory or locally/county designated) and otherwise set objective unit sizes, setbacks and building separation rules for Two‑Unit development (see the Two‑Unit standards and Table 3‑2; setbacks reference § 9-24.080) .
ADU rules in the Code (SVMC § 9-44.160) allow ADUs on lots and refer to objective development standards; the Code also incorporates State ADU law permitting local objective standards that prevent adverse impacts on properties listed in the California Register (SVMC cross‑references and ADU rules) .
The Code repeatedly cross‑references setback and development‑standards chapters (for example, setback measurement rules at § 9-30.080) and the residential district standards table (Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2) that set dimensional standards for the RMod, RL, RM, RVL, OS, RE, and similar districts; those dimensional rules will still apply to historic properties unless a specific exception in the Code applies .

Practical takeaway: the Development Code protects historic resources primarily by (1) preventing certain ministerial subdivision or SB‑9-type approvals on inventoried/listed historic parcels, and (2) forbidding waivers or concessions that would adversely affect properties on the California Register. The Code does not (in the retrieved materials) show a dedicated local historic overlay, a local historic preservation commission, or a local “landmark” designation process within the excerpted files — see "Information Gaps" below.

District-by-district breakdown (where historic rules intersect zoning)

Below I list the primary residential/open‑space districts that the Code uses and the practical way historic protections in the Code affect typical projects in each district. The district standards are drawn from the residential/open space tables and accompanying text (Table 2‑3 and Table 3‑2; see § 9-24. and § 9-30.080 references) .

RMod / RMod‑Single
- Purpose / where used: medium density residential product types and infill zones. Key dimensional controls are in Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2; front setbacks commonly 20 ft, accessory heights 18 ft, primary structure heights typically 2 stories / 30 ft (see Table 2‑3) .
- Typical allowed uses: single‑family, some multi‑unit types subject to planned development rules.
- Historic impact: Two‑Unit or SB‑9 conversions proposed in RMod are still subject to the Two‑Unit standards; if the parcel is on the State Historic Resources Inventory or locally/county designated, the code prohibits ministerial Two‑Unit development on that parcel (see Two‑Unit restrictions) .
- Review path: Zoning Clearance for Two‑Unit or ADU actions; design/plan review if designs deviate (see design review rules) .
RL, RM, RVL
- Purpose / standards: progressively higher density from RL to RM; see Table 2‑3 for lot sizes, setbacks, height limits and parking requirements (setbacks measured per § 9-30.080) .
- Historic impact: same practical restriction — if the property is listed in the State inventory or designated locally/county, objective ministerial subdivisions or Two‑Unit developments are restricted; ADUs are allowed but must follow ADU standards in § 9-44.160 and State ADU rules on historic resources (preventing adverse impacts) .
OS (Open Space) / RE (Rural Estate)
- Purpose / standards: large‑lot, open space and rural parcels with very large minimum lot sizes (OS often 40 acres; RE ~1 acre) and distinctive setbacks/height standards (Table 2‑3) .
- Historic impact: where historic resources exist on open‑space parcels, the general policy of conservation in § 9-10.020 applies and project review will flag such parcels; two‑unit/ministerial splits/lot splits are subject to the same prohibitions if the property appears on the State inventory or is locally/county designated .

Note: the Code’s tables and district standards are broad; for specific numerical setbacks, heights, lot area, and parking you must read the applicable district table (Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2) and referenced measurement rules at § 9-30.080 and the ADU standards at § 9-44.160 .

Decision‑relevant standards and permitted‑use summary (quick reference)

Topic / action	What limits or permits it on historic parcels	Code reference
Purpose to protect historic resources	Development Code purpose includes conserving historic resources	§ 9-10.020
Urban Lot Split (ministerial two‑lot split)	Not allowed if parcel is on the State Historic Resources Inventory or is designated historic/County Landmark/Structure of Merit or listed in the General Plan	Urban Lot Split standards (SVMC text)
Two‑Unit Residential Development (SB‑9 type)	Prohibited on parcels included on State Historic Resources Inventory, County Landmark or Structure of Merit, or listed in General Plan; objective unit size, setbacks, separations apply where allowed	Two‑Unit standards (Table 3‑2 and text) (see SVMC Two‑Unit / Table 3‑2 and setbacks at § 9-24.080 / § 9-30.080)
Density bonus / waivers / incentives	City may decline concessions or waivers where the incentive would have an adverse impact on property listed on the California Register	Chapter 9‑31 (density/waiver rules), § 9-31.020 / application text (decline/waiver criteria)
ADUs on historic parcels	ADUs are permitted but subject to objective ADU standards; State ADU law allows local objective standards that prevent adverse impacts on properties in the California Register (local ADU rules at § 9-44.160)
Setback / development measurements	Setbacks and projections are governed by § 9‑30.080 and Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2; historic designation does not create a separate setback table in the retrieved materials	§ 9-30.080 (setback measurement) and Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a project on or near a historic resource)

Confirm whether the parcel appears on the State Historic Resources Inventory, the General Plan historic listings, or Ventura County Historical Landmarks lists (City/County records) — if listed, ministerial Urban Lot Split / Two‑Unit approval may be blocked .
For ADUs: meet the objective ADU development standards in § 9-44.160 (size, setbacks, parking exceptions) and show how the ADU will not have an adverse impact on properties listed in the California Register (State ADU law / local ADU standards) .
For Two‑Unit development: comply with the Two‑Unit standards and Table 3‑2 (unit size caps, building separation, setbacks per § 9-24.080 and § 9‑30.080) and confirm parcel eligibility (historic exclusions) .
If seeking density bonuses, waivers, or concessions, prepare documentation to show there will be no adverse impact on any real property listed in the California Register (Chapter 9‑31 waiver/decline criteria) .
Expect Zoning Clearance or a Conditional Use/Administrative review depending on the proposed change; prepare supporting plans showing compliance with setbacks, parking, and design requirements (setback rules at § 9-30.080, parking rules at Chapter 9‑34) .
Verify CEQA implications early — projects that affect historic resources often require additional environmental review under CEQA and local environmental guidelines (§ 9‑50/9‑52 procedures referenced in the Code) .
Coordinate with Planning staff for file‑specific interpretation; for any uncertainty, “Verify with the jurisdiction.”

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
No explicit local “Historic Overlay” found in retrieved files	Without a local overlay, protections are applied by cross‑references and prohibitions (two‑unit, lot splits, waivers) rather than a single ordinance; this complicates permit strategy	Verify with the City whether a local historic overlay or local landmark program exists outside the retrieved Development Code (Not found in retrieved materials)
Exact section number for the Two‑Unit / SB‑9 chapter heading	The Two‑Unit rules and Table 3‑2 are present; the exact numbered heading for the whole Two‑Unit section was not always captured in the exported excerpt	Confirm the official section number and full text with Planning or the online SVMC to cite in applications; see Table 3‑2 and setback references at § 9-24.080 / § 9-30.080
Whether a parcel is “listed”	The Code’s prohibitions depend on inclusion in the State Historic Resources Inventory or local/county lists; different inventories have different criteria	Verify the parcel’s status with the City, County Historical Commission, and State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) records — do not rely on assessor descriptors alone
ADU objective/design standards vs. historic treatment	State ADU law allows objective standards that prevent adverse impacts on California Register properties, but the local ADU rules also set objective limits (size, separation) — interplay can be confusing	Confirm whether the City applies additional historic‑resource review for ADUs beyond objective ADU standards in § 9-44.160; if a parcel is on the California Register, expect more scrutiny
CEQA / environmental review	Projects affecting historic resources can trigger CEQA (EIR, MND) and conditions; this can add time and mitigation obligations	Verify likely CEQA scope during pre‑application — see the Environmental Quality / CEQA delegation sections § 9‑4.010 – § 9‑4.030

Plain‑English Summary

Simi Valley’s Development Code (Title 9) says the city will conserve historic resources and therefore blocks some fast, ministerial housing changes (two‑lot splits, SB‑9/two‑unit approvals) and will refuse waivers or incentives that would harm properties listed on state or county historic inventories; ADUs are generally allowed but must meet the local ADU rules and not adversely impact registered historic resources. Verify parcel‑specific historic status with City/County records before you spend on plans. See § 9-10.020, Two‑Unit/Tables, ADU rules, and the density/waiver rules cited above for the Code text that controls these outcomes .

Information Gaps

No dedicated local historic overlay district text or a named local Historic Preservation Commission / local landmark designation procedure was found in the retrieved Development Code excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials — verify with the City Clerk/Planning Department.
The exported excerpts include the Two‑Unit standards and Table 3‑2 but the top‑level section number/title for the entire Two‑Unit (SB‑9) block was not consistently visible in the snippets. Verify exact section heading numbers with the City’s online SVMC (library.municode.com) or Planning staff.
Local administrative procedures (e.g., what evidence the City requires to show “no adverse impact” to a California Register property) are not spelled out in the retrieved excerpts. Verify required submittals with Planning.

Source References

Simi Valley Development Code, Title 9 — Purpose (conserve and protect historic resources): § 9-10.020
Two‑Unit Residential Development rules, Two‑Unit standards and Table 3‑2 (unit size, separations, setbacks references): SVMC Two‑Unit / Table 3‑2; setback measurement references § 9‑24.080 and § 9‑30.080
Urban Lot Split standards (ministerial split exclusions for historic parcels): Urban Lot Split text (SVMC) — parcel cannot be on State Historic Resources Inventory or designated historic/County Landmark/Structure of Merit (Urban Lot Split requirements)
ADU development standards: § 9-44.160 (ADU rules, unit sizes, setbacks, and special ADU provisions for slopes/hillsides) and State ADU law cross references (local objective standards that may prevent adverse impacts to California Register resources)
Density bonus / waiver and decline criteria (concessions/waivers may be denied if they would have an adverse impact on property listed in the California Register): Chapter 9‑31 text (Decline / Waiver criteria) (Chapter 9‑31 / § 9‑31.020 / § 9‑31.030 application text)
Setback & district standards (Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2): Residential and Open Space District Standards and setback measurement guidance § 9‑30.080 and related tables (SVMC)
Environmental/CEQA delegation and review references (when projects require environmental analysis): Chapter 9‑4 CEQA and environmental procedures § 9‑4.010 – § 9‑4.030

(These are all drawn from the exported Simi Valley Development Code excerpts supplied for review. If you want the exact live municipal code links or the City’s Historic Resources inventory, I can fetch the City website references — otherwise, verify parcel status and precise section numbers with City Planning.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Simi Valley Zoning Code (chapter have) High relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section or) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter for) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (title of) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter 9-35) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Title 9) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Article 1) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-44.110) Medium relevance
CFC § 7060 (section shall) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-32.150) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 25117) Medium relevance
CBC § 8 (SECTION 8-301) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-24.050) Medium relevance
CFC § 9 (Section 9-80.020.) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-32.040) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-31.020.A.1) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter 9-32) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-44.160) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter 9-33) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-32.050) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-44.220.B) Medium relevance
Simi Valley Zoning Code (Article 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 21155 (Section D) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Simi Valley code library

Frequently asked questions

What local code controls historic preservation in Simi Valley?

Simi Valley treats historic preservation as a stated purpose of the Development Code (Title 9). The Code explicitly lists conserving and protecting historic resources as a purpose in § 9-10.020 .

Can I split a historic Simi Valley lot using the Urban Lot Split process?

No — the Urban Lot Split rules disallow ministerial splits where “the property is included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, is designated as a historic property, County Landmark, or Structure of Merit, or listed in the General Plan.” Verify the parcel’s historic listing status with Planning before applying (Urban Lot Split standards) .

Can I build an ADU on a parcel that’s on the State Historic Resources Inventory?

State ADU law and Simi Valley’s ADU rules allow ADUs on historic parcels, but ADUs must meet the local objective ADU standards in § 9-44.160 and local objective standards may be applied to prevent adverse impacts on properties listed in the California Register — check with Planning for any additional historic‑resource review requirements .

Does the Code prevent Two‑Unit (SB‑9) development on historic parcels?

Yes. The Code’s Two‑Unit development rules prohibit Two‑Unit Residential Development on parcels included on the State Historic Resources Inventory or designated as County Landmarks/Structures of Merit or listed in the General Plan; consult the Two‑Unit text and Table 3‑2 for unit‑size and setback limits where Two‑Unit development is otherwise allowed .

If I want a density bonus or a waiver, can the City deny it because of historic resources?

Yes. The Code specifically allows the City to decline concessions, incentives or waivers if the requested incentive “would have an adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources” (Chapter 9‑31 decline/waiver criteria) .

Where are the setback and dimensional rules I must follow for a historic property?

Setbacks and dimensional rules come from the district tables (Table 2‑3 / Table 3‑2) and from the measurement rules in § 9‑30.080. Historic designation does not create a separate numerical table in the retrieved materials — you must apply the underlying district standards and referenced measurements unless a specific exception appears in the Code or a condition is placed on approval .

Do I need design review or Planning Commission hearings for work on an identified historic resource?

The Development Code routes some projects through design review / conditional use / planning hearings depending on the permit type and whether the change is discretionary; many routine ADU and Two‑Unit actions are governed by objective standards and Zoning Clearance, but work that is discretionary, that requires waivers, or that raises CEQA historic‑resource issues will trigger public hearings and design review per the relevant procedural chapters (Chapter 9‑50 / 9‑52). Verify based on the exact permit requested .

How do I know if my parcel is on the State Historic Resources Inventory or Ventura County lists?

That is not guaranteed from the Development Code itself — you must check the State Office of Historic Preservation, Ventura County historical inventories, and the City’s planning records. The Code’s prohibitions are based on those inventories/lists; the City will check these during application processing (Urban Lot Split / Two‑Unit exclusions) .

If I need a variance for a historic‑property repair, is that possible?

The Code blocks some waivers for housing projects where a waiver would produce an adverse impact on California Register properties. For repair/rehabilitation of historic structures, the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) may apply for life‑safety and historic‑preservation code relief; that is administered at the building/code level and interacts with local planning review — coordinate with Building and Planning (CHBC guidance referenced in the exported standards) .

Who interprets ambiguous or parcel‑specific historic questions for Simi Valley?

The Development Code assigns interpretation responsibilities to the Department (Environmental Services Director / Planning Director) and requires that ambiguous or discretionary matters be referred to the Commission or City Council as appropriate; for historic designations and inventory questions, contact Planning staff and request a file‑specific determination (interpretation rules § 9‑12.010 and related procedural chapters) .

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