Local zoning · Simi Valley

Simi Valley — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Simi Valley Development Code (Title 9) requires for off‑street parking, loading, bicycle parking, and related site rules. It is targeted to property owners, applicants, and designers working under the City's zoning rules; it interprets decision‑relevant standards (space counts, dimensions, locations, and special cases) and points you to the controlling code citations. See the City's zoning map and district rules in Title 9 for where each rule applies. § 9-10.010 establishes the Development Code as Title 9.

Important related links you may need while reading: Simi Valley Zoning, Simi Valley Development Standards, Simi Valley Design Review, Simi Valley Overlay Districts, Simi Valley ADUs, Simi Valley Land Use, and the California Building Standards Code are linked inline below where first mentioned.

Where to look in the code (short guide)

  • General parking and loading standards: Chapter 9-34 (Parking and Loading Standards) — see § 9-34.070, § 9-34.080, § 9-34.100 for misc. provisions, dimensional requirements, and loading zones respectively.
  • Use‑specific parking ratios and tables (commercial, residential, institutional): Chapter 9-44 (use tables and special standards) — see Table 3-6 / Table 3-5 references in Chapter 9-44 (various use entries) for required spaces per use and cross references.
  • Zoning districts where parking rules apply (district symbols and where standards are found): Table 2-1 and Article 2 — R, RM, RMod, RH, RVH, CO, CN, CI, LI, GI, MH, and overlay symbols (e.g., MU).

Note: For building‑code (accessibility/sizing/striping) requirements, consult the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). California Building Standards Code

Key citywide rules (plain synthesis, with controlling §§)

  • Required parking is governed by Chapter 9-34; the Director may interpret unusual cases but the code is explicit on counts, dimensions, and siting. See § 9-34.070, § 9-34.080, and § 9-34.100 for the main rules.

  • Location and assignment:

    • Off‑street parking must generally be located on the same parcel as the use it serves and, for multi‑family dwelling units, no farther than 200 feet walking distance from the unit entry (exceptions for SROs referenced). See § 9-34.090.E and the SRO provisions at § 9-44.215.

  • Dimensions and aisle/layout:

    • Minimum stall and aisle sizes follow the Parking Dimensional Requirements (Table 3‑5) and aisle minimums in § 9-34.080; standard 9′ stall widths, angle and aisle modules, and two‑way minimum aisle widths (e.g., 25′ for two‑way) are specified in Table 3‑5 and Figure 3‑9.

  • Bicycle parking:

    • Commercial/industrial projects with 20 or more required parking spaces must provide bicycle racks at a minimum ratio of 1 bicycle space per 20 required auto spaces; covered/secure bicycle parking standards are required for residential projects in specific districts (see SRO and multi‑family rules). See § 9-34.070.D and SRO rules § 9-44.215.

  • Loading:

    • Minimum loading berth dimensions and location rules are in § 9-34.100 and Table 3‑7 (minimum berth width/length/height by use). Loading spaces must be on‑site, outside required setbacks, and typically in rear/side lot areas; loading doors must not open to public streets.

  • Special items:

    • Covered parking: single‑family dwellings must provide two enclosed garage spaces (see garage sizing references and driveway standards). Driveway and garage design rules appear in § 9-34.090 (design and location/encroachment).
    • EV / alternative fueling: provide 1 alternative fueling facility (e.g., EV charger) per 100 parking spaces, with at least one for lots <100 spaces.
    • Compact stalls: restricted use (only for pre‑1997 completed projects); the code preserves specific dimensions when allowed. See § 9-34.070.A.
    • TDM (Transportation Demand Management) measures in Chapter 9-39 apply and may affect parking calculations; when conflict exists, Chapter 9-39 prevails.

District-by-district breakdown (how parking is applied by district)

Below are the primary district groupings used in Simi Valley; each subsection explains the district label (as used on the Zoning Map), typical uses, and the parking rules that usually govern projects in that district. For full use lists consult the district chapters referenced in Table 2‑1 and the use tables in Article 2.

OS (Open Space)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Parks, resource protection, very low intensity public uses. See Table 2‑3.
  • Parking: Where required, parking follows Chapter 9-34 standards; smaller projects usually have minimal on‑site parking needs. See § 9-34.

RE (Residential Estate)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Large‑lot single family. See Table 2‑3.
  • Parking: Single‑family rules: two enclosed garage spaces per dwelling; driveway/garage design per § 9-34.090. Guest parking, landscape/driveway siting rules (TSSA) also apply.

RVL, RL, RM, RMod-Single, RMod-Multi, RH, RVH (Residential density ladder)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Very low through very high density residential uses; multi‑family allowed in RM/RMod/RH/RVH. See Table 2‑3 for dimensional standards and densities.
  • Parking:
    • Single‑family: two enclosed garage spaces required; driveway width, front yard paving and Traffic Sight Safety Area rules apply (§ 9-34.090).
    • Multi‑family: at least one assigned parking space per unit and overall parking quantities and guest parking as required by Chapter 9-34 (off‑site parking no more than 200 feet from unit entry). See § 9-34.090.E.
    • Two‑Unit Residential: special ministerial rules apply; one enclosed garage space required per unit except where state exemptions apply (see Two‑Unit standards and exemptions in § 9-24 / § 9-34). Note the local list of exemptions where parking may not be required (e.g., within ½ mile of high‑quality transit corridor or car‑share within one block).

MH (Mobile Home)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Mobile home parks. See Chapter standards.
  • Parking: Mobile home parks must provide off‑street parking per Chapter 9-34, with guest parking adjacent to recreation areas and special dimensions for RV/boat storage.

CO, CN, CR, CC, CPD (Commercial / Office)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Neighborhood retail/offices, community commercial, civic center and planned commercial development. See Article 2 and Chapter 9-26.
  • Parking: Required parking counts for specific commercial uses are in use tables (Chapter 9-44 / Table 3‑6). Bicycle parking for larger commercial sites (≥20 auto spaces) is required at 1 bike per 20 auto spaces. Loading zones and loading berth sizes are enforced per § 9-34.100 and Table 3‑7. EV charging and landscaping/drainage/striping requirements also apply.

CI, LI, GI, BP (Industrial / Business Park)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Light to general industrial, manufacturing, warehouses and business parks. See Chapter 9-26 and use tables.
  • Parking & loading: Industrial uses often have higher loading berth and stacking needs; Table 3‑7 lists minimum berth dimensions by use and § 9-34.100 requires that loading not rely on public streets or alleys. Service/warehouse parking ratios are in the use tables (Chapter 9-44).

MU (Mixed‑Use Overlay) and other overlays

  • Purpose: Overlays modify the base zone; Mixed‑Use Overlay has special parking and structure rules (e.g., flexible parking, podium parking, design rules). See Chapter 9-28 and mixed‑use overlay rules; Mixed‑Use may permit consolidated parking strategies and includes bicycle and EV provisions.

Decision‑relevant standards (one quick table)

Requirement Standard / Rule Code Reference
Which code controls parking? Chapter 9‑34 (Parking & Loading Standards) — general rules, counts, dimensions § 9‑34.070 / § 9‑34.080 / § 9‑34.100
Auto parking location On the same parcel; multi‑family assigned spaces ≤ 200 ft walking distance § 9‑34.090.E; see SRO rules § 9‑44.215
Bicycle parking (commercial/industrial) 1 bicycle per 20 required auto spaces; capacity and siting rules apply § 9‑34.070.D
Loading berth dimensions & location Minimum dimensions by use (Table 3‑7); loading in rear/side, not in required setbacks; trucks must not back into public street § 9‑34.100 and Table 3‑7
Parking stall / aisle sizes See Table 3‑5 (9′ stalls typical); 25′ min for two‑way aisles; diagram Figure 3‑9 § 9‑34.080 and Table 3‑5
Covered parking (single‑family) Two enclosed garage spaces required per single‑family unit; driveway/garage must meet design standards § 9‑34.090.B and related garage dimension refs
EV / alternative fueling 1 facility per 100 spaces (minimum 1 if <100 spaces) § 9‑34 (mixed‑use overlay provisions reference)
Compact stalls Only allowed for projects completed before July 17, 1997; otherwise standard stalls apply § 9‑34.070.A
TDM overrides Chapter 9‑39 TDM rules apply citywide and prevail over Chapter 9‑34 when conflict exists § 9‑34.070.E; Chapter 9‑39 cited

Checklist — what an applicant must provide (minimum)

  • Site plan showing all required parking spaces, dimensions, aisle widths, and a striping/layout diagram (comply with Table 3‑5) — § 9‑34.080.
  • Location of assigned residential spaces and visitor parking; demonstrate assigned spaces are ≤ 200 ft walking distance from served units where applicable — § 9‑34.090.E.
  • ADA/accessible stall layout in compliance with Title 24 (CA Building Code) and state law; show signage and striping — § 9‑34.070.B and Title 24. California Building Standards Code
  • Bicycle parking plan (count, rack type, covered/secure areas if required) — § 9‑34.070.D; for residential SRO/multi‑family see § 9‑44.215.
  • Loading plan showing berth sizes, access, and location (rear/side), with turning templates for trucks — § 9‑34.100 and Table 3‑7.
  • Stormwater/drainage and paving sections for all parking areas, with NPDES/SQMP compliance noted — § 9‑34 drainage rules.
  • EV charging or alternative fueling plan if total parking >=100 or to meet mixed‑use overlay rules — per local EV ratio stated in Chapter 9‑34 (mixed‑use overlay references).
  • If proposing shared or off‑site parking: Reciprocal Parking Agreement, shared parking study by a qualified transportation planner, and Planning Commission approval where required (shared parking for SROs and mixed uses) — § 9‑44.215 / reciprocal parking rules.
  • Landscaping / screening plan for parking areas per Chapter 9‑33 (street trees, perimeter planting, screened trash enclosures) — referenced from parking chapters.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
When parking can be waived for ADUs/Two‑Unit projects State law and local exceptions interact (local ADU rules cross‑reference state limits) — you may think parking is required but state exemptions may apply Check the code cross‑reference to ADU parking § 9‑44.160 and the Two‑Unit exemptions in the code; verify if the parcel is within 1/2 mile of a high‑quality transit corridor or has car‑share nearby. Verify with the Department.
Shared / reciprocal parking viability Shared parking requires a recorded reciprocal agreement and Planning Commission approval for many SRO or mixed‑use cases Confirm whether your shared parking requires a formal reciprocal agreement and a shared parking analysis per § 9‑44.215.
Which table applies to a given use Use tables are in Chapter 9‑44 but the applicable table depends on the exact use classification (retail vs. office vs. clinic, etc.) Identify the exact use definition in Article 8 and then apply the corresponding parking ratio in Chapter 9‑44 (Table 3‑6 / Table 3‑5). If unclear, request an interpretation from the Director.
Bicycle parking triggers Whether your project hits the 20‑auto‑space threshold (and therefore bicycle requirement) can be close for marginal projects Confirm the required auto parking count before applying the 1:20 bicycle ratio; see § 9‑34.070.D.
Different standards in Overlay districts (MU, Freeway combining, etc.) Overlay provisions can change parking location, screening, or allow reductions / incentives Check the applicable overlay ordinance (Chapter 9‑28) for site‑specific adjustments; where conflict exists, the more restrictive applies unless the overlay specifically authorizes changes.

Plain‑English Summary

Simi Valley’s zoning code requires on‑site, off‑street parking sized and located per Chapter 9‑34 (space counts in Chapter 9‑44 and dimensional tables like Table 3‑5 and Table 3‑7). Multi‑family parking must be on the same parcel and normally within 200 feet of the unit; commercial projects must provide loading berths and often bicycle parking (1 per 20 auto spaces). EV chargers, drainage, access, and landscaping requirements are integrated with parking submittals; shared parking needs formal agreements. Always check the exact use table and overlay for site‑specific exceptions.

Source References

  • Simi Valley Development Code (Title 9) — General Title and purpose: § 9-10.010.
  • Parking and Loading Standards: Chapter 9‑34 — Misc. provisions § 9‑34.070, Dimensional Requirements § 9‑34.080, Loading Zone Standards § 9‑34.100 (includes Table 3‑5 and Table 3‑7).
  • Driveway/garage/covered parking and location: § 9‑34.090 (design requirements; on‑site location no more than 200 ft for assigned spaces).
  • Use‑specific parking ratios and SRO rules (including two‑unit and SRO bicycle/parking rules): Chapter 9‑44 and § 9‑44.215 (SRO) / Two‑Unit provisions (reference to ADU / Two‑Unit sections).
  • Zoning district names and where standards live: Table 2‑1 and Table 2‑3 (district symbols RMod, RM, RH, RVH, CO, CN, CI, LI, GI, MH, OS).
  • Bicycle parking trigger & ratio: § 9‑34.070.D.
  • EV / alternative fueling facility ratio (mixed‑use overlay language): mixed‑use provisions and Chapter 9‑34 references.
  • Overlay districts and applicability: Chapter 9‑28 (overlay rules, MU, etc.).

Internal pages for context and procedural topics (use as you prepare the application):

  • Simi Valley Zoning: /us/california/simi-valley/zoning
  • Simi Valley Development Standards: /us/california/simi-valley/development-standards
  • Simi Valley Design Review: /us/california/simi-valley/design-review
  • Simi Valley Overlay Districts: /us/california/simi-valley/overlay-districts
  • Simi Valley ADUs: /us/california/simi-valley/adu
  • Simi Valley Land Use: /us/california/simi-valley/land-use
  • California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-44.215.) High relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 9 (Section 9-34.080.D.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 5 (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter 9-39) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-33.030) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 9 (Section 9-80.020.) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter 9-33) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-24.050) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section 9-24.050) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Chapter 9-33) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Section may) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (Article 1) Medium relevance
  • Simi Valley Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking standards apply to a standard commercial retail project in Simi Valley?

Commercial parking counts are driven by the use classifications in Chapter 9‑44 (use tables) and dimensional/layout standards in Chapter 9‑34; bicycle racks are required when the project has 20 or more required auto spaces (1 bike per 20 auto spaces). Loading berth sizes and rear/side location rules come from § 9‑34.100 and Table 3‑7.

How close must residential parking be to the unit it serves?

Assigned off‑street parking for multi‑family units must be located on the same site and no more than 200 feet walking distance from the dwelling entry; assigned spaces must be clearly designated. See § 9‑34.090.E.

Do I have to provide bicycle parking for my new office building?

If your commercial or industrial project requires 20 or more off‑street auto parking spaces, you must provide bicycle parking at a minimum ratio of 1 bicycle space per 20 required auto spaces, and locate racks so they don't block pedestrian or vehicle circulation. See § 9‑34.070.D.

What are the minimum stall and aisle sizes I must show on plans?

Use Table 3‑5 (Parking Dimensional Requirements) and Figure 3‑9 in § 9‑34.080. Typical stalls are 9′ wide with module/aisle widths specified by angle and two‑way aisles typically needing 25′. Show the exact table dimensions on your plan.

Are loading docks allowed to face the public street?

No — loading doors should not open onto public streets; loading must be located in rear/side lot areas, outside required setbacks, and be designed so trucks do not back into public streets or alleys. See § 9‑34.100 and Table 3‑7.

Can I use tandem parking or compact stalls to meet required spaces?

Tandem parking is generally prohibited for required spaces (exceptions in limited sections). Compact stalls are restricted to projects deemed complete before July 17, 1997; otherwise provide standard sized stalls per Table 3‑5. See § 9‑34.080 and § 9‑34.070.A.

If I want to share parking between adjacent businesses, what do I need?

Shared parking requires a Reciprocal Parking Agreement, a shared parking analysis by a qualified transportation planner, and approval (Planning Commission for many arrangements); SRO shared parking has specific requirements in § 9‑44.215.

Do ADUs have different parking rules?

Yes — the code cross‑references ADU parking; see § 9‑44.160 for Accessory Dwelling Unit parking rules and note that state ADU law also restricts local agencies' ability to require excessive parking. Verify both the local ADU section and state ADU law.

Are EV chargers required?

The Development Code requires facilities for alternative fueling (EV charging) at a ratio of 1 per 100 parking spaces, with at least one required for parking lots with fewer than 100 spaces; mixed‑use rules reiterate and may expand these requirements. See Chapter 9‑34 (mixed‑use overlay provisions).

Who interprets ambiguous parking rules?

The Environmental Services Director is the code interpretation authority for Title 9; official interpretations are written and available. Appeals may be taken to the Planning Commission. See the administrative and interpretation provisions in Title 9.

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