Thinking about a new fence, patio cover, shed, or pool at your Simi Valley home? A small miss on setbacks, heights, or permits can slow your project and add cost. You want privacy and style, but you also want to stay within local rules and keep your yard fire smart and water wise. This guide gives you clear, local steps on what you can build, where it can go, and how to bring it to life without surprises. Let’s dive in.
Know who sets the rules
Simi Valley’s Planning Division sets zoning rules like setbacks and many fence and wall standards, and Building & Safety enforces permit triggers and inspections. Start by reviewing the Planning Division’s guidance for home improvements, including how to get a Zoning Clearance before permits are issued. You can find the city’s overview on the Planning Division’s Home Improvements page.
Ventura County’s building standards apply in unincorporated areas, and local rules can be stricter than state minimums. State laws also layer on top for certain items, like pool safety and wildfire defensible space.
- Review city guidance: Simi Valley Planning Division, Home Improvements & Custom Homes
- County code reference: Ventura County Building Codes and Permits
Fence and wall heights
Front yard rules
Front yard solid fences or walls are typically limited to a maximum height of 42 inches. In some cases, “see-through” materials in the front can allow slightly taller options. Check the city’s fence and wall guidance before you purchase materials.
- See local FAQs for fence limits: Simi Valley Planning FAQs
Side and rear yard heights
In many residential areas, side and rear yard fences or walls up to 6 feet are commonly allowed with administrative approval. In certain cases, up to 8 feet may be permitted along arterial streets or next to commercial or industrial zones, subject to review. Building permits are often required for fences or walls over 6 feet, and retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing to the top typically require a permit.
- Permit thresholds and exceptions: Building & Safety FAQs
Setbacks and accessory structures
Sheds and small buildings
A one-story detached accessory building used only for storage or as a playhouse with a floor area of 120 square feet or less is commonly exempt from a building permit. Placement still must meet Planning’s setback rules, so you will prepare a plot plan and get Zoning Clearance before you build.
- Shed size and permit info: Building & Safety FAQs
Patios, covers, and distances
On-grade patio slabs or surfaces that are 42 inches or lower are generally allowed, while patio covers and any structure above grade usually require permits and plan review. The development code sets minimum setbacks for accessory structures and spacing between structures, including common rules like at least 6 feet between accessory structures and 4-foot rear and interior side setbacks for detached ADUs, consistent with state law. Always verify your zone for front and street-side setbacks.
- Accessory setbacks and spacing: Simi Valley Development Code Section 9-30.080
Pools and safety features
California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act requires approved barriers for residential pools and spas. When a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool, you must include at least two approved drowning-prevention features, such as a code-compliant enclosure, removable mesh fencing to ASTM F2286, a listed safety cover, or exit alarms on doors leading to the pool. Local building inspectors enforce these state standards.
- State pool safety requirements: California Swimming Pool Safety Act
Retaining walls, grading, and drainage
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, may be exempt from a building permit. Taller walls usually need engineered plans and a building permit. If you plan grading, slope changes, or drainage work, expect separate reviews or permits.
- Wall and grading basics: Building & Safety FAQs
Fire-smart choices for Simi Valley
Wildfire safety is a local priority. CAL FIRE’s defensible space guidance calls for fuel reduction in Zones 0 to 2 within 0 to 100 feet from structures, with the strictest standards closest to the house. Choose noncombustible materials for any feature attached to the home, and avoid combustible mulch within the first 5 feet.
- Defensible space zones and tips: CAL FIRE Defensible Space
- Real estate inspections and reports: VCFD AB-38 Information
Water-wise backyard style
Simi Valley’s hot, dry summers and limited rainfall make water-smart design a smart upgrade. Consider drought-tolerant or native plants, drip irrigation, and permeable hardscape. Turf-replacement rebates are available, but programs often require pre-approval and have minimum project sizes.
- Current rebate terms and pre-approval: SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Terms
HOA and visibility rules
If your property is in an HOA, you will likely need Architectural Review Committee approval before you build a fence, patio cover, shed, or change exterior materials. HOA rules often limit materials and colors and can be stricter than city code. Review your CC&Rs and ARC process first.
- Example of local HOA guidance: Bridle Path HOA overview
Corner lots and driveways have visibility standards, so keep sight triangles clear when planning fences and walls. The development code outlines these visibility constraints and other accessory placement rules.
- Visibility and placement rules: Simi Valley Development Code Section 9-30.080
Quick planning checklist
- Sketch a simple plot plan that shows property lines, streets, driveways, existing structures, and your proposed location, height, and materials. Bring it to Planning for a Zoning Clearance consult.
- Confirm where the work is located. Front yards have stricter fence and wall limits than side or rear yards.
- Check permit triggers. Expect permits if a fence or wall exceeds 6 feet, if a retaining wall exceeds 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing, or if a shed is larger than 120 square feet.
- Verify setbacks and spacing in the development code for your zone, including accessory structure distances.
- If you plan a pool or spa, include a code-compliant barrier and at least two drowning-prevention features.
- Choose noncombustible materials for anything attached to the house, and maintain defensible space within 0 to 100 feet.
- Explore turf-replacement rebates, and apply for pre-approval before removing lawn.
- If you are in an HOA, obtain ARC approval before you sign with a contractor.
Ready to plan a project or weighing upgrades before a sale? For calm, local guidance and a clear plan that supports your goals, reach out to Robin Plain.
FAQs
How high can a backyard fence be in Simi Valley?
- Typical rear and interior side yard fences up to 6 feet are commonly allowed, and up to 8 feet may be permitted in specific situations, while front-yard solid fences are limited to 42 inches; always confirm with Planning and submit a plot plan.
Do I need a permit for a shed or patio cover in Simi Valley?
- A one-story detached shed used for storage or play up to 120 square feet is commonly exempt from a building permit, but patio covers and above-grade structures usually require permits and Zoning Clearance.
What pool safety features are required in California?
- When a permit is issued for a new or remodeled residential pool, state law requires an approved barrier and at least two drowning-prevention features such as a compliant enclosure, removable mesh fence to ASTM F2286, a listed safety cover, or exit alarms on doors.
What are the basic accessory structure setbacks in Simi Valley?
- The development code includes minimum setbacks and spacing, such as 4-foot rear and interior side setbacks for detached ADUs and at least 6 feet between accessory structures; check your zone and confirm with Planning.
Do wildfire defensible space rules affect backyard projects in Simi Valley?
- Yes, follow CAL FIRE’s Zones 0 to 2 up to 100 feet, use noncombustible materials near the home, and avoid combustible mulch within the first 5 feet; local fire authorities may apply stricter measures.
Can I get a rebate for replacing lawn with drought-tolerant plants?
- Yes, turf-replacement rebates are available through SoCal Water$mart, but they typically require pre-approval and have minimum project sizes, so check current terms before you start.
