Building Permits in Simi Valley
Simi Valley's Building and Safety Division reviews construction plans, issues permits and performs inspections. Certain simple residential permits can be obtained through the City's self-service portal.
Current codes
California's 2025 Building Standards Code (Title 24) is effective statewide for applications on or after January 1, 2026. Local requirements may supplement the state code, so the applicable Simi Valley provisions must also be checked for the project.
Permit scope and exemptions
The City states that construction permits are required before new construction, remodeling or additions. Its published examples of work not requiring a building permit include one-story detached accessory structures used as sheds/playhouses up to 120 square feet, subject to Planning requirements, and certain retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, unless they support a surcharge or specified liquids.
Review and inspections
Building and Safety publishes a goal of completing initial and subsequent plan reviews within 20–25 working days, expressly noting that turnaround depends on examiner workload. Inspection requests received by 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the following workday under the City's stated procedure. These are service procedures, not universal statutory guarantees.
Design professionals
The City says most buildings and structures are required to be designed by a California-registered architect or engineer, but project-specific exceptions and state licensing rules must be checked rather than treating that statement as universal.
Official sources
- Simi Valley Building Construction Overview: https://www.simivalley.org/departments/environmental-services/building-safety-division/building-construction-overview
- Simi Valley Plan Review Procedures: https://www.simivalley.org/departments/environmental-services/building-safety-division/plan-review-procedures
- Simi Valley Inspection Procedures: https://www.simivalley.org/departments/environmental-services/building-safety-division/inspection-procedures
- Simi Valley Building & Safety FAQ: https://www.simivalley.org/departments/environmental-services/building-safety-division/frequently-asked-questions-building-safety-violations
- California Building Standards Commission — Codes: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/codes
Disclaimer: Verify current local amendments, fees and project-specific design requirements with Building and Safety.