Sign Regulations in Simi Valley, California
Simi Valley, California has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Permanent Signs (General), Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (ECC) (General), Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (All Zones). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Simi Valley, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Simi Valley
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (ECC) (General) | Standard ECCs: must comply with height limits for host monument or building‑mounted sign. In NVD overlay: max 16 ft for ECC fronting First St; in HM overlay: max 12 sq ft ECC, adjacent to ER entrance and not visible from street. | Standard ECCs: not specified generally; within NVD and HM overlays specific limits apply (see those zones). In all other locations: ECC portion counted within overall sign area limits in 9-37.060. | — |
| Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (All Zones) | Freestanding: max 6 ft above grade (9-37.070(C)(2)(a)). On building: not higher than the structure on which mounted (9-37.070(C)(2)(b)). | Residential parcels: total noncommercial sign area not to exceed 6 sq ft (9-37.060(A)(3)). Charitable temporary commercial sign standard max area of 12 sq ft is also frequently used for noncommercial temp signs, but residential noncommercial cap is 6 sq ft. | Freestanding temporary signs must be at least 5 ft from property line, except when structure is within 5 ft of front/side line (then sign may be within that zone) (9-37.070(D)(6)). |
| Temporary Commercial Signs (General – by Permit) | Freestanding: max 6 ft (9-37.070(C)(2)(a)). On‑building: not higher than structure (9-37.070(C)(2)(b)). | Freestanding: max 12 sq ft per face (9-37.070(G)(1)(a)). On‑building: max 50 sq ft (9-37.070(G)(1)(b)). | 5 ft inside property line, except aligned with wall when building within 5 ft of front/side property line (9-37.070(D)(6)). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Simi ValleyFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
35
- All Permanent Signs (General)
- Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (ECC) (General)
- Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (All Zones)
- Temporary Commercial Signs (General – by Permit)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Simi Valley
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Simi Valley vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Simi Valley, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Simi Valley, regulated sign types include All Permanent Signs (General), Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (ECC) (General), Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (All Zones), Temporary Commercial Signs (General – by Permit), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Simi Valley vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Simi Valley are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Simi Valley has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Simi Valley, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Simi Valley, California regulates 35 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (All Zones)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Freestanding: max 6 ft above grade (9-37.070(C)(2)(a)). On building: not higher than the structure on which mounted (9-37.070(C)(2)(b)). tall and Residential parcels: total noncommercial sign area not to exceed 6 sq ft (9-37.060(A)(3)). Charitable temporary commercial sign standard max area of 12 sq ft is also frequently used for noncommercial temp signs, but residential noncommercial cap is 6 sq ft., with a Freestanding temporary signs must be at least 5 ft from property line, except when structure is within 5 ft of front/side line (then sign may be within that zone) (9-37.070(D)(6)). setback (Sec. SVMC 9-37.060(A)(3); 9-37.070(A),(C),(E)). Most commercial signs in Simi Valley require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Simi Valley, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Simi Valley (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | Standard ECCs: must comply with height limits for host monument or building‑mounted sign. In NVD overlay: max 16 ft for ECC fronting First St; in HM overlay: max 12 sq ft ECC, adjacent to ER entrance and not visible from street. | Freestanding: max 12 sq ft per face (9-37.070(G)(1)(a)). On‑building: max 50 sq ft (9-37.070(G)(1)(b)). | — |
| Residential and Open Space Districts – OS, RE, RVL, RL, RM, RMod, RH, RVH, MH, W, WP | 4 | 5 ft above ground level | 24 sq ft max | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Districts – CO, CN, CR, CC, CPD, CI, LI, GI, BP, RCC | 10 | 10 ft | Up to 300 sq ft per building face per tenant, per formula. | — |
| MU (Mixed-Use Overlay) | 2 | 5 ft for project entry signs; 10 ft monument in HM overlay; otherwise per residential sign standards. | Residential identification and project entry signs same as Residential/Open Space table where applicable (24 sq ft). | — |
| NVD (New Vehicle Dealer Overlay) | 3 | Large balloons/inflatables on ground: not to exceed 30 ft height (9-28.090(D)(1)(d)). Light‑pole‑mounted temporary signs must be at least 10 ft above grade and not higher than pole (9-28.090(D)(2)(e)). | Each allowed Monument Business Center or Individual Tenant sign: max 100 sq ft (in lieu of standard 40–60 sq ft) (9-28.090(D)(3)(a)). | — |
| HM (Hospital-Medical Overlay) | 4 | 10 ft | 40 sq ft per monument sign | — |
| A, FC, H, L, SB Overlays | 1 | 6 ft (9-22.050(B)(9)(c)). | Freestanding, non‑illuminated sign not exceeding 24 sq ft (9-22.050(B)(9)(c)). | — |
| BP Overlay (Business Park Overlay) | 2 | Per LI/GI/CI/CO/CPD standards. | Same as underlying LI/GI/CI per Table 3-10; BP overlay text references signs regulated by 9-37.060(B). | — |
| CC (Civic Center) – Civic / Public Facility Signs | 1 | Monument signs max 8–10 ft (or as modified by 9‑26.040 Table 2‑6); building signs below roof line. | Not separately tabled; use commercial building‑mounted and monument formulas (Table 3‑10) unless a Civic Center Development Permit specifies otherwise. | — |
| CR (Commercial Recreation) – Recreation / Entertainment Signs | 1 | Building signs below roof line; monuments 8–10 ft. | Building‑mounted: up to 300 sq ft per frontage per formulas; monuments 40–60 sq ft unless large center rules apply. | — |
| SP (Specific Plan) | 1 | Per Specific Plan; if silent, per underlying zone and general sign code. | As established by the applicable Specific Plan; if Plan is silent, default to underlying base zoning sign standards (Table 3‑9 or 3‑10). | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Simi Valley(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Permanent Signs (General) | — | — | — | — | — | Must be on same site as subject of sign. May project over adjacent public right‑of‑way only if authorized by an encroachment permit. Except for awnings, signs shall not overlap any portion of a window. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.020; 9-37.030; 9-37.040; 9-37.050 |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (ECC) (General) | Standard ECCs: must comply with height limits for host monument or building‑mounted sign. In NVD overlay: max 16 ft for ECC fronting First St; in HM overlay: max 12 sq ft ECC, adjacent to ER entrance and not visible from street. | Standard ECCs: not specified generally; within NVD and HM overlays specific limits apply (see those zones). In all other locations: ECC portion counted within overall sign area limits in 9-37.060. | — | — | General: 1 ECC per street frontage (9-37.050(G)(4)); NVD: 1 per new vehicle dealership; HM: 1 for main hospital property. | Allowed as part of a building‑mounted or freestanding sign as permitted in the zone (9-37.050(G)). NVD: freestanding only. HM overlay: must be immediately adjacent to main hospital ER entrance and not visible from any street. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.050(G); 9-28.090(D)(3); 9-28.100(D)(3) |
| Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (All Zones) | Freestanding: max 6 ft above grade (9-37.070(C)(2)(a)). On building: not higher than the structure on which mounted (9-37.070(C)(2)(b)). | Residential parcels: total noncommercial sign area not to exceed 6 sq ft (9-37.060(A)(3)). Charitable temporary commercial sign standard max area of 12 sq ft is also frequently used for noncommercial temp signs, but residential noncommercial cap is 6 sq ft. | — | Freestanding temporary signs must be at least 5 ft from property line, except when structure is within 5 ft of front/side line (then sign may be within that zone) (9-37.070(D)(6)). | Residential: effectively limited by 6 sq ft total area cap per parcel; no explicit sign count cap stated. | On private property only, with property owner permission. Prohibited in public right‑of‑way, on or over streets/sidewalks, utility poles, fences, trees, shrubs, medians, or public easements (9-37.040(A)(12), 9-37.070(C)(10)). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(A)(3); 9-37.070(A),(C),(E) |
| Temporary Commercial Signs (General – by Permit) | Freestanding: max 6 ft (9-37.070(C)(2)(a)). On‑building: not higher than structure (9-37.070(C)(2)(b)). | Freestanding: max 12 sq ft per face (9-37.070(G)(1)(a)). On‑building: max 50 sq ft (9-37.070(G)(1)(b)). | — | 5 ft inside property line, except aligned with wall when building within 5 ft of front/side property line (9-37.070(D)(6)). | 1 per parcel or leasehold interest, except via Temporary Use Permit (9-37.070(D)(5)). | On private property only; at least 5 ft inside property line unless building is within 5 ft (9-37.070(D)(6)). Cannot be in required parking spaces, drive aisles, loading zones, landscaped areas, or right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.070(C),(D),(G) |
| Temporary Commercial Signs – Charitable Organizations (All Zones) | Freestanding: max 6 ft (general temp sign height). | Max 12 sq ft per sign face (9-37.070(F)(1)). | — | Same as other temporary freestanding signs: at least 5 ft inside property line unless on wall per 9-37.070(D)(6). | No quantity limit (9-37.070(F)(1)). | On private property with property owner (and leaseholder for businesses) permission. Prohibited in public right‑of‑way and on poles, fences, trees, etc. (9-37.070(C)(10)). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.030(D)(2); 9-37.070(F) |
| Governmental and Legally Required Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Placed as required by federal, state, or local law. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.030(D)(1) |
Commercial and Industrial Districts – CO, CN, CR, CC, CPD, CI, LI, GI, BP, RCC
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building-Mounted Sign – Street Frontage | Not above roof line; subject to zone height and architectural integration. | Up to 300 sq ft per building face per tenant, per formula. | — | — | Max 2 per building face per tenant; 3 for long frontages as noted. | On wall facing street frontage. May also be projecting signs (see Projecting Sign). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
| Building-Mounted Sign – Non-Street (Interior) Frontage | Below roof line. | 150 sq ft | — | — | Max 2 per non‑street building face per tenant. | On building face not abutting a street (e.g., rear/side toward parking). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
| Additional On-Building Identification Sign (Small) | Below roof line. | 6 sq ft per tenant, up to 30 sq ft total. | — | — | 1 per tenant. | Within 10 ft of main entrance (directional/identification). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
| Monument Business Center Sign (Center Identification) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft sign face area | — | Min 1 ft inside property line; must also meet TSSA sight triangle rules. | 1 per street frontage. | At project frontage, minimum 1 ft inside property line (9-37.060(B)). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
| Monument Individual Tenant Space Sign – Centers < 75,000 sq ft | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | Min 1 ft inside property line; avoid TSSA conflicts. | 1 per qualifying tenant frontage; possible 2 for corner parcels meeting criteria. | Min 1 ft inside property line. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
| Monument Individual Tenant Space Sign – Centers ≥ 75,000 sq ft | 10 ft | 60 sq ft | — | Min 1 ft inside property line; maintain 300 ft spacing between monument signs. | One per qualifying tenant/building, additional as spacing and frontage allow. | Min 1 ft inside property line; additional monument signs must be spaced at least 300 ft apart. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
| Ancillary Signs (Commercial/Industrial) | 4 ft | 2 sq ft per ancillary sign (Table 3‑10). | — | — | 1 per driveway; +3 per drive‑through. | On‑site only; used to identify driveways, parking restrictions, loading zones, etc. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10; 9-37.040(A)(9) |
| Projecting Sign | Bottom of sign min 8 ft above grade (Table 3‑10). | Subject to building‑mounted sign area limits per frontage. | — | — | Same numeric limits as other building‑mounted signs per face. | Projecting from building face over private walkway or property, not into right‑of‑way without encroachment permit. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-37.060(B) Table 3-10 |
HM (Hospital-Medical Overlay)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign – HM Overlay | 10 ft | 40 sq ft per monument sign | — | Outside traffic line‑of‑sight areas; otherwise per monument placement rules (e.g., 1 ft in from property line). | Max 1 monument sign per driveway. | One per vehicular driveway from a street, outside of traffic line‑of‑sight areas (9-28.100(D)(1)(b)). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-28.100(D)(1) |
| Ancillary Signs – HM Overlay | 7 ft 6 in (7'-6") | Up to 40 sq ft per ancillary sign in addition to standard ancillary signage (9-28.100(D)(1)(c)). | — | Outside traffic sight lines; otherwise per sign placement rules. | Main hospital: up to 6 additional ancillary signs; each other PD/CUP parcel: 3 additional. | Outside traffic line‑of‑sight areas. For main hospital property, up to six ancillary signs permitted as "additional" beyond standard; each other PD/CUP parcel: three additional ancillary signs. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-28.100(D)(1)(c) |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign – Hospital ER | — | Max 12 sq ft of electronic display (9-28.100(D)(3)). | — | Not specified beyond being adjacent to ER entrance and not street‑visible. | 1 electronic changeable copy sign for main hospital only. | Immediately adjacent to main hospital emergency room entrance; must not be visible from any street (9-28.100(D)(3)). | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-28.100(D)(3); 9-37.050(G) |
| Temporary Signs – HM Overlay (Blade/Banner Type) | Blade signs must not be above top of light pole and not in/above public right‑of‑way; must be mounted with horizontal support members (9-28.100(D)(2)(a)). | Blade‑type temp signs: up to 12 sq ft each; max 2 per light pole (9-28.100(D)(2)(a)). Temporary building banners: up to 300 sq ft each; up to 2 allowed on main hospital building (9-28.100(D)(2)(b)). | — | Blade signs must not project into or above right‑of‑way; building banners controlled to prevent hazard. | Blade signs: up to 25% of light poles, max 2 signs per pole. Building banners: up to 2 for main hospital building. | Blade signs on up to 25% of parking‑lot light poles within main hospital lot. Banners mounted on main hospital building at 2975 Sycamore Dr, at locations & method per Director’s discretion, not creating safety issues. | — | Unlock | SVMC 9-28.100(D)(2) |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Simi Valley — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Simi Valley — start freeProhibited Signs in Simi Valley
- It is unlawful to establish, construct, reconstruct, alter, or replace any use of land or structure except in compliance with the Development Code, including Section 9-22.020 and applicable zoning district standards.
- No building or grading permits may be issued unless the proposed land use and/or structure complies with applicable zoning, subdivision, and grading requirements (Section 9-10.040(B)).
- All permits or licenses issued by the City must comply with the Development Code; any permit or license issued in conflict with the Development Code is void (Section 9-10.040(G); 9-78.030).
- No structure shall be moved into an area, erected, reconstructed, added to, enlarged, structurally altered, or maintained, and no structure or land shall be used for any purpose, except as specifically provided and allowed by the Development Code and applicable zone regulations (Section 9-78.020(A), (B)).
- No permit or entitlement may be issued or renewed for any use, construction, or improvement unless specifically provided for or permitted by the Development Code (Section 9-78.020(C)).
- Any sign that conflicts with the sign regulations, including animated, moving, rotating, roof, temporary/portable (except as allowed), signs in the public right-of-way, and abandoned or illegal signs, is prohibited (Section 9-37.040).
- Signs may not be located within the public right-of-way, upon any utility pole, fencing, tree, shrub, railroad crossing, or lighting system, unless expressly allowed (Sections 9-37.010(G), 9-37.040(A)(12), 9-37.070(C)(10)).
- Flashing lights are prohibited as exterior lighting (Section 9-30.040(B)) and flashing signs are prohibited (Section 9-37.040(A)(1)).
- Temporary commercial signs are not allowed on residentially zoned or residentially developed properties, except those placed by charitable organizations or property management/leaseholders as specified (Section 9-37.070(B)).
- All exterior lighting must be designed and maintained so that light and glare are directed away from adjacent uses and streets, with no illumination or glare onto adjacent properties or streets beyond specified limits (Section 9-30.040(A), (C)).
- It is a violation to place any temporary sign on or over the public right-of-way, public easements, or upon any utility pole, fencing, tree, shrub, railroad crossing, or lighting system (Section 9-37.070(C)(10)).
- Nonconforming uses or structures may not be expanded in a way that increases any portion that is nonconforming (setback, height, or other physical limitation) and may not be re-established after certain abandonment/discontinuance periods (Section 9-72.020, 9-72.050).
- Any sign, land use, structure, or development in violation of the Development Code or conditions of approval is declared a public nuisance and subject to abatement and penalties; each day of violation is a separate offense (Sections 9-78.040, 9-37.090(A), 9-35.090).
- Shopping carts must be stored as required; outdoor storage of carts is prohibited unless screened and designed per standards (Section 9-26.060(A)(5); 9-44.105(D)(8)).
- Outdoor storage in commercial and industrial zones is prohibited unless incidental to a permitted use and fully screened and confined to allowed portions of the site (Sections 9-26.060(A)(2); 9-26.070(E)(4); 9-44.110).
- No sidewalk, limited parking area, or other required yard may be converted to parking or outdoor storage in violation of setback, landscaping, and parking standards (Sections 9-33.030, 9-34.040, 9-34.090).
Exempt Signs in Simi Valley
- Non-commercial signs are allowed in all zones without a sign permit, provided they meet size, placement, height, attachment, identification, and illumination standards in the sign regulations (Section 9-37.070(A)).
- Temporary commercial signs placed by eligible charitable organizations on private property with owner permission are allowed without a sign permit, subject to size, duration, identification, and location standards (Sections 9-37.030(D)(2), 9-37.070(F)).
- Governmental signs and signs required by federal, state, or local law are allowed without a sign permit and are exempt from some sign regulations, except where illumination is regulated by law (Section 9-37.030(D)(1), 9-37.040(A)(9)).
- Used vehicle-automobile sales lots with a Conditional Use Permit to sell used automobiles exclusively may display a limited number of temporary signs on light poles without a sign permit, fee, or posting time limits, subject to size and location limits (Sections 9-37.030(D)(4), 9-44.200(C)).
- Certain small-scale accessory and residential improvements are exempt from Zoning Clearance, including: color/material change on a completed single-family home; crop growing without structures; household animals; some at-grade patios, paving, and decks 30 inches or less above grade; certain paving; and fences/walls up to 6 feet outside front yard and within front yard up to 42 inches or see-through up to 6 feet (Section 9-52.020(B)(3); 9-30.050(A)(2)).
- Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation from development standards and procedures; qualifying requests are granted ministerially when required findings are met (Sections 9-24.060(A)(7), 9-44.105(D)(2), 9-52.110).
- Existing projects that pre-date ordinance changes retain vested rights and are processed under regulations in effect when their application was deemed complete; amendments to the Development Code do not apply retroactively to those projects (Section 9-10.040(E)).
- Certain small temporary uses are exempt from Temporary Use Permit requirements: garage sales up to one 3‑day event per 180 days; nonprofit fundraising activities with property owner permission; survey-taking; and ordinary holiday decorations (Section 9-52.080(C)).
- Non-commercial temporary signs related to elections may be posted up to 60 days before, and 7 days after, an election without a sign permit, subject to general temporary sign standards (Section 9-37.070(A)(3)).
- Accessory retail within hospitals, hotels, offices, and industrial complexes that is clearly incidental to the primary use and not visible from public streets is allowed without being treated as a separate principal use, provided they meet accessory retail standards (Section 9-44.030; 9-44.105(D)(7)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Simi Valley
- An approved Master Sign Program is required concurrently with the approval of the required discretionary permit for all new nonresidential projects and for major rehabilitation of existing nonresidential projects that involve exterior remodeling; all signs in the project must comply with the approved Master Sign Program (Section 9-37.030(C)(1)).
- A Master Sign Program must provide standards for style, size, and placement of signs within the nonresidential project and is reviewed and approved by the same authority that approves the underlying land use permit (Section 9-37.030(C)(2)-(3)).
- Revisions to a Master Sign Program may be approved administratively by the Director if determined to be minor and consistent with the original intent; substantial deviations require a new Master Sign Program approval (Section 9-37.030(C)(4)).
- Each sign approved under a Master Sign Program still requires an individual Sign Permit before installation (Section 9-37.030(C)(5)).
- For rehabilitation of existing commercial/industrial sites, a Rehabilitation Sign Permit can allow one freestanding individual business identification (monument) sign in lieu of an on-building street frontage sign, subject to specific size, height, and location standards (Section 9-44.120(D)).
Source: municode municipal code