Planning Division

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Welcome to the Planning Division of the Department of Environmental Services. Our mission is to create a better community for the people of Simi Valley by overseeing the development of a prosperous and sustainable community. We offer information and services to enhance and maintain City’s environment while ensuring a high quality of life for the community.

The Planning Division oversees various technical and administrative functions of the land use planning process. Through the formal review and public hearing process, the Planning Division implements, as adopted by the City Council, the City’s General Plan, which is the City’s vision for future development, Zoning Ordinance, and Design Guidelines.

The Planning Division responsibilities, in coordination with other departments and agencies, include land development, commercial and industrial tenant improvements, wireless telecommunication facilities, environmental assessments, affordable housing programs, signage, temporary events, annexations, long range planning, and support to the City Council, Planning Commission, and various City committees.

Contact

Department of Environmental Services
Environmental Services Director
Stratis Perros

Please email the Planning Division for assistance and further information or call us at (805) 583-6769.

Planning Resources

The following links provide guidance and step-by-step process to navigate applicants and the public to ensure that all proposed development meets community standards and fulfills all legal requirements. By selecting a link below, learn the City's requirements, access to the resources, and learn about the process to take your project from concept to completion.

Massage Permit

A Massage permit is required to operate a Massage Business in Simi Valley. The Massage Permit page has all requirements to obtain the permit.

Accessory Dwelling Units

The City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Development Standards have been updated and there is a new guide to help you plan out your ADU. You can view the updated Ordinance or download the ADU Guide to start planning your ADU. Please email the Planning Division for assistance and further information or call us at (805) 583-6769.

Also available for your reference is the Housing SoCal ADU Website; a one-stop shop to access many online tools to help homeowners plan for ADU and Junior ADU projects.

Owners/developers that are considering renting their ADU/JADU must observe all fair housing laws. The Fair Housing Factsheets provides information on residential tenants' and landlords' rights, including various protected classes and source of income protection.

SB 9 Units and Lot Splits

In 2021 State Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) was adopted allowing property owners within single-family zones to:

Develop up to two primary residential units on a single lot with administrative approval; and
Create a two-lot subdivision on an existing residential lot, subject to certain criteria being met (two primary units may also be constructed on each lot) with administrative approval.

SB 9 eliminated a significant amount of local control over land use planning, and supersedes several City regulations regarding single-family residential subdivision and development standards; however, the new law does preserve some authority for local jurisdictions to enact regulations through the adoption of new and objective zoning regulations

On October 23, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1352 establishing rules and regulations regarding Two-Unit Residential Developments and standards for subdividing single-family residential properties in response to SB 9. Ordinance No. 1352 became effective on December 18, 2023.

Owners/developers that are considering renting their SB 9 unit must observe all fair housing laws. The Fair Housing Factsheets provides information on residential tenants' and landlords' rights, including various protected classes and source of income protection.

Please email the Planning Division for assistance and further information or call us at (805) 583-6769.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader