Home

About the City

City Council

City Departments

Employment

Press Releases

Phone #s

What's New

Links

ADA Accommodations

What is a Zoning Clearance?

A Zoning Clearance is a document issued by the City of Simi Valley's Planning Division certifying that a proposed structure or land use meets all applicable requirements of the City's Zoning Code.  A Zoning Clearance is required before the use of land occurs, including any construction activity requiring building permits.

A supplement to the Zoning Clearance is required on all projects for which a Planned Development Permit or a Special Use Permit has been approved as well as for all residential development.  The supplement to the Zoning Clearance enables other City departments, County agencies and special districts to review proposed projects prior to construction.  This review will ensure compliance with all conditions of approval and requirements that may be applicable to the project.

A Zoning Clearance is required following the approval of any Planned Development or Special Use Permit but prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Zoning Clearances are most commonly issued for patio covers, room additions and tenant improvements for businesses.

A Zoning Clearance can only be issued if:

• The proposed use is permitted within the designated Zoning district;
• The proposed use meets all the requirements of the City's Zoning Code with respect to height, setbacks and lot coverage for that zone;
• The proposed use is compatible with the purpose, intent, goals, policies, programs and land use designations specified in the City's General Plan; and,
• The proposed use complies with the terms and conditions of approval associated with any and all permits that may have been issued for the property.

A Zoning Clearance is not required for the following:

• Crops growing where no new structures are proposed; and,
• Construction of fences or walls no more than 6 feet in height (except retaining walls).
• Uncovered patios, paving and uncovered decks (constructed no more than 30 inches above the surrounding finished grade). However, due to various property setback requirements, a Zoning Clearance is recommended.

For further assistance regarding Zoning Clearance or other planning related matters, please contact the City of Simi Valley, Department of Environmental Services Planning Division at (805) 583-6769.

The Zoning Clearance Application is available as an Adobe Acrobat document.  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document.  If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat software, it is available as a free download from Adobe.  Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.