Simi Valley Building Permits Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Information comes from the City of Simi Valley; sources are listed at the end.

In Simi Valley, construction permits are required before building, remodeling or adding to any existing building, and the Building and Safety Division reviews plans and inspects the work.

Simi Valley building permits at a glance

Who issues permits	City of Simi Valley Building and Safety Division (Environmental Services)
Front counter	(805) 583-6723, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063
Online portal	Online Customer Self Service Portal (plans and inspection requests)
Plan review goal	20 to 25 working days for the initial review and each later review
Inspection scheduling	Requests received by 4:00 p.m. are performed the next workday
Seismic and wind	Seismic Design Category D or E; 110 mph basic wind speed, exposure B

What needs a permit in Simi Valley

The City states that construction permits must be obtained before constructing a new building, remodeling, or adding to any existing building. Drawings and supporting documents are reviewed for compliance with the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Energy Codes. For a specific project, call the Building and Safety front counter at (805) 583-6723 to confirm whether a permit is required.

Plans for a one-story single-family dwelling, residential garage or accessory structure of conventional wood frame construction and limited structural complexity do not have to be prepared by a California licensed architect or registered engineer. Structurally complex dwellings, steep hillside sites and certain occupancies must have plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer.

How the permit process works

Plans are submitted through the City’s online self-service portal. The City asks for a full plan set as one PDF (site plan, architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and Title 24 forms), structural calculations stamped by a California registered engineer, and any other supporting documents such as a geotechnical report.

After approval, permits are issued. All permits are valid for a specified amount of time, so confirm the term on your permit.

During construction, inspections follow a typical sequence: foundation, concrete slab, roof and wall sheathing, frame, insulation, drywall nailing, and sewer and water service connection. When changing the use of a building or building a new one, a final inspection and a signed Application for Certificate of Occupancy are required before utilities are released. The owner or contractor must keep a stamped approved plan set (18 by 24 inches) at the job site.

How permits affect selling a Simi Valley home

California sellers must disclose known unpermitted work, and buyers using financing may ask for permit history. An addition or conversion without a final inspection, or a permit that was never closed out, can slow a traditional sale, prompt repair requests or reduce offers. Resolving it means contacting Building and Safety, submitting any required plans, and passing inspections, which takes time and cost.

How to sell a house in Simi Valley with unpermitted work or open permits

1. Gather what you know about the work: what was done, when, and by whom.
2. Call Building and Safety at (805) 583-6723 to ask about permit records and open permits.
3. Decide whether to legalize the work or sell as-is.
4. If legalizing, expect plan submittal through the City portal, plan review, and inspections.
5. If selling as-is, disclose the work and compare a traditional listing with a cash offer that needs no permits or repairs.

We buy Simi Valley homes as-is. See sell house as-is in Simi Valley, Simi Valley cash home buyers and our cash offer process.

Questions about your property? Call or text (424) 435-2326 or use our contact page.

Simi Valley building permits FAQ

Where do I submit plans in Simi Valley?

Plans are submitted through the City’s Online Customer Self Service Portal as PDF files.

How long does Simi Valley plan review take?

The Division’s goal is 20 to 25 working days for the initial review and for each later review, depending on workload.

Do I need an architect or engineer?

Not for a one-story single-family dwelling, garage or accessory structure of conventional wood frame and limited complexity. Complex dwellings, steep hillsides and certain occupancies require a licensed professional.

How do I schedule an inspection?

Request it through the self-service portal. Requests received by 4:00 p.m. are performed the following workday.

Can I sell my Simi Valley house with unpermitted work?

Yes, with disclosure. Cash buyers such as us purchase as-is, so permits and repairs do not have to be finished before closing.

Sources

• City of Simi Valley: Building and Safety Division
• City of Simi Valley: Building Construction Overview
• City of Simi Valley: Plan Review Procedures
• City of Simi Valley: Inspection Procedures

This guide is general information, not legal or construction advice. Rules change; confirm with the City before acting.