Selma, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

SMC 6-2-21, titled Prohibition of Fowl, Livestock and Wild Animals, establishes the regulatory framework for animal keeping within the City of Selma by identifying which types of animals may be kept and in which areas of the city they are permitted. The section is organized under Title VI, Chapter 2 of the Selma Municipal Code, which addresses all animal-related regulations including licensing, impoundment, and dangerous animal provisions. The animal keeping restrictions are tied to the zoning classification of the property, reflecting the city's approach of using land use regulations to manage the compatibility of different activities within the community. In standard residential zones, which comprise the majority of developed land within Selma, the keeping of livestock and poultry is generally prohibited. These zones are designed for single-family and multi-family residential uses at urban densities, and the keeping of farm animals on typical residential lots of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet creates predictable conflicts with neighboring residents due to noise, odor, and sanitation concerns. Chickens, while quieter than roosters, still generate noise, attract predators and vermin, and produce waste that requires regular management to prevent odor and fly problems. Roosters are particularly problematic in residential settings due to their crowing behavior, which begins before dawn and can be heard at considerable distance. The keeping of roosters is generally restricted even in areas where hens might otherwise be tolerated. Larger livestock including goats, sheep, hogs, cattle, and horses require significantly more space and generate correspondingly greater impacts on neighboring properties, making them incompatible with urban residential development patterns. Agricultural zones within the city and properties in transitional areas with larger lot sizes may allow the keeping of livestock and poultry subject to conditions. These conditions typically address minimum lot size requirements, setback distances between animal enclosures and neighboring dwellings, maximum numbers of animals per acre, waste management and sanitation standards, and fencing and containment requirements. Properties in agricultural zones reflect the city's Central Valley heritage as an agricultural community and provide opportunities for animal husbandry that are not available in urban residential areas. The Selma Animal Services Division serves as the primary enforcement agency for animal keeping regulations and can be reached at (559) 218-1937 or visited at their facility at 2831 W. Front Street, Selma, CA 93662. Animal Services officers respond to complaints about prohibited animals on residential properties, investigate potential violations, and work with property owners to achieve compliance. In cases where animals are being kept in violation of SMC 6-2-21, the property owner is typically given a notice of violation and a reasonable period to remove the animals or come into compliance. Persistent violations or situations involving animal welfare concerns may result in impoundment of the animals and administrative citations. Wild animals are also addressed under SMC 6-2-21 and are generally prohibited as pets within the city, consistent with California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations that restrict the keeping of native wildlife and certain exotic species.