How Selma Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Selma maintains 97 local ordinances across all categories, and 9 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Selma falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Construction Hours

Selma exempts certain construction activities from the general noise ordinance under Section 6-17-9. Construction must still comply with the excessive noise prohibition in Section 6-17-5. Noise permits may be obtained for extended or nighttime work under Section 6-17-10.

Key details: Exceptions: SMC 6-17-9 covers construction. Noise Permits: Available under SMC 6-17-10. Threshold: 5 dB over ambient at property line. Building Permits: Required for all construction.

Noise violation during non-exempt hours: misdemeanor citation under SMC 6-17-5. Working without a building permit: separate violation under Title IV Building Regulations.

Amplified Music & Events

Selma regulates amplified music through both its general noise ordinance (SMC 6-17-5) and public address system rules (SMC 6-17-8). Amplified sound exceeding 5 dB over ambient at the property line is a prima facie violation. Permits for amplified sound events are available under Section 6-17-10.

Key details: Threshold: 5 dB over ambient at property line. PA Systems: Regulated under SMC 6-17-8. Permits: Available under SMC 6-17-10. Enforcement: Selma Police Department.

Amplified sound violation: misdemeanor citation under SMC 6-17-5. Public address system violation: SMC 6-17-8. Fines set by the Selma Municipal Court.

Quiet Hours

Selma regulates excessive noise under Title VI, Chapter 17 of the City Code. Any noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB at the property line is a prima facie violation. Residential areas near schools, hospitals, and churches receive additional protections under Section 6-17-7.

Key details: Prima Facie: 5 dB over ambient at property line. Protected Areas: Schools, hospitals, churches. Permits: Available under SMC 6-17-10. Code: SMC 6-17-1 through 6-17-10.

Prima facie violation: noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dB at the property line per SMC 6-17-6. Misdemeanor citation issued by Selma PD.

Industrial Noise

Selma applies the same 5 dB-over-ambient standard to industrial noise under SMC Chapter 17. The city has industrial and commercial zones along Highway 99 and the BNSF railroad corridor. Zoning under Title XI separates industrial uses from residential areas.

Key details: Standard: 5 dB over ambient at property line. Industrial Zones: Hwy 99 and BNSF corridor. Protected Areas: Schools, hospitals, churches (6-17-7). Air District: SJVAPCD regulates emissions.

Industrial noise exceeding 5 dB over ambient at property line: prima facie violation under SMC 6-17-6. Zoning violations for non-conforming industrial use: Title XI enforcement.

Barking Dogs

Selma addresses barking dogs under Section 6-2-10, which prohibits excessive noise and nuisance from animals. Dogs causing repeated disturbances through loud, frequent, or habitual barking may be declared a nuisance. The city limits the number of dogs per household.

Key details: Code: SMC 6-2-10. Standard: Loud, frequent, habitual noise. Dog Limits: SMC 6-2-9 restricts number per household. Enforcement: Selma Police / Animal Control.

Animal nuisance violation under SMC 6-2-10. Repeated offenses may result in animal being impounded under SMC 6-2-3. Failure to license dogs is a separate violation.

Decibel Limits

Selma establishes decibel measurement criteria in Section 6-17-3 and monitoring procedures in Section 6-17-4. The prima facie violation threshold is 5 dB over the ambient noise level measured at the property line of the affected person (Section 6-17-6).

Key details: Threshold: 5 dB over ambient. Measurement Point: Property line of affected person. Apartments: Measured within adjoining unit. Code Sections: SMC 6-17-3, 6-17-4, 6-17-6.

Noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dB at the property line: prima facie violation of SMC 6-17-5 per Section 6-17-6. Misdemeanor citation.

Outdoor Music

Outdoor music in Selma is subject to the general noise ordinance (SMC Chapter 17) and public address system rules (SMC 6-17-8). Music exceeding 5 dB over ambient at the property line is a prima facie violation. Event permits are available for community gatherings under Section 6-17-10.

Key details: Threshold: 5 dB over ambient at property line. Loudspeakers: Regulated under SMC 6-17-8. Event Permits: Section 6-17-10. Sensitive Areas: Schools, hospitals, churches.

Outdoor music violation: misdemeanor citation under SMC 6-17-5. Unpermitted loudspeaker use: SMC 6-17-8 violation.

Aircraft Noise

Selma is not located near a major commercial airport. The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 20 miles north, and Selma-based agricultural airstrips. Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA at the federal level and is generally exempt from local noise ordinances.

Key details: Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite Intl (20 mi north). Local Ordinance: None (FAA preemption). Crop Dusters: Common in agricultural areas. Complaints: File with FAA.

Aircraft noise is federally regulated. No local violation applies. Low-flying aircraft complaints are directed to the FAA.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Selma gives residents more flexibility on aircraft noise.

Leaf Blower Rules

Selma does not have a standalone leaf blower ban. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted, subject to the general noise ordinance (SMC Chapter 17). Noise exceeding 5 dB over ambient at the property line may still be cited. The SJVAPCD encourages reduced emissions equipment in the San Joaquin Valley.

Key details: Gas Blowers: Permitted (no local ban). Noise Limit: 5 dB over ambient at property line. State Law: AB 1346 phases out new gas sales. Air District: SJVAPCD jurisdiction.

No specific leaf blower violation. General noise ordinance applies: citation under SMC 6-17-5 if noise is excessive during non-exempt hours.

Selma is more permissive than most cities when it comes to leaf blower rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Selma gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 9 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Selma's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.