Selma's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Selma, California, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Selma has no snow removal ordinance due to its warm Central Valley climate. Property owners must keep adjacent sidewalks clear of obstructions under general encroachment provisions in SMC Chapter 7.

Key details: Snow Ordinance: None - warm climate. Average Winter Low: 38-40 degrees F. Sidewalk Obstructions: Prohibited under SMC Ch. 7. Climate Zone: San Joaquin Valley, semi-arid.

There are no snow-specific penalties. General sidewalk obstruction violations fall under the encroachment chapter and standard municipal code penalty provisions, with infractions fined up to $100 for a first offense.

Selma is more permissive than most cities when it comes to snow & sidewalk clearing. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Sale Rules

Selma requires a $20 yard sale permit under SMC 5-17-3 for all residential garage or patio sales. Each household is limited to three sales per year, each lasting up to three consecutive days.

Key details: Code Section: SMC 5-17-3. Permit Fee: $20 nonrefundable. Sales Per Year: 3 per family per location. Duration: 3 consecutive days maximum. Sign Violation Fine: $100.

Conducting a yard sale without a permit violates SMC 5-17-3. Placing signs on public property, utility poles, or fire hydrants carries a $100 fine. General code violations are infractions with fines up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for subsequent violations.

Trash Bin Storage

Selma Municipal Code Section 8-1-2 requires solid waste in approved containers with close-fitting lids, capacity between five and thirty gallons, stored out of public view except on collection day.

Key details: Code Section: SMC 8-1-2 and 8-1-8. Container Size: 5 to 30 gallons with lid. Service Provider: Mid Valley Disposal. Cart Colors: Gray trash, blue recycle, green organic.

Unauthorized disposal of solid waste or failure to subscribe to mandatory collection service is a violation of the municipal code. First infractions carry fines up to $100, second violations within one year up to $200, and third or subsequent violations up to $500. The city may also pursue misdemeanor charges with fines up to $1,000.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Selma requires vacant lot owners to keep property free of weeds, rubbish, and debris under SMC Chapter 8-7. Code Enforcement patrols for overgrown vegetation and refuse on unoccupied parcels.

Key details: Code Section: SMC Ch. 8-7. Complaint Portal: selmaca.portal.opengov.com. Lien Period: 60 days to pay before lien attaches. County Program: Fresno County annual weed abatement.

First infractions carry fines up to $100, second violations within one year up to $200, and third or subsequent violations up to $500. If the city performs abatement, costs are charged to the property owner and become a lien against the parcel, payable within sixty days. Repeat offenders within two years may face treble abatement costs.

Property Blight

Selma Municipal Code Chapter 8-7 declares property blight a public nuisance. Code Enforcement addresses debris, junk, abandoned vehicles, graffiti, and structural disrepair through a tiered notice and abatement process.

Key details: Code Section: SMC Ch. 8-7. First/Second Offense: Courtesy notice then citation. Third+ Offense: Direct citation, no courtesy notice. Abatement Lien: Full cost plus treble for repeat. Contact: Code Enforcement 559-891-2207.

Citations require appearance before Municipal Court, which may impose fines per the adopted fine schedule plus court costs. If the city abates the nuisance, all costs become a lien against the property under SMC 8-7-6. For second or subsequent violations within two years, the city may seek treble costs under Government Code 38773.7. Liens must be paid within sixty days or they attach to the property.

The Bottom Line

Selma's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Selma is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Selma's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.