Moving to Selma, CA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Selma, California may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 97 tracked ordinances across 20 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Parking Rules

Abandoned Vehicles: Selma enforces abandoned and inoperable vehicle abatement through a combination of local municipal code provisions and California Vehicle Code Sections 22651 and 22660, which provide the statutory framework for removing vehicles from both public streets and private property. On public streets, any vehicle parked for more than 72 consecutive hours is subject to citation and towing under CVC 22651(k).

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Selma for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Selma prohibits exterior signage for home occupations under SMC Title 11 zoning provisions. Home businesses must not display any sign, banner, or advertising visible from the street or public right-of-way that indicates a commercial enterprise operates at the residential address..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Cottage Food Operations (permissive), Home Occupation Permits (moderate). See the full home business guide for Selma for details.

Trash & Recycling

Pickup Rules & Schedules: Selma provides mandatory curbside collection through Mid Valley Disposal under SMC 8-1-8. Every residence must subscribe, with pickup days varying by neighborhood per the city service map..

Also covered: Bulk Item Disposal (permissive), Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Selma for details.

Fire Regulations

Smoke Detectors: Selma requires smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in all residential dwellings under the California Building Code and Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7, which mandates smoke alarms approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal in every dwelling unit intended for human occupancy. The Selma Fire Department and Building Division jointly enforce these requirements for both new construction and existing homes.

Also covered: Wildfire Zones (permissive), Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Fireworks (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Selma for details.

Drone Rules

Recreational Drones: Selma has no local drone ordinance. Recreational operators follow FAA Part 44809 rules requiring visual line of sight, a 400-foot altitude limit, and registration for drones over 0.55 pounds..

Also covered: Commercial Drones (permissive). See the full drone rules guide for Selma for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Selma Municipal Code Title 6 Chapter 2 prohibits dogs from running at large within city limits. Dogs must be restrained by leash, chain, or other tethering device when off the owner's property, and animal control officers are authorized to impound any animal found roaming freely..

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (permissive), Exotic Pets (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Selma for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Selma enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929), which requires at least two approved drowning prevention safety features for all new or remodeled residential swimming pools and spas at private single-family homes. Pool barriers that serve as one of these required safety features must meet stringent physical specifications, including a minimum height of 60 inches, a maximum ground clearance of 2 inches, gaps no larger than 4 inches between slats or pickets, and an exterior surface free of protrusions or handholds that would enable a child under five years old to climb over.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Retaining Walls (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Selma for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Parking Rules: Selma does not have STR-specific parking requirements. General parking regulations under Title X (Traffic) apply to all residential properties, including those used as short-term rentals.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (permissive), Insurance Requirements (permissive), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Selma for details.

Noise Ordinances

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.

Also covered: Amplified Music & Events (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Industrial Noise (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Selma for details.

Property Maintenance

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..

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Selma for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Selma SMC Chapter 5-7 requires food truck permits with operating hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, distance restrictions from intersections and schools, and $2 million liability insurance..

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Selma requires 60-inch pool barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates per California Swimming Pool Safety Act. At least two drowning prevention features required..

Also covered: Safety Rules (strict), Pool Permits (moderate), Hot Tub Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Selma for details.

Landscaping Rules

Native Plants: Selma does not mandate native plant landscaping for existing residential properties but follows California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for new construction and major renovations. The MWELO encourages climate-appropriate and drought-tolerant plantings suited to the San Joaquin Valley..

Also covered: Artificial Turf (permissive), Weed Ordinances (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Selma for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Selma has no local rent control ordinance but is covered by California AB 1482. Covered units are subject to an annual rent cap of 5 percent plus CPI, maximum 10 percent total..

Also covered: Rental Registration (permissive), Just Cause Eviction (moderate). See the full rental property rules guide for Selma for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Selma allows ADUs on any residential lot. Detached up to 1,000 sq ft, JADU up to 500 sq ft.

Also covered: Tiny Homes (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive), Garage Conversions (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Selma for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Selma participates in the NFIP. New construction in flood zones must be elevated one foot above base flood elevation.

Also covered: Erosion Control (moderate), Grading & Drainage (moderate), Stormwater Management (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Selma for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Selma bans outdoor cannabis cultivation. Indoor growing allowed with a Community Development Director permit in residential zones.

Also covered: Dispensary Zoning (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Selma for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Selma allows political signs on private property without a permit. Signs limited to 16 sq ft in residential zones.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Garage Sale Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Selma for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Selma uses SolarAPP+ for instant residential solar permits. Standard permits require site plan, building plans, and Title 24 docs.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Selma for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Selma has no standalone dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through zoning performance standards requiring fixtures to be directed and shielded to prevent glare on adjacent properties..

Also covered: Light Trespass (permissive). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Selma for details.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Selma. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.