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 8 tracked ordinances across 5 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Landscaping Rules

Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is legal in Selma under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750). Residents may collect rainwater from rooftops for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation without a state water right permit, and no local permit is required for most residential rain barrel systems..

Also covered: Native Plants (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Selma for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing & Safety Requirements: 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: Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Selma for details.

Solar Energy

HOA Restrictions: California Solar Rights Act bars Selma HOAs from banning solar panels. HOA conditions cannot add over $1,000 in cost or cut efficiency by more than 10 percent..

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Selma follows California AB 1482 for just-cause eviction. Landlords of covered units must cite a statutory at-fault or no-fault reason under Civil Code 1946.2 to terminate tenancies of 12+ months..

Also covered: Rent Control (permissive). See the full rental property rules 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.

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.