How Selma Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Selma maintains 97 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. 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.

Political Signs

Selma allows political signs on private property without a permit. Signs limited to 16 sq ft in residential zones. Public right-of-way placement prohibited.

Key details: Max Sign Size (Residential): Typically 16 sq ft. Permit Required: No (private property). Public Property: Signs prohibited. Removal After Election: Within 10-15 days.

Signs placed on public property or in the right-of-way may be removed by the City without notice. Signs that obstruct traffic visibility may be ordered removed immediately. Theft or destruction of political signs on private property is a misdemeanor under California Elections Code Section 18370.

Selma is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

Holiday Displays

Selma permits holiday decorations on private property without permits. Displays must not obstruct traffic or cause light trespass. Remove within 30 days after the holiday.

Key details: Permit Required: No. Removal Expectation: Within 30 days after holiday. Traffic Obstruction: Prohibited. Light Trespass: Must not be unreasonable.

Holiday displays that create traffic hazards or safety concerns may result in a code enforcement notice requesting correction. Damaged or deteriorated decorations left up indefinitely may be cited under property maintenance standards. Initial violations typically receive a courtesy notice with a compliance period.

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

Garage Sale Signs

Selma allows garage sale signs on private property without a permit. Signs limited to 6 sq ft. No public property placement. Remove signs when sale ends.

Key details: Max Sign Size: Typically 6 sq ft. Permit Required: No. Public Property Signs: Prohibited. Removal: Same day sale ends.

Signs placed on public property or in the right-of-way are subject to immediate removal by the City without notice. Signs left up after the sale ends may result in a code enforcement notice. Repeated violations may result in administrative citations with fines.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Selma gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 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.

These rules come from Selma's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.