Landscaping Rules in Selma, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Selma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Selma Municipal Code Title 8 classifies overgrown weeds, grass, and vegetation as a public nuisance subject to abatement. Property owners must keep grass and weeds cut to prevent fire hazards, pest harboring, and visual blight, with the city authorized to abate at the owner's expense if not corrected.
Selma Grass Height and Vegetation Standards
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Selma requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not encroach on public sidewalks, streets, or rights-of-way. SMC Title 10 Chapter 7 addresses encroachments and requires adequate vertical clearance over sidewalks and roadways for pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Selma Tree Trimming Requirements
Few RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Selma does not have a heritage tree ordinance or blanket tree removal permit requirement for private property. Property owners may generally remove trees on their own lots without a city permit, though trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city public works department.
Selma Tree Removal Regulations
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Selma declares weeds, dead vegetation, and combustible plant material on private property to be a public nuisance under SMC Title 8. The city conducts annual weed abatement enforcement requiring property owners to clear lots before fire season, with city-performed abatement costs assessed as liens against noncompliant properties.
Selma Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Selma enforces water conservation measures that include outdoor watering schedules and prohibitions on water waste. As a San Joaquin Valley city in drought-prone Fresno County, Selma follows state water conservation mandates and may implement tiered restrictions during declared drought emergencies.
Selma Water Use and Irrigation Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater 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.
Selma Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code Part 2.4, Sections 10570-10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, AB 1750)
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10571. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of stormwater flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers h...
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.
Selma Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Standards
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), CCR Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Artificial Turf
Selma does not prohibit artificial turf installation on residential properties. Synthetic lawn is an accepted alternative to natural grass and is increasingly popular in the drought-prone San Joaquin Valley as a water conservation measure.
Selma Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Selma city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Fresno County →