Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Noise Ordinances in Selma, CA (2026)

9 verified noise ordinances for Selma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Quiet Hours

Selma regulates excessive noise under Title VI, Chapter 17 of the City Code. Any noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB at the property line is a prima facie violation. Residential areas near schools, hospitals, and churches receive additional protections under Section 6-17-7.

Selma Noise Regulations

Some Restrictions

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. Noise permits may be obtained for extended or nighttime work under Section 6-17-10.

Selma Construction Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Barking Dogs

Selma addresses barking dogs under Section 6-2-10, which prohibits excessive noise and nuisance from animals. Dogs causing repeated disturbances through loud, frequent, or habitual barking may be declared a nuisance. The city limits the number of dogs per household.

Selma Barking Dog Regulations

Some Restrictions

Leaf Blower Rules

Selma does not have a standalone leaf blower ban. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted, subject to the general noise ordinance (SMC Chapter 17). Noise exceeding 5 dB over ambient at the property line may still be cited. The SJVAPCD encourages reduced emissions equipment in the San Joaquin Valley.

Selma Leaf Blower Regulations

Few Restrictions

Amplified Music & Events

Selma regulates amplified music through both its general noise ordinance (SMC 6-17-5) and public address system rules (SMC 6-17-8). Amplified sound exceeding 5 dB over ambient at the property line is a prima facie violation. Permits for amplified sound events are available under Section 6-17-10.

Selma Amplified Music and Sound Rules

Some Restrictions

Aircraft Noise

Selma is not located near a major commercial airport. The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 20 miles north, and Selma-based agricultural airstrips. Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA at the federal level and is generally exempt from local noise ordinances.

Selma Aircraft Noise Information

Few Restrictions

Industrial Noise

Selma applies the same 5 dB-over-ambient standard to industrial noise under SMC Chapter 17. The city has industrial and commercial zones along Highway 99 and the BNSF railroad corridor. Zoning under Title XI separates industrial uses from residential areas.

Selma Industrial Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Decibel Limits

Selma establishes decibel measurement criteria in Section 6-17-3 and monitoring procedures in Section 6-17-4. The prima facie violation threshold is 5 dB over the ambient noise level measured at the property line of the affected person (Section 6-17-6).

Selma Decibel Limits and Measurement

Some Restrictions

Outdoor Music

Outdoor music in Selma is subject to the general noise ordinance (SMC Chapter 17) and public address system rules (SMC 6-17-8). Music exceeding 5 dB over ambient at the property line is a prima facie violation. Event permits are available for community gatherings under Section 6-17-10.

Selma Outdoor Music Regulations

Some Restrictions

Looking for Fresno County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Selma city rules.

Noise Ordinances in Fresno County