Fresno vs Selma

Fresno allows up to six hens (no roosters) on single-family residential lots under FMC §9-2801, with coops set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Larger livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle are only allowed on properties zoned for agriculture or rural residential (minimum 0.5 acre for small goats).

Selma regulates the keeping of fowl, livestock, and wild animals under SMC Title VI, Chapter 2 (Animals), Section 6-2-21 (Prohibition of Fowl, Livestock and Wild Animals), which restricts or prohibits keeping such animals in certain areas based on zoning classification and lot characteristics. The keeping of chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other poultry, as well as goats, sheep, hogs, cattle, horses, and other livestock, is generally prohibited in standard residential zoning districts where lot sizes are typical of urban development. Agricultural zones and properties with larger parcels may allow livestock and poultry keeping subject to conditions designed to prevent nuisance impacts on neighbors. The City of Selma Animal Services Division, located at 2831 W. Front Street, enforces animal keeping regulations and responds to complaints about prohibited animals on residential properties. Animals kept in any zone must be maintained in sanitary conditions and may not create a nuisance through excessive noise such as rooster crowing, offensive odors from animal waste, attraction of flies and vermin, or unsanitary conditions presenting public health concerns. Residents considering keeping chickens or livestock should verify zoning eligibility with the Selma Community Development Department before acquiring animals, as violations can result in mandatory removal.