Selma has no local drone ordinance. Recreational operators follow FAA Part 44809 rules requiring visual line of sight, a 400-foot altitude limit, and registration for drones over 0.55 pounds.
The City of Selma has not enacted a local ordinance specifically regulating recreational unmanned aircraft systems (drones). Recreational drone operations within Selma are governed exclusively by federal law, primarily the FAA Reauthorization Act Section 44809 (Exception for Limited Recreational Operations). Recreational pilots must fly for purely recreational purposes, maintain visual line of sight, keep below 400 feet above ground level, avoid flying over people and moving vehicles, yield to manned aircraft, and register drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds with the FAA. Selma is located approximately 15 miles southeast of the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and portions of the city may fall within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization through an FAA-approved app before flying. Drone flights over Selma city parks are subject to park regulations under SMC Chapter 8 (Park Regulations), which prohibit activities that endanger public safety or disturb park users.
Federal violations of FAA drone rules can result in civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation. Operating a drone carelessly or recklessly near an airport can result in criminal penalties. Local park regulation violations are infractions under the Selma Municipal Code.
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