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.
California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, updated and codified in Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, applies to new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects exceeding 500 square feet. Selma, as a city that has not adopted a stricter local ordinance, follows the state MWELO standards. These require a landscape design plan that includes a plant palette with water-efficient species appropriate to the local climate zone. The San Joaquin Valley climate supports a range of drought-tolerant natives and Mediterranean species well suited to Selma's hot summers and mild winters. For existing residential properties, there is no mandate to replace traditional lawns with native plants. However, the state's permanent water waste prohibitions and periodic drought restrictions make drought-tolerant landscaping a practical choice. Selma homeowners replacing conventional lawns with xeriscaping or native plantings are not subject to any local prohibition on such conversions.
New construction or major landscape projects that fail to meet MWELO water efficiency requirements may not receive plan approval from the Selma Building Department.
Selma, CA
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 ove...
Selma, CA
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...
Selma, CA
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...
Selma, CA
Selma addresses barking dogs under Section 6-2-10, which prohibits excessive noise and nuisance from animals. Dogs causing repeated disturbances through loud...
Selma, CA
Selma is not located near a major commercial airport. The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 20 miles north, and Selma-based agr...
Selma, CA
Selma does not impose a blanket overnight parking ban on residential streets, making it more permissive than many California cities that restrict parking dur...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle native plants.
See how Selma's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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