Quiet hours in Selma, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
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's noise ordinance (Selma Municipal Code Sections 6-17-1 through 6-17-10) prohibits excessive noise citywide. Section 6-17-5 broadly prohibits excessive noise, while Section 6-17-6 establishes that any noise exceeding the ambient noise level at the property line of the affected person, or within any adjoining living unit of a condominium or apartment, by more than 5 decibels constitutes a prima facie violation. Decibel measurement criteria are defined in Section 6-17-3, and monitoring procedures appear in Section 6-17-4. Section 6-17-7 provides heightened protections near schools, hospitals, and churches. Exceptions are listed in Section 6-17-9, covering activities such as emergency operations and permitted construction. Permits for noise-generating activities may be obtained under Section 6-17-10. Enforcement is handled by the Selma Police Department. In this Central Valley agricultural community, common noise issues include farm equipment, Highway 99 traffic, and seasonal harvest operations.
Prima facie violation: noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dB at the property line per SMC 6-17-6. Misdemeanor citation issued by Selma PD.
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...
Selma, CA
Selma comprehensively regulates RV, boat, and trailer parking under SMC 10-10-33 and the 2024 Zoning Code Update, imposing restrictions on both street parkin...
Selma, CA
Selma enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929), which requires at least two approved drowning...
Selma, CA
Selma follows California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code Sections 841 through 841.4) for shared boundary fences, which establishes a presumption that a...
Selma, CA
Selma Municipal Code Title 6 Chapter 2 prohibits dogs from running at large within city limits. Dogs must be restrained by leash, chain, or other tethering d...
Selma, CA
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Selma under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750). Residents may collect rainwater from rooftops for non-pota...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle quiet hours.
See how Selma's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.