Selma addresses light trespass through zoning performance standards and nuisance provisions. Outdoor lighting must be shielded to prevent illumination from spilling onto adjacent properties.
Light trespass in Selma is regulated under the general development standards of the zoning ordinance, which require outdoor lighting to be oriented and shielded so that the light source is not visible beyond the property boundary. The city does not specify numerical footcandle limits at property lines but relies on a subjective standard that lighting must not constitute a nuisance to neighboring properties. Commercial properties adjacent to residential zones receive heightened scrutiny during site plan review to ensure parking lot lights, security fixtures, and signage illumination do not create glare or spillover. If a resident experiences light trespass from a neighboring property, they may file a complaint with Code Enforcement, which can investigate and require corrective measures under the nuisance abatement provisions of SMC Chapter 8-7. California Civil Code also provides private remedies for nuisance conditions including excessive light intrusion.
Light trespass complaints are handled through Code Enforcement. Property owners who fail to correct excessive lighting after notice face the standard nuisance abatement process including courtesy notice, citation, and potential city-performed abatement with costs recovered through property liens.
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 light trespass.
See how Selma's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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