Selma Municipal Code Ch. 11 Public Welfare

(A) No person may sit, lie, sleep or camp on a public place at any time. "Camp" shall be defined to include, but not be limited to; sitting, lying, storing or placing a tent on a public place. "Public Place" shall be defined to include, but not be limited to, sidewalks, streets, alleyways, or other public space.

(B) No person may sit, lie, sleep or camp in any pedestrian or vehicular entrance to public or private property abutting a public sidewalk.

(C) No person may sit, lie, sleep or camp on a property designated as a sensitive use. For a property to be designated as a "sensitive use," the property must be a School, Childcare Facilities, Public Park, Public Library, City Facility, Governmental Facility located in the City of Selma, Warming and Cooling Centers, and City-Permitted Shelters for the Unhoused.

(D) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, any person found in violation of this section may be immediately removed from the premises.

(E) A violation of this article is a misdemeanor, and upon conviction punishable by a fine of not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the Fresno County Jail for a period of not more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to the remedies set forth in Penal Code section 370, et seq., the City Attorney may institute civil actions to abate a public nuisance under this article. Any individual charged with violation of this article, in lieu of being taken to jail may, at the election of the citing police officer and with the consent of the individual, be taken to a facility providing social services related to mental health, housing, and/or substance abuse treatment. As an alternative to a fine or jail sentence, the City would encourage the Court to grant diversion or probation with a condition the offender complete a rehabilitation program.

(F) The City shall adhere to State law as it pertains to mobile and sidewalk vendors. (Ord. 2024-7, 10-7-2024)