Selma adopts new graffiti-removal rules, gives property owners 10 days to consent to free cleanup

The Selma City Council gave final approval April 15 to Ordinance 2025-04, amending Selma Municipal Code section 6.21.6 on graffiti removal. Council members voted to change the procedure so property owners get 10 days' notice and an option to sign a short release permitting city crews to enter and remove graffiti at no charge.

City Attorney Costanza explained the revision as a response to legal and practical problems with the prior procedure: “It used to be that we would give you a notice, and we deemed by the ordinance that you would consent if you didn't tell us otherwise … That's not constitutional.” Under the amended ordinance, property owners who give written consent will receive free removal and will sign a release protecting the city from certain liabilities such as paint mismatch. If an owner declines to consent within 10 days, the city may impose daily fines; when fines reach $1,500 the attorney is authorized to seek court permission to enter the property or require contractor removal and to collect fines in court.

The council moved and seconded adoption and approved the ordinance by roll call (Council Member Oseguera — yes; Council Member Avalos — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Guerra — yes; Mayor Robertson — yes). The attorney noted one clerical reference in the draft that still showed 72 hours and said he would supply the corrected final ordinance to the clerk.

Costanza said the overall goal is to encourage property owners to allow the city to remove graffiti rather than force entry or pursue enforcement measures. The ordinance retains existing fines and procedures besides the notice-and-consent change.

The council directed staff to provide the corrected ordinance language for publication and to proceed with the new procedure once the clerk posts the final document.