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Merced County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permitting agency: Merced County Sheriff
Allowed zones: M-1 and M-2 manufacturing only
Spacing requirement: 1,000 feet from parks, schools, churches
Permit term: 1 year, nontransferable
Hours (non-ABC businesses): 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Security staffing: 1 guard per 10 parking spaces after 5 p.m.
Minimum age on premises: 18 years

Summary

Adult entertainment businesses in unincorporated Merced County need a Sheriff's regulatory permit before opening and must sit in an M-1 or M-2 manufacturing zone. They cannot locate within 1,000 feet of a park, church, school, another adult business, a residential zone, or a dwelling in the A-1 general agricultural zone.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried in unincorporated area of Merced County, the operation of an AEB unless the person first obtains and continues to maintain in full force and effect an AEB regulatory permit from the sheriff. ... No AEB shall be established or located in any zone other than light manufacturing (M-1) or general manufacturing (M-2); provided further, that the AEB shall not be located within 1,000 feet of any park, church, school, other AEB, residential zone or dwelling unit in the general agricultural (A-1) Zone.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).

Full Breakdown

030). AEBs may only be located in light manufacturing (M-1) or general manufacturing (M-2) zones, and may not sit within 1,000 feet of a park, church, school, another AEB, a residential zone, or a dwelling unit in the general agricultural (A-1) zone. 050). 060). for businesses not separately regulated by ABC, a stage at least 24 inches high set back at least 10 feet from patrons, and a posted notice barring anyone under 18. 5.

Violations & Fines

Operating an AEB without a Sheriff's regulatory permit, letting an unpermitted person perform, or violating the 1,000-foot spacing and zoning rules exposes the operator to permit denial, suspension for up to six months, or outright revocation under Section 6.12.070. Separately, Section 6.12.090 makes it a misdemeanor for a bar to allow specified sexual conduct or nudity while alcohol is served or within four hours of alcohol consumption on the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Merced County require a special permit for adult businesses?

Yes. Section 6.12.030 requires an AEB regulatory permit from the Sheriff before operating, plus separate performer, escort, or figure model permits for anyone performing adult entertainment, and none of those permits may lapse while the business stays open.

Where can an adult entertainment business locate in unincorporated Merced County?

Only in light manufacturing (M-1) or general manufacturing (M-2) zones under Section 6.12.030(H), and even there it cannot sit within 1,000 feet of a park, church, school, another AEB, a residential zone, or a dwelling in the A-1 agricultural zone.

What hours can a Merced County adult business stay open?

Section 6.12.080(J) limits AEBs not otherwise regulated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to operating between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., and the permit and required notices barring minors must be posted at the entrance at all times.

Can the Sheriff revoke an adult business permit?

Yes. Section 6.12.070 lets the Sheriff deny, suspend for up to six months, or revoke a permit for false statements, underage applicants, prostitution registration, or certain convictions within five years, with the applicant able to appeal to the Board of Supervisors and then the courts.

Sources & Official References

[1]Merced County Code Chapter 6.12 (Adult Entertainment Businesses) - eCode360

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All Merced County rules

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