Merced, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)

060 makes it 'unlawful and a misdemeanor' to repair or dismantle any automobile, boat, or other vehicle in the open in a residential district without a permit. The application goes to the fire department, not planning or code enforcement, and must state the applicant's name and address, the work address, written consent from the property owner if different from the applicant, a description of the vehicle and the work planned, and the estimated time to finish. ' Once granted, the permit fixes a completion deadline of no more than fifteen days, extendable only for reasonable cause.

When the work is done, the applicant must clear the site of debris, oil, grease, gasoline, paint, and lacquer so no hazard to people or property remains. 060(F) lets the fire department remove and store the vehicle or its parts at the applicant's own expense. The rule carves out an exception for 'minor adjustments or the replacement of parts' that can reasonably be finished within seventy-two hours; those need no permit at all. 060' a public nuisance subject to the chapter's full abatement process.