Business Licensing & Operations in Merced, CA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Operating an adult entertainment business in Merced without a city permit is unlawful under Municipal Code Sec. 5.58.030, and every application must map any other adult business, church, school, park, or residential zone within 1,000 feet of the entrance before the police chief will consider it.
Merced Adult Entertainment Permit and Spacing
Significant RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 5.58.030(A); Sec. 5.58.050(H)
A.It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises in the City of Merced, the operation of an adult entertainment business unless the person first obtains and continues to maintain in full force and effect a permit from the City of Merced as herein required. (Adult Business Regulatory Permit). ...
Massage Establishments
Operating a massage or bodywork business in Merced without a city permit is a misdemeanor under Municipal Code Section 5.44.100, punishable through Chapter 1.12. The finance officer issues the permit after the police chief, fire chief, health officer, and planning manager sign off, and every practitioner must also hold a valid California massage certificate.
Merced Massage Establishment Permit
Significant RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 5.44.100 (Permit Required)
A.Except as provided by Section 5.44.290 of this chapter, no person shall perform massage or bodywork techniques for a fee or any other consideration at a location outside a massage establishment as defined in this chapter.B.It is unlawful and a misdemeanor subject to punishment in accordance with Chapter 1.12 of this code for any person to engage in, conduct, or carry on, or to permit to be en...
Tobacco Retail License
Merced bans new tobacco retailers, including vape and e-cigarette shops, within 1,000 feet of any listed school and within 600 feet of youth-oriented facilities like parks, libraries, day cares, and youth centers under Municipal Code Section 20.44.160.
Merced Tobacco Retailer Distance From Schools
Significant RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 20.44.160(A),(B)
A.Prohibited within One Thousand (1,000) Feet of Schools and within Six Hundred (600) Feet of Other Youth-Oriented Facilities. New tobacco retailers (including the sale of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and all other tobacco products or paraphernalia restricted by the State of California for sale to minors) are prohibited within one thousand (1,000) feet of any parcel whic...
Secondhand Dealers
Merced requires anyone running a secondhand goods, junk, or pawnbroker business to get a written permit from the city council before opening, under Municipal Code Section 5.28.030. Chapter 5.28 also defines what counts as regulated 'furniture and household goods' and requires dealers to log every item bought or pledged for police inspection.
Merced Secondhand Dealer Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 5.28.030 (Permit Required, Ch. 5.28 Secondhand Dealers)
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, manage or carry on the business of pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or junk dealer without first applying for and receiving a permit therefor in writing from the city council.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Merced bans open-air vehicle repair or dismantling in residential districts unless the fire department first issues a permit under Municipal Code Section 8.40.060. The permit process runs through the fire chief, caps the work at fifteen days, and does not apply to minor adjustments finishable within seventy-two hours.
Merced Home Vehicle Repair Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 8.40.060 (Repair of motor vehicles in residential district; permit required)
A.It is unlawful and a misdemeanor subject to punishment in accordance with Chapter 1.12 of this code, for any person to repair or dismantle in the open in any residential district of the city, any automobile, boat, or other vehicle or conveyance without having first obtained a permit to do so. ... D.The permit shall specify the time period in which the work shall be accomplished, which time pe...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
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