Fence Regulations in Merced, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
The City of Merced regulates fence and wall height under Merced Municipal Code (MMC) Chapter 20.30 (Walls and Fences). Per the City Planning Division, rear yard fences may reach 7 feet, front yard fences 4 feet, and fences at a corner or the visual corner of a driveway are limited to 2 1/2 feet.
Merced Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
The City of Merced regulates fences through zoning (MMC Chapter 20.30) for height and placement. Under the 2022 California Building Code Section 105.2, which Merced adopts, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit, but a fence still must comply with the City's zoning height limits and sight-distance rules.
Merced Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
The City of Merced sets the physical fence standards (height, placement) under MMC Chapter 20.30, but cost-sharing for shared boundary fences is governed by California Civil Code Section 841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act). Adjoining owners are presumed equally responsible for a shared fence and must give 30 days' written notice before construction or replacement.
Merced Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls in the City of Merced follow the California Building Code, which the City adopts. Per 2022 CBC Section 105.2, walls not over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top) are permit-exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Taller walls, or walls holding a load, require a building permit.
Merced Retaining Wall Permits
Some RestrictionsFence Requirements
City of Merced fences must comply with MMC Chapter 20.30 (Walls and Fences): a 7-foot maximum in rear yards, 4 feet in front yards, and 2 1/2 feet at corners and the visual corner of a driveway to preserve driver sight lines. Fences may not encroach into the public right-of-way, an adopted parcel line, or a public use easement.
Merced Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
The City of Merced regulates walls and fences under MMC Chapter 20.30, which addresses height and placement. Common residential materials — wood, vinyl, masonry block, ornamental metal, and chain link — are generally used. The City's published FAQs do not list specific prohibited materials, so confirm material limits with the Planning Division at (209) 385-6858.
Merced Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsApproved Materials
Fence materials in the City of Merced fall under MMC Chapter 20.30 (Walls and Fences). Standard residential materials — wood, vinyl, masonry block, ornamental metal, and chain link — are widely used, subject to the City's height limits (7 ft rear, 4 ft front, 2 1/2 ft at corners). The City's FAQs do not name approved or banned materials.
Merced Fence Materials
Few RestrictionsLooking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Fence Regulations in Merced County →