Fence Regulations in Merced County, CA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fences and walls in Merced County residential zones are capped at 4 feet within the first 15 feet of the front setback and 7 feet everywhere else, while a 2-foot-6-inch limit applies inside sight distance triangles at intersections and driveways. Anything over 7 feet needs a building permit.
Merced County Fence Height Limit Rules
Some RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.34.030(B), Table 3-1
Within front setbacks for the first 15 feet (except for sight distance area): Open or solid fences, walls, hedges with vines and/or shrubs, Maximum Height 4′ – 0″. At 15 feet or more from the property line: Hedges, No height limits; Fences and walls, 7′ – 0″. Sight distance triangles at intersections and driveways: Open or solid fences, walls, hedges with vines and/or shrubs, 2′ – 6″. Other set...
Retaining Walls
Merced County exempts residential retaining walls two feet or less in height from a building permit under County Code § 16.12.110(B), and treats retaining walls under three feet as exempt from zoning setbacks under Zoning Code § 18.30.040(C)(1)(b). Anything taller needs a building permit and must meet the zone's setback.
Merced County Retaining Wall Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMerced County Code § 16.12.110(B); Zoning Code § 18.30.040(C)(1)(b)
Chapter 16.16 of this title shall not apply to a building designed or constructed as a detached, single story shed for personal use, not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area, not exceeding 12 feet in height, with no electrical and no plumbing (only one such building exempted under this provision will be allowed for each dwelling on a parcel; additional sheds will require a building permit an...
Material Restrictions
Merced County bans barbed wire, electric fencing, and razor wire in every residential and commercial zone under Zoning Code § 18.34.020(F), reserving those materials for agricultural and industrial parcels. Even where barbed wire is allowed, no fence under six feet can carry sharp wire or projections along its top edge.
Merced County Barbed Wire and Fence Material Rules
Significant RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.34.020(E)(3), (F)(1)
Security Fencing. Barbed wire, electric fence, razor wire, and other similar materials are only allowed in agricultural and industrial zones. ... Residential Zones. The use of barbed wire is not permitted in residential zones. There shall be no sharp wire or projections along the top of any fence or wall less than six feet in height. The use of electrified fencing or razor wire in conjunction w...
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