Landscaping Rules in Merced County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Weed Ordinances
Under Merced County Ordinance 9.25, weeds, grass, vines and other growth capable of igniting must be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant. Owners must keep a 30-foot disced or 50-foot mowed firebreak around all property lines and structures throughout the dry season, with discing repeated if growth returns.
Merced County Weeds & Tall Grass Abatement
Some RestrictionsMerced County Weed Abatement FAQ (Ordinance 9.25)
In Merced County weed abatement is not always a one-time event. A second disc or mowing may be necessary, it is the property owners responsibility to maintain abatement throughout the dry season. (Typically from April 1st-November 1st)
Rainwater Harvesting
Small development projects in unincorporated Merced County that create or replace between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet of impervious surface, including qualifying single-family homes, must adopt at least one listed site design measure to cut runoff. Rerouting rooftop drainage to rain barrels, cisterns, or permeable areas is one of seven options under Section 9.53.030(A)(3)(a).
Merced County Rooftop Rainwater Disconnection Option
Light RestrictionsMerced County Code § 9.53.030(A)(3)(a)(iv)
a. Small Development Projects. Small development projects that create and/or replace (including projects with no net increase in impervious surface) between 2,500 square feet and 5,000 square feet of impervious surface, including detached single family homes that create and/or replace 2,500 square feet or more of impervious surface and are not part of a larger plan of development shall implemen...
Native Plants
Merced County's landscaping code requires 90 percent of the plant material on any landscaped project in the unincorporated area to be drought-resistant, well-suited to the local climate, or naturally occurring. Non-drought-tolerant plants are capped at 10 percent and must be grouped for separate irrigation.
Merced County Drought-Tolerant Plant Rule
Some RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.36.050(A) (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
A. Plant Materials. The selection of plant materials shall include: 1. 90 percent drought-resistant and well-suited to local climate or naturally occurring; 2. A combination of deciduous and evergreen (trees, shrubs, and groundcover); ... 4. 10 percent non-drought tolerant materials may be used if grouped together for possible separate irrigation;
Composting
Merced County lets residents in the unincorporated area compost their own garden rubbish on-site instead of setting it out for weekly collection, as long as the county health officer approves the method, and treats small-scale 'community composting' operations under 100 cubic yards and 750 square feet as exempt from full facility permitting.
Merced County Backyard Composting Rules
Light RestrictionsMerced County Code § 9.08.010(A) (Refuse-Disposal); § 9.06.030 (Definitions - 'Community Composting')
No person shall throw, drop, leave, dump, bury, place or otherwise dispose of any refuse, or allow any other person to dispose of refuse, upon his or her premises, except in authorized solid waste disposal sites or as otherwise provided in this chapter and Chapter 9.12. All refuse generated on such person's premises shall be removed at least once a week and delivered to an authorized site; prov...
All Merced County ordinances
See every category we cover for Merced County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Merced County Ordinance Hub →