9 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Merced County has no decorative lawn-height limit, but Chapter 9.25 requires owners in unincorporated areas to abate fire-hazardous weeds, grass and dry vegetation. The County mandates a 30-foot disced or 50-foot mowed firebreak around all structures and property lines, enforced annually each spring by the Fire Department.
Merced County's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 18.36, Landscaping) governs trees in approved developments, requiring street-tree planting in certain residential subdivisions and replacement of any removed street tree. Sight-distance trimming near intersections and driveways is required under County Code Chapter 13.24. There is no general homeowner pruning permit.
Unincorporated Merced County does not have a general urban tree-removal permit ordinance for trees on private residential property. The main constraint is the UDO's street-tree replacement rule: a removed street tree must be replaced. Larger projects affecting oak woodlands or native habitat can trigger CEQA review under the County General Plan.
Merced County Code Chapter 9.25 requires owners in unincorporated areas to abate fire-hazardous weeds, grass, rubbish, debris, tires and abandoned vehicles. Owners must maintain a 30-foot disced or 50-foot mowed firebreak around structures and property lines. The Fire Department inspects annually; non-compliance brings daily fines and County cost recovery.
Merced County's landscape water rules flow from California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), adopted by reference in UDO Section 18.36.030. Statewide, the State Water Board's permanent prohibitions ban hosing pavement, irrigation runoff, and watering within 48 hours of measurable rain. New landscapes face turf and irrigation efficiency limits.
Rainwater harvesting in unincorporated Merced County is governed by California law, not a special County ordinance. The Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code §10574) lets residents collect rooftop rainwater for outdoor non-potable use without a water-right permit. Larger cisterns or potable/indoor reuse trigger building and health requirements.
Merced County's UDO actively favors native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Section 18.36.050 requires that at least 90 percent of plant material be drought-resistant and well-suited to the local climate or naturally occurring, with turf capped at 30 percent. Street trees must use drought-resistant, indigenous species, reinforcing the County's water-conservation goals.
Merced County's UDO landscaping chapter (18.36) does not specifically prohibit or expressly authorize synthetic/artificial turf; it sets standards around real planting, drought-tolerant material and a 30 percent turf cap. Artificial turf can help meet water-efficiency goals, but it does not count as required living landscaping or drainage-friendly planting. Confirm specifics with Planning.
Under California SB 1383, Merced County now requires residents and businesses in unincorporated areas to separate organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings) into green carts, with collection rolling out beginning July 1, 2025. Low-density rural areas under 75 people per square mile may qualify for waivers; Merced County Code Chapter 9.06 governs the program.
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