Sign Regulations in Merced County, CA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Political signs count as exempt non-commercial temporary signs under Zoning Code § 18.44.070(A)(4): no permit is needed, but each sign is capped at 8 square feet in residential zones (32 in non-residential zones), must come down within 10 days of the election or event, and cannot go on trees, fences, utility poles, or the public right-of-way.
Merced County Political Sign Placement Rules
Light RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.44.070(A)(4) (Exempt Signs: Non-Commercial Temporary Signs)
Non-Commercial Temporary Signs. Non-commercial temporary signs such as political signs and signs including those advertising special and seasonal events when the signs contain no reference to the goods or services sold or provided by the establishment, may be allowed in any zone subject to the following limitations: a. Signs shall be removed within 10 days following the event; b. Signs shall ...
Holiday Displays
In unincorporated Merced County, holiday lights and decorations qualify as exempt signs under Zoning Code § 18.44.070(A)(3): no sign permit is needed, but displays cannot stay up longer than 60 days and must come down within 10 days after the holiday, provided they never block sightlines or create a traffic hazard.
Merced County Holiday Display Duration Limit
Light RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.44.070(A)(3) (Exempt Signs: Holiday Displays)
Holiday displays and decorations may be up no longer than 60 days and be removed within 10 days following the applicable holiday, but only when not creating a traffic hazard or located within any visual setback area in the sight distance triangle;
Digital Billboards
Merced County caps electronic digital display signs at 1,200 square feet of display area and 60 feet in overall length under Zoning Code § 18.44.130(E)(1), requires a Zoning Clearance or Administrative Permit before installation, and limits brightness to 5,000 nits by day and 500 nits from dusk to dawn with an automatic dimmer.
Merced County Digital Billboard Sign Rules
Significant RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.44.130(B), (E)(1), (F)(1) (Electronic Digital Display Message Signs)
B. Permit Requirements. No electronic digital display message sign shall be erected or maintained until either a Zoning Clearance or an Administrative Permit has first been approved in compliance with Chapter 18.128 (Zoning Clearances) or Chapter 18.114 (Administrative Permits) and any other applicable Federal and State statutes including the California Department of Transportation, Outdoor Ad...
Window Signs
Window signs in unincorporated Merced County cannot cover more than 25 percent of any individual window under Zoning Code § 18.44.110(M), must leave the bottom 24 inches clear so officers can see inside, and are barred above the second story; illuminated window signs and window-chalk advertisements are prohibited outright.
Merced County Window Sign Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.44.110(M) (Standards for Specific Sign Types: Window Signs)
Window Signs (Permanent and Temporary). 1. Window signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground floor and second story of a structure. Window signs are not allowed above the second story. 2. Window signs shall not count toward the maximum allowable sign area. 3. The placement of window signs shall allow for the bottom 24 inches of each window to be left clear for the unobstruc...
Freeway-Facing Signs
Freeway-oriented signs in unincorporated Merced County top out at 60 feet tall and 200 square feet of sign area per tenant under Zoning Code § 18.44.110(F), and every one needs a Conditional Use Permit under Chapter 18.116. Signs must sit within 500 feet of the freeway right-of-way, at least 750 feet from the next freeway sign, and external illumination is banned.
Merced County Freeway-Facing Sign Standards
Significant RestrictionsMerced County Zoning Code § 18.44.110(F) (Standards for Specific Sign Types: Freeway-Oriented Signs)
Freeway-Oriented Signs. 1. Freeway-oriented signs shall be located on the same premises on which the structure or use is being advertised. 2. Freeway-oriented signs shall not exceed 60 feet in height. 3. Freeway-oriented signs may only be located on parcels located no more than 500 feet from the outside edge of a freeway right-of-way. 4. Freeway-oriented signs shall not be placed within 750...
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