FEMA flood zone rules in Merced County, CA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Merced County Code Chapter 18.26 (Special Flood Hazard Areas) governs FEMA-mapped floodplain development. Adopts FEMA Flood Insurance Study (Aug 2, 1995 + subsequent amendments) and FIRMs. Floodplain Development Permits required for any construction or substantial improvement in SFHAs; engineer/architect certifications required for building pads and elevations.
Chapter 18.26 applies to all areas of special flood hazard (SFHA) identified by FEMA's FIA. The Aug 2, 1995 FIS and accompanying FIRMs (and subsequent amendments/revisions) are adopted by reference. Director transmits development proposals in SFHAs to the Floodplain Administrator for review and conditioning per the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Floodplain Management Fee required prior to issuance of any building permit in a SFHA. Recent ZCTA24-001 amendments (2024) require building pads or foundations in SFHAs to demonstrate compliance with all flood management regulations, with certificates completed by a licensed engineer, architect, or surveyor. Major flood risks: San Joaquin River, Merced River, Bear Creek, Mariposa Creek, Owens Creek, and irrigation/drainage canals. Mandatory flood insurance for federally backed mortgages in SFHAs.
Stop work orders, permit revocation, and ineligibility for NFIP claims for non-compliant construction. Civil penalties under Chapter 18.26.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Merced County does not have its own curb-color ordinance; painted curbs in the unincorporated county follow California Vehicle Code Section 21458. Red means ...
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Merced County's Unified Development Ordinance requires off-street loading for commercial, mixed-use, and industrial uses. Under Section 18.38.210, such facil...
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Merced County restricts hazardous fence materials by zone. Barbed wire, electric fence, and razor wire are allowed only in agricultural and industrial zones;...
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Beyond height, Merced County's Chapter 18.34 sets sight-distance, corner-lot, and design requirements. Fences over 7 feet need a building permit, sight-trian...
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Merced County's zoning code exempts retaining walls less than 3 feet above finished grade from setback requirements. Separately, the California Building Code...
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Merced County does not use a dedicated 'hoarding' ordinance; excessive accumulation of animals is addressed through the pet-limit and permit rules (four dogs...
See how Merced County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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