Merced County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 18.34.020 of the unincorporated county's Title 18 Zoning Code governs allowed and prohibited fence materials by zone. Permitted fence materials include wood, chain link, PVC formed to resemble pickets or panels, wire mesh, steel mesh, stake, louvered glass, and similar materials. Wall materials must be solid, such as concrete, concrete block, wood, or similar materials forming a solid barrier. Security fencing - barbed wire, electric fence, razor wire, and similar materials - is only allowed in agricultural and industrial zones (Section 18.34.020.E.3). In residential zones, barbed wire is not permitted; there may be no sharp wire or projections along the top of any fence or wall less than six feet in height; and electrified fencing or razor wire within any urban land use zone is prohibited unless required by law (Section 18.34.020.F.1). In commercial and mixed-use zones, barbed wire, electric fencing, razor wire, and similar materials are not permitted (Section 18.34.020.F.2). The Director may grant limited exceptions. Because the rules turn on the zone of your parcel, owners should confirm their zoning designation and material limits with Merced County Planning before installing security fencing.