Merced, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barb-wire
- prohibited without minor use permit
- Razor wire
- prohibited without minor use permit
- Electric fence, residential
- prohibited, no exceptions
- Electric fence, nonresidential
- minor use permit, 5-ft setback
- Governing section
- MMC 20.30.040
Summary
Merced bans barb-wire and razor-wire fencing citywide unless a minor use permit is approved, and prohibits electric fences outright in every residential zone. Sheet metal, vehicles, tanks, garage doors and corrugated tin are also barred as fencing materials.
A.Permitted Materials. Fences and walls shall be constructed of decorative masonry, ornamental steel or iron, or wood and shall be of a complementary color and material with adjacent buildings... B.Prohibited Materials.1.Fences and walls shall not be constructed of inappropriate materials such as sheet metal, vehicles, underground/above-ground tanks, garage doors, aluminum siding, corrugated tin, and other similar materials not specifically designed for use as fencing.2.Barb-wire fences are prohibited in all zoning districts unless approved with a minor use permit.3.Razor wire fences are prohibited in all zoning districts unless approved with a minor use permit.C.Electric Fences. Electric fences are prohibited in all residential zones. Electric fences are permitted in nonresidential zoning districts only with a minor use permit if set back a minimum of five (5) feet from an exterior property line and located so that it cannot be touched by any person in the public right-of way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).
Full Breakdown
040(A) requires fences and walls to be built of decorative masonry, ornamental steel or iron, or wood, in a color and material complementary to adjacent buildings; the director of development services can approve other materials only if the design is compatible with surrounding structures. Subsection (B) then lists prohibited materials by name: sheet metal, vehicles, underground or above-ground tanks, garage doors, aluminum siding, corrugated tin, and other similar materials not specifically designed for fencing are barred outright. 020(C). Subsection (C) draws a harder line on electric fences: they are prohibited in all residential zones with no permit path at all.
In nonresidential zoning districts, an electric fence is permitted only with a minor use permit, and only if it sits back at least 5 feet from an exterior property line and is positioned so it cannot be touched by anyone from the public right-of-way. 020, so even a permitted fence material must still fit within the applicable height table for its zoning district.
Violations & Fines
Installing a prohibited material, barbed wire, razor wire, sheet metal, or an unpermitted electric fence, without the required minor use permit is a code violation subject to enforcement by the development services department. An uncorrected violation is treated as a public nuisance the city may summarily abate under Section 1.12.080, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense; general violations are punishable as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and/or one year in jail) or infraction (escalating fines to $500) under Section 1.12.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my fence in Merced?
Are electric fences legal in Merced?
Can I fence my yard with corrugated tin or a garage door?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced
California rules heatmap·Compare Merced to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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