The City of Merced regulates fences through zoning (MMC Chapter 20.30) for height and placement. Under the 2022 California Building Code Section 105.2, which Merced adopts, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit, but a fence still must comply with the City's zoning height limits and sight-distance rules.
Two separate approvals can apply to a Merced fence: a building permit (California Building Code) and zoning compliance (MMC Title 20). Under 2022 CBC Section 105.2, a building permit is not required for fences not over 7 feet high. Because the City's zoning caps residential fences at 7 feet in the rear yard, most standard residential fences fall under the building-permit exemption. However, exemption from a building permit does not exempt a fence from MMC Chapter 20.30 zoning standards — the 4-foot front-yard limit and the 2 1/2-foot limit at corners and driveway visual corners still apply, and fences must not encroach into the public right-of-way, an adopted parcel line, or a public use easement. Work within the public right-of-way (for example a fence near the curb) requires a separate encroachment permit from the City Engineering Division. Retaining walls follow different thresholds (see retaining walls). For project-specific permit questions, the City Planning Division can be reached at (209) 385-6858, and the City operates an online Permits, Entitlements, and Licensing Portal.
Building a non-compliant fence or one in the right-of-way can prompt a stop-work order, a requirement to lower or remove the fence, and code-enforcement action under Title 20. Administrative citation fines follow California Government Code Section 36900(b): $100 / $200 / $500. Determining where the public right-of-way ends and private property begins may require a licensed land surveyor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Merced's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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