Merced, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Base fence
- no permit needed
- Non-solid fence to 6 ft
- minor use permit
- Multi-family fence to 8 ft
- minor use permit
- Nonresidential fence to 10 ft
- site plan review permit
- Governing section
- MMC 20.30.020(B)-(C)
Summary
Merced does not require a permit for a standard-height fence, but any fence taller than the base limit in Table 20.30-1, or one in a nonresidential district over 8 feet, needs a minor use permit and reviewing-authority findings before it can be built.
B.Nonresidential Zoning Districts1.The maximum height of a fence or wall within a nonresidential zoning district shall be eight (8) feet.2.Fences up to ten (10) feet in height may be approved with a site plan review permit or with any other discretionary permit if required for the same project.C.Minor Use Permits for Fences. In addition to the requirements in Section 20.68.020 (Minor Use Permits), to approve a minor use permits for fences, the following findings must be made by the reviewing authority:1.The fence materials are of high quality with an aesthetically-pleasing appearance that fit in well with the neighborhood.2.The added fence height or alternative material is necessary to address privacy, noise, interface, or security concerns and/or issues with animals.
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
020(A) sets the base fence heights (4 feet in exterior yards, 7 feet elsewhere), and its footnote authorizes a minor use permit to raise a non-solid fence, wrought iron, chain link, picket, and similar mostly-transparent designs, to 6 feet, or to 8 feet in multi-family zones. Reversed corner lots need a minor use permit to put a fence up to 7 feet in the required exterior side yard, and lots at the end of an open-ended cul-de-sac need one to place any fence or gate in the required front or exterior side yard, with the gate required to stay open for public access to the block.
020(B) caps fences at 8 feet by right, but fences up to 10 feet can be approved with a site plan review permit or another discretionary permit tied to the same project. 020, the reviewing authority make two specific findings before approving any fence permit: that the fence materials are high quality and aesthetically compatible with the neighborhood, and that the added height or alternative material is necessary to address privacy, noise, land use interface, security, or animal-related concerns. No permit is needed for a fence that stays within the base height table and uses a permitted material.
Violations & Fines
Building above the permitted height without first obtaining the required minor use permit or site plan review permit is a code violation. Unpermitted work can be red-tagged and ordered removed or reduced by the development services department, and unresolved violations become an abatable public nuisance under Section 1.12.080 with each day a separate offense; violations of the code are punishable under Section 1.12.020 as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or one year in jail) or as an infraction with escalating fines up to $500 for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a standard fence in Merced?
What permit do I need for a taller fence?
Can a commercial property build a fence over 8 feet?
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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