Merced County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

The County's core vegetation rule is Merced County Code Chapter 9.25, which the Merced County Fire Department enforces in its entirety to remove material creating a fire hazard and to recover abatement costs. The ordinance covers weeds, rubbish and debris plus rubber tires and abandoned vehicles. The published abatement standard is a 30-foot disced OR 50-foot mowed firebreak around all property lines and structures; a 12-foot disc is expressly inadequate. Owners are responsible even if a contractor or sharecropper failed to do the work, even in foreclosure, and even on a vacant open field. Abatement may need repeating - if growth returns after rain, a second disc/mow is required, with maintenance through the dry season (typically April 1 to November 1). Enforcement runs on a notice system: notice may be mailed or otherwise delivered, and failure to receive it does not invalidate proceedings (Section 9.25.120). After a 16-day notice, owners must abate within 16 days; previously cited parcels are invoiced an $85 administrative fee, and from the 17th day fines/penalties may be assessed daily at a minimum of $50/day. Only the Fire Marshal may grant a one-time 14-day extension for good cause (in writing), and no extension is granted after July 1. Open burning of weed piles is prohibited (no burn days in the dry season).