Merced, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

The City of Merced controls weeds through its nuisance code rather than a standalone numeric weed-height ordinance. Merced Municipal Code 8.40.070 (Maintenance of property; nuisances) declares it a nuisance to maintain "overgrown vegetation likely to harbor rats, vermin, and other nuisances or having a tendency to depreciate the aesthetic and property values of surrounding properties," as well as "dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees, weeds, and other vegetation" that are dangerous or depreciate surrounding values. The same section prohibits "any accumulation of waste paper, hay, grass, dirt, straw, weeds, litter or combustible trash upon premises, public sidewalks, streets or areas in front of said premises or upon any roof or in any building." In practice, City of Merced Code Enforcement responds to complaints, inspects, and issues a notice of violation with a deadline to clear the weeds. If the owner does not comply, the City can abate the nuisance and bill the owner, with unpaid costs potentially becoming a lien. Dry weeds and grass also create a fire risk in the Central Valley summer. This City program is distinct from the Merced County Weed Abatement program, which covers unincorporated county parcels and works through the County Agricultural Commissioner and Fire; the City's authority applies inside Merced city limits.