Pop. 86,333 · Merced County
The City of Merced Municipal Code does not set citywide construction-hours limits; a full-text code search returns no construction-hours provision. Construction noise is limited project-by-project through conditions of approval (site plan review, interface and temporary-use permits) and the General Plan Noise Element, not a fixed start/stop time in the code, unlike cities that codify a 7 a.m.–6 p.m. window.
The City of Merced has no citywide quiet-hours decibel ordinance. The only codified time-based limit is the industrial zoning standard (MMC 20.12.030), barring noise beyond the property line of residentially-abutting uses from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Late-night disturbances are handled via the Disruptive Parties chapter (MMC 9.64) and California Penal Code 415.
Merced has a real, codified barking-dog rule. Under MMC 6.04.040(C), no owner may permit an animal to make loud or disturbing noises without provocation, including chronic howling, yowling, barking, or whining. Persistent animal noise is an 'animal nuisance' (MMC 6.04.010(D) and 6.04.280), enforced by the Animal Control division of the Merced Police Department through a sworn complaint and abatement-hearing process.
The City of Merced has no leaf-blower ordinance. A full-text Municipal Code search returns zero results for 'leaf blower'—no city ban, decibel cap, or hours restriction. Gas blowers are instead governed by California's statewide small off-road engine zero-emission law (Health & Safety Code 43018.11), and blower noise can be addressed as a general nuisance.
Merced has no general decibel ordinance for amplified music, but it regulates amplified sound in specific settings. Sound amplification in city parks requires an exclusive-use permit and must not unreasonably detract from public enjoyment (MMC 14.08.020-14.08.030). Advertising vehicles with loudspeakers need a City Council permit (MMC 10.12.154). Disruptive amplified gatherings on private property fall under MMC 9.64.
The City of Merced Municipal Code has no muffler or vehicle-noise ordinance; a 'muffler' code search returns zero results. On-street vehicle noise is controlled by California Vehicle Code 27150-27151 (adequate muffler, no excessive noise, no modified exhaust), enforced by Merced Police. The city does separately require a permit for loudspeaker-equipped advertising vehicles (MMC 10.12.154).
Merced's only codified decibel limits are industrial zoning standards. Under MMC 20.12.030(C)(1), industrial/manufacturing operations may not transmit noise over 70 dBA (7 a.m.-9 p.m.) or 60 dBA (9 p.m.-7 a.m.) beyond the property line, with no noise past residentially-abutting lines from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. There is no general residential decibel ordinance.
Merced has no stand-alone outdoor-music ordinance, but outdoor amplified events are permit-controlled. City-park events need an exclusive-use permit, and amplified sound is allowed only if it does not unreasonably detract from public enjoyment (MMC 14.08.030). Temporary outdoor commercial uses can have loudspeakers conditioned (MMC 20.50.050). Disruptive gatherings fall under MMC 9.64.
Industrial noise is Merced's most strictly codified noise topic. MMC 20.12.030(C)(1) caps industrial noise at 70 dBA (7 a.m.-9 p.m.) and 60 dBA (9 p.m.-7 a.m.) beyond the property line, bans noise past residentially-abutting lines from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and requires a noise-mitigation plan before permits if exceeded. Vibration and odor limits also apply.
The City of Merced does not regulate aircraft noise directly; flight operations are federally preempted. The code adopts FAA air-traffic and flight rules by reference for the Merced Regional Airport (MMC 2.32.030, 2.32.050). The city manages noise through land use: the Airport Environs (/AE) overlay requires nearby development to follow the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (MMC 20.22.020).
Merced has no STR-specific registration. The closest requirement is the Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate under Section 3.08.050: any operator renting to transients must register the property with the finance officer within 30 days of starting, and post the certificate conspicuously on the premises. The certificate is for tax collection, not a land-use permit.
The City of Merced levies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on rent for stays of 30 days or less under Section 3.08.030 (rate set by Ord. 1936 in 1996). Operators collect it from guests, file quarterly returns with the finance officer, and remit by the last day of the month after each calendar quarter. Late payment triggers penalties and interest.
The City of Merced sets no short-term-rental-specific occupancy cap, because it has no STR ordinance. General building, fire and zoning standards govern how many people may occupy a dwelling. The only related coded limit is for bed and breakfasts, which may offer up to 12 guest rooms under Section 20.44.030 with the owner residing on site.
Merced imposes no short-term-rental-specific parking requirement, because the city has no STR ordinance. Parking for dwellings follows the general off-street parking standards in Chapter 20.38. The only transient-lodging parking ratio in code is for bed and breakfasts: one space per bedroom, plus two for the owner, plus one per employee.
The City of Merced imposes no primary-residence requirement on short-term rentals, because it has no STR ordinance. A primary-residence/owner-occupancy rule appears in code only for bed and breakfasts (Section 20.44.030) and for accessory dwelling units (Section 20.42.040), not for ordinary short-term rentals.
Merced has no host-presence or on-site-host requirement for short-term rentals, because it has no STR ordinance. The only on-site presence requirement in code is for bed and breakfasts, where the owner must reside on the premises (Section 20.44.030). ADUs are barred from transient renting entirely under Section 20.42.040.
The City of Merced sets no annual night cap or rental-day limit on short-term rentals, because it has no STR ordinance. The only relevant time threshold in code is the 30-day line that defines a transient for tax purposes: stays of 30 days or less are subject to the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax under Chapter 3.08.
The City of Merced does not require liability insurance for short-term rentals, because it has no STR ordinance. No minimum coverage amount appears in the city code for STRs. Hosts typically rely on platform-provided host protection and their own homeowner or landlord policies, but those are private contracts, not a city mandate.
The City of Merced has no dedicated short-term-rental permit or ordinance in its Municipal Code. STRs are not separately licensed. The applicable city requirements are a general business license (Title 5) and the Transient Occupancy Tax (Chapter 3.08). A bed and breakfast use needs a conditional use permit under Section 20.44.030.
Merced has no short-term-rental-specific noise rule, but the city's general noise regulations apply to any rental property and its guests. There is no STR ordinance carving out separate quiet hours for rentals, so guest noise is enforced under the citywide noise provisions and nuisance rules that apply to all residents.
Backyard recreational fires in Merced follow the California Fire Code adopted in the City's Fire Prevention Code (Municipal Code Chapter 17.32): use a contained appliance, keep the fire 25 feet from structures, attend it constantly, and never burn trash. Because Merced is in the San Joaquin Valley air basin, wood smoke is restricted on no-burn days.
Most of Merced is flat, built-out valley land, so the 100-foot wildland defensible-space rule does not apply citywide - only a small Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the northeast city limits is mapped by CAL FIRE. The main local requirement is weed and rubbish abatement: clearing dry weeds, brush, and combustible debris.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in Merced come from California state law - Health & Safety Code Sections 13113.7 (smoke alarms) and 17926 (CO alarms) - applied through the building and fire codes the City adopts (Municipal Code Chapter 17.32). Working alarms are required in every dwelling, and landlords must install and maintain them in rentals.
Propane storage in Merced follows California Fire Code Chapter 61 (LP-Gas), adopted through the City's Fire Prevention Code (Merced Municipal Code Chapter 17.32). A standard 20-lb BBQ tank is allowed at homes without a permit. Larger installations trigger permits, quantity limits, and setbacks enforced by the City of Merced Fire Department.
Merced is flat Central Valley farmland and urban development, NOT a wildfire-prone city. CAL FIRE's updated maps (released February 24, 2025) designate only a small Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the northeast city limits - no High or Very High zone exists in the city. Most parcels carry no wildfire-zone obligations; the bigger seasonal concern is air quality.
The City of Merced ALLOWS State Fire Marshal-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks, sold by nonprofit groups as fundraisers from noon June 28 through noon July 6. All other fireworks - anything that flies, explodes, or moves along the ground - are illegal year-round. The Merced Fire Department warns violators face fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 plus criminal prosecution.
Merced regulates backyard fire pits through its Fire Prevention Code (Municipal Code Chapter 17.32), which adopts the California Fire Code. Recreational fires must stay at least 25 feet from structures, be constantly attended, and never burn trash or yard waste. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District also calls no-burn days that limit wood fires.
Residential open burning of trash, leaves, brush, or yard waste is effectively prohibited in Merced. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District regulates burning under Rules 4103 and 4106, and hazard-reduction burning is only allowed in State Responsibility Areas - not the urban valley floor where Merced sits. Burning on a no-burn day brings enforcement and fines.
On City of Merced streets, day-to-day parking follows the California Vehicle Code plus local rules in the Municipal Code, enforced by the Police Department's two-officer Parking Enforcement Unit. Citations are processed through a contracted Citation Processing Center and can be corrected, paid, or appealed within 21 days.
The City of Merced does not impose a blanket citywide overnight parking ban on standard passenger cars. The strictest overnight rule targets recreational vehicles: under Chapter 9.84 an RV, trailer, or camper may only sit on a city street with a free 72-hour pass, limited to two passes per 30-day period.
The City of Merced relies primarily on the California Vehicle Code to control where commercial and oversize vehicles may stand on city streets, with local enforcement through the Police Department's Parking Enforcement Unit. Large trucks, trailers, and oversize vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods are a specific enforcement priority.
Abandoned and inoperable vehicles on City of Merced streets are handled by the Police Department's Parking Enforcement Unit using the California Vehicle Code's 72-hour rule. A vehicle left on a city street for 72 or more consecutive hours may be tagged and towed under CVC 22651(k).
Oversized vehicles parked in Merced neighborhoods are a stated enforcement priority for the Police Department's Parking Enforcement Unit. Recreational vehicles, trailers, and campers may sit on a city street only with a free 72-hour pass under Chapter 9.84, limited to two passes per 30-day period.
The City of Merced provides electric-vehicle charging information through its Development Services department and follows California's statewide EV-charging and parking framework. There is no Merced-specific ordinance fining non-EVs at chargers beyond what state law and posted signs provide.
Loading zones in the City of Merced are marked by curb color under the California Vehicle Code: a yellow curb allows stopping only to load or unload freight, and a white curb is for loading or unloading passengers or depositing mail. The Police Department's Parking Enforcement Unit enforces these limits.
Painted curbs in the City of Merced follow the statewide colors in California Vehicle Code 21458: red (no stopping), yellow (freight/passenger loading), white (passenger loading or mail), green (time-limited parking), and blue (disabled parking). Only the city may paint regulatory curb markings on public streets.
The City of Merced regulates recreational-vehicle parking under Chapter 9.84 of its Municipal Code to preserve residential parking and aesthetics. An RV, trailer, or camper may be parked on a city street only with a free 72-hour parking pass, and a household may obtain only two passes in any 30-day period.
Blocking a driveway in the City of Merced is prohibited under the California Vehicle Code, which applies on all city streets. CVC 22500(e) bars stopping, standing, or parking in front of any public or private driveway, and violators are cited by the Police Department's Parking Enforcement Unit.
The City of Merced regulates fence and wall height under Merced Municipal Code (MMC) Chapter 20.30 (Walls and Fences). Per the City Planning Division, rear yard fences may reach 7 feet, front yard fences 4 feet, and fences at a corner or the visual corner of a driveway are limited to 2 1/2 feet.
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.
Retaining walls in the City of Merced follow the California Building Code, which the City adopts. Per 2022 CBC Section 105.2, walls not over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top) are permit-exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Taller walls, or walls holding a load, require a building permit.
City of Merced fences must comply with MMC Chapter 20.30 (Walls and Fences): a 7-foot maximum in rear yards, 4 feet in front yards, and 2 1/2 feet at corners and the visual corner of a driveway to preserve driver sight lines. Fences may not encroach into the public right-of-way, an adopted parcel line, or a public use easement.
The City of Merced regulates walls and fences under MMC Chapter 20.30, which addresses height and placement. Common residential materials — wood, vinyl, masonry block, ornamental metal, and chain link — are generally used. The City's published FAQs do not list specific prohibited materials, so confirm material limits with the Planning Division at (209) 385-6858.
Fence materials in the City of Merced fall under MMC Chapter 20.30 (Walls and Fences). Standard residential materials — wood, vinyl, masonry block, ornamental metal, and chain link — are widely used, subject to the City's height limits (7 ft rear, 4 ft front, 2 1/2 ft at corners). The City's FAQs do not name approved or banned materials.
The City of Merced sets the physical fence standards (height, placement) under MMC Chapter 20.30, but cost-sharing for shared boundary fences is governed by California Civil Code Section 841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act). Adjoining owners are presumed equally responsible for a shared fence and must give 30 days' written notice before construction or replacement.
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act in Health and Safety Code Section 115920 mandates statewide drowning prevention barriers around residential pools, with cities prohibited from adopting weaker standards.
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.080 limits any residential lot to no more than two livestock or poultry total, bans keeping fowl or livestock for slaughter or product, and prohibits hog pens. A few legacy annexed agricultural areas (Sec. 6.04.081) keep broader rights, including up to two roosters per parcel.
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.270 requires an annual wild-animal permit and proper zoning to keep a 'wild animal,' which Section 6.04.010AC defines to include large snakes over 8 feet, big cats, primates, bears, and venomous species. California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 separately bans many exotics statewide.
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.065 sets the maximum number of dogs and cats by lot size: up to five each on lots 6,000 sq ft or larger, scaling down to one dog and one cat on lots under 3,000 sq ft. Multifamily dwellings are capped at one cat and one dog. Over five requires a kennel/cattery permit.
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.080 caps any residential lot at no more than two livestock or poultry, bans hog pens, prohibits horses and cows within a defined downtown district, and bars keeping livestock for slaughter or product. Legacy annexed agricultural areas under Section 6.04.081 allow more on qualifying acreage.
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.065 limits cats by lot size (up to five on large single-family lots, one on multifamily units). Like dogs, a cat 'at large' is one off the owner's premises and not under physical restraint (Sec. 6.04.010E). More than five cats makes the home a 'cattery' needing a permit.
The City of Merced's animal code (Chapter 6.04) contains no specific ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wild animals. The closest local controls are the general animal-nuisance and sanitation rules (Sec. 6.04.280, 6.04.040). California state law (Fish & Game Code 2118) still restricts possessing wild animals.
Merced has no ordinance using the word 'hoarding,' but it controls excessive animals through lot-size pet limits (Sec. 6.04.065), kennel/cattery permits (Sec. 6.04.270), the animal-nuisance abatement process (Sec. 6.04.280), and the proper-care duty (Sec. 6.04.100). California Penal Code 597 covers neglect/cruelty.
The City of Merced has no breed-specific ban. Its dangerous/vicious dog rules (Sec. 6.04.290) regulate dogs by behavior, not breed, consistent with California Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683, which bars local dangerous-dog programs from being breed-specific (except spay/neuter ordinances).
Under Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.070, no one may let a dog stray from their property unless it is restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet. Narrow exceptions cover law-enforcement, search-and-rescue, sanctioned training/competition, livestock herding, hunting in restricted shooting districts, and the fenced city dog park.
The City of Merced effectively prohibits hobby beekeeping. Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.080F bars keeping or maintaining bees within the city except for governmental educational purposes. A few legacy annexed areas (Sec. 6.04.081) may allow apiaries. Any lawful California apiary must also register with the County Agricultural Commissioner.
The City of Merced does not set a numeric grass-height limit. Instead, Municipal Code Section 8.40.070 declares overgrown vegetation and accumulated weeds, grass, and dry debris a public nuisance. Code Enforcement abates by complaint based on the overgrown condition rather than a fixed number of inches.
Street trees in Merced are City property, so residents cannot remove them on their own. Removal requests go to the Public Works Department, and not all are honored. The City removes trees that are dead, declining, or a hazard to public safety, under its established tree policies.
Merced does not require or ban native plants, and the City encourages water-wise, drought-tolerant landscaping to protect its groundwater supply. New and rehabilitated landscapes meeting size thresholds must follow California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which favors low-water and climate-appropriate plants and limits high-water turf.
Merced Municipal Code Section 8.40.070 declares overgrown vegetation, accumulated weeds, grass, hay, straw, and combustible trash a public nuisance. Code Enforcement issues notices to abate; if the owner fails to act, the City may abate and recover costs. There is no fixed weed height; the test is whether the condition is overgrown and a nuisance.
The City of Merced has no ordinance prohibiting residential rainwater capture. California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets property owners collect rooftop rainwater without a state water right, and rain-barrel systems generally need no local permit. The City actively encourages conservation given its groundwater-only supply.
Merced has no city ordinance banning artificial turf, and replacing thirsty lawn with synthetic turf or low-water plants supports the City's groundwater conservation goals. Installations in front yards and in larger or permitted projects must still meet City zoning, drainage, and California MWELO landscape standards, so design quality and proper materials matter.
Backyard composting is allowed and encouraged in Merced. Curbside organics are mandatory: the City's green cart takes yard trimmings and, since January 1, 2024, separated food waste, implementing California's SB 1383 organic-waste recycling law. Green waste must be placed loose, unbagged, in the green container.
The City of Merced maintains street trees in the public right-of-way and tree easements. Residents may trim only small branches within reach from the ground for sidewalk clearance. All other trimming of street trees is the City's responsibility and is performed solely by City forestry crews, which prune on a rotating schedule.
The City of Merced runs its own groundwater utility and limits outdoor watering by address. Even-numbered addresses water Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; odd-numbered addresses water Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, only before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Stricter day limits apply at higher conservation levels under Municipal Code Chapter 15.42.
The City of Merced requires a building permit for residential swimming pools through the Development Services Department. The Zoning Code sets a 5-foot setback from all property lines, and barrier and safety equipment must meet the adopted California Residential Code and state law.
Merced adopts California's pool safety standards by reference. MMC 17.05.010 incorporates the 2025 California Residential Code's Swimming Pool Safety Act appendix, requiring at least two drowning-prevention features and anti-entrapment suction outlets for new and remodeled residential pools.
Above-ground pools in Merced are treated as accessory structures subject to the 5-foot property-line setback (MMC 20.28.020.D.1) and to the adopted California Residential Code. A building permit is generally required, and pool walls or required fencing must satisfy the state Pool Safety Act barrier standards.
Merced treats spas and hot tubs under the same accessory-structure and Pool Safety Act provisions as pools. The 5-foot setback of MMC 20.28.020.D applies, and the adopted California Residential Code/Pool Safety Act governs barriers, though many compliant safety covers satisfy the requirement for spas.
Merced does not set its own pool-barrier dimensions. Its Zoning Code (MMC 20.28.020.D.2) defers pool fences and barriers to the building code and state law, and MMC 17.05.010 adopts the 2025 California Residential Code with the Swimming Pool Safety Act appendix, which governs enclosure height and gates.
Merced requires a home occupation certificate and city business license for a 'minor' home occupation (permitted by-right). 'Major' home occupations require a Site Plan Review Permit with a public hearing; cottage food operations require a Minor Use Permit. Permits can be suspended if the use becomes a nuisance.
Merced classifies a cottage food operation (California Homemade Food Act, AB 1616) as a 'major' home occupation requiring a Minor Use Permit (MMC 20.48.030.B.1). It also requires a county Department of Environmental Health cottage food permit, but state law exempts these operations from local rules that conflict, including bans on customers and on-site sales.
Merced permits small (1-8 children) and large (9-14 children) family day care homes by-right in residential zones (MMC 20.08.020), consistent with California law (HSC 1597.40-1597.46). State preemption treats them as a residential use and bars the City from imposing zoning bans or business-license fees.
Merced allows home occupations in residential zones under Chapter 20.48. 'Minor' home occupations (office, phone, computer, mail only) are permitted by-right; 'major' home occupations need a Site Plan Review Permit, and a cottage food operation needs a Minor Use Permit. Work is capped at 25% of floor area or 400 sq ft.
Merced strictly limits home-business signs. MMC 20.48.040.A.4 permits one single, non-illuminated, wall-mounted sign of no more than one square foot. Advertising the business location by newspaper, radio, or TV is prohibited, though contact information without the address is allowed.
Home occupations in the City of Merced must not generate traffic, parking demand or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residence; significant customer visits can disqualify the use.
Merced regulates carports as residential accessory structures under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.28, subject to a 35-foot height limit and three-foot interior setback (five feet if over 120 square feet). Driveways serving a garage or carport must be at least 20 feet long, measured to the back of sidewalk or front property line. Carports are excluded from ADU floor-area calculations.
Zoning Ordinance Section 20.42.060 gives Merced explicit tiny-home-on-wheels (THOW) standards, allowing one THOW per single-family lot as an ADU. It must be under 400 square feet (excluding lofts), no taller than 14 feet, DMV-registered, ANSI/NFPA certified, set back five feet, and parked on an approved pad - never in front of the home.
Chapter 20.42 of the City of Merced Zoning Ordinance permits one attached ADU, one detached ADU, and one JADU per single-family lot. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet, 16 feet tall, with four-foot side and rear setbacks. The chapter implements California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
Merced allows an attached garage or detached accessory structure to be converted into an ADU or JADU under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.42. When a garage is converted to an ADU, displaced parking need not be replaced, and converting an existing detached structure requires no added setbacks. The work must meet the California Building Code.
Merced's Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.28 treats sheds as residential accessory structures. Per Table 20.28-1, they may be up to 35 feet tall with a three-foot interior side and rear setback, increased to five feet for any accessory structure exceeding 120 square feet or any garage off an alley. The exterior (street-side) yard must match the primary structure's setback.
Barbecuing is allowed at Merced homes. Standard 20-lb propane BBQ tanks are permitted without a fire-code permit under California Fire Code Chapter 61, adopted through the City's Fire Prevention Code (Merced Municipal Code Chapter 17.32). Charcoal and gas grills are restricted on multifamily balconies, and grills should be kept clear of structures and combustibles.
Backyard smokers are allowed in Merced when used as a contained cooking appliance under the California Fire Code adopted in the City's Fire Prevention Code (Merced Municipal Code Chapter 17.32). Charcoal, pellet, and propane smokers are fine; loose open wood fires and burning yard waste are not. Excessive wood smoke can be a nuisance, and air-district rules limit open burning.
The City of Merced sets minimum yard setbacks by zoning district in its Zoning Ordinance (Title 20, Tables 20.08-2 and 20.08-3). In single-family zones, front setbacks range from 15 to 30 feet and rear setbacks from 5 to 25 feet by district (e.g., R-1-5 front 15 ft / rear 5 ft; R-R front 30 ft / rear 25 ft).
The City of Merced limits building height by zoning district in its Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). Most residential zones — including the single-family R-R and R-1 districts and the R-2, R-3, R-MH multi-family/mobile-home districts — cap buildings at 35 feet, while the higher-density R-4 district allows up to 40 feet.
The City of Merced caps maximum lot coverage by zoning district in its Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). Single-family limits range from about 25% (R-R) up to 50% (R-1-5), and multi-family/mobile-home districts reach 50-65%. Per the City, lot coverage does not include fences, walls, hedges, swimming pools, or uncovered patios.
Merced does not issue over-the-counter tree-removal permits to residents for street trees, because street trees in the right-of-way and tree easements are City property. Removal must be requested from and approved by Public Works, and the City removes trees mainly when dead, declining, or hazardous. Private-yard trees behind the right-of-way are owner-controlled but subject to nuisance rules.
California provides statewide protections for native oak woodlands and heritage trees through CEQA review, Public Resources Code, and Forest Practice Rules that apply uniformly.
The City of Merced's own Refuse Division provides residential carts in three colors: a grey container for general garbage, a blue container for recyclables, and a green container for green waste/organics. Lids must be able to close and a full container must weigh less than 200 pounds, or it may not be serviced.
The City of Merced enforces its own property-maintenance and nuisance standards under Municipal Code Title 8 (Health and Safety), Chapter 8.40 (Nuisance), Section 8.40.070. Conditions such as accumulations of trash and debris, dead or hazardous trees, and depreciating vegetation are declared public nuisances the city may abate.
The City of Merced does not have a fetched stand-alone vacant-lot ordinance, but vacant and undeveloped lots are covered by the general nuisance provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 8.40. Accumulated trash, debris, weeds and hazardous vegetation on any property are declared public nuisances the city may abate.
The City of Merced regulates weeds through Municipal Code Section 8.40.070, which declares dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous weeds and vegetation, and accumulations of grass and weeds, public nuisances. A specific maximum grass-height number (in inches) was not confirmed in a fetched City of Merced source.
A specific City of Merced garage/yard-sale permit or frequency ordinance was not confirmed in a fetched city source. Residential garage sales in the city are generally treated as a temporary accessory use under the City's Zoning Code (Title 20); the frequency limits commonly cited for the Merced area come from Merced County code, not the City.
The City of Merced's own Refuse Division collects all solid waste within city limits, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers, plus special programs like Street Sweeping, seasonal Leaf Collection, Alley Cleanup and Tire Amnesty. Residential service uses grey (garbage), blue (recycling) and green (green waste) containers.
The City of Merced sets specific cart timing: refuse containers may be placed at the curb no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the day before service and must be removed no later than 9:00 p.m. on the day of service. Container lids must be able to close, and a full container must weigh less than 200 pounds.
The City of Merced operates a Bulky Item Drop-Off Site at the corner of N. Hwy 59 and Yosemite Ave for City residents to dispose of extra/bulky trash. It is open Tuesday-Friday 12-3 p.m. and the 1st and 3rd Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; residents must show two forms of ID proving they live within city limits.
The City of Merced provides every residence a blue commingled recycling container, serviced by the City Refuse Division. The blue cart accepts CA CRV bottles and cans plus plastic bottles, jars and jugs; recyclables go in loosely (not bagged), and plastic bags go in the grey trash cart or store drop-off, not the blue cart.
The City of Merced provides a green organics container and directs residents to separate household organic waste to comply with California SB 1383. Food waste goes in a separate plastic bag, tied and placed in the green can; green/yard waste goes in loosely and unbagged. As a city over 70,000 population, Merced is NOT eligible for the rural exemption.
Merced's sign code (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.62, rewritten 2023) is content-neutral with no separate 'political sign' category. Under Section 20.62.030, any noncommercial message may be placed on a legally permitted sign. In residential zones, temporary freestanding signs may be up to 4 square feet and 2 feet high (one per unit); temporary building signs up to 12 square feet.
Merced regulates garage sales and their signs in Municipal Code Chapter 9.54. Garage sale signs may be posted on other property with the owner's permission, but never in the public right-of-way or on utility poles and traffic signals, and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Sales are capped at four per year.
Merced has no dedicated dark-sky or outdoor-lighting chapter. Its most specific standards are in the sign code, Section 20.62.160, which requires shielded light sources, prefers low-pressure sodium to minimize night-sky light, bans mercury-vapor sources, and caps sign illumination at 5,000 nits by day and 500 nits at night. Residential-zone signs cannot be lit 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
Merced has no numeric light-trespass ordinance, but Section 20.62.160 requires sign light sources to be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets and bars brightness that creates a nuisance for residences in direct line of sight. Internally illuminated signs must stay 100 feet from residential zones, and residential-zone signs cannot be lit between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The City of Merced participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain-development standards in FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas near Bear Creek and local channels. Building in a flood zone requires elevation to or above base flood elevation.
The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction over local decisions.
California Water Code sections 13260 and 13383 implement the federal Clean Water Act through statewide MS4 NPDES permits issued by the State and Regional Water Boards, binding all municipal stormwater dischargers uniformly.
Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.
Recreational drone flight in California is governed primarily by FAA regulations under 14 CFR Part 107 and 49 USC 44809, with state-level rules added by Civil Code 1708.8 and Government Code 853 applying uniformly statewide.
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code 113700-114437) sets uniform mobile food facility permit, equipment, and food safety standards enforced by counties statewide.
California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946) preempts most local bans on sidewalk vending, allowing only objective health, safety, and welfare regulations.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
Civil Code 1946.2 requires landlords statewide to have just cause to terminate tenancies of qualifying tenants who have lived in a covered unit at least 12 months.
Civil Code 1947.12 limits annual rent increases to 5 percent plus CPI, capped at 10 percent total, on most California rental units regardless of local ordinances.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that polystyrene foodware achieve 25 percent recycling by 2025 or face statewide sales prohibition.
California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
Civil Code section 714 voids HOA covenants and rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict residential solar energy systems, preempting private and local restrictions.
California's Solar Rights Act and the SolarAPP+ mandate (SB 379) require expedited permit review of small residential solar systems, preempting restrictive local processes.
California prohibits sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide under Business and Professions Code 22958, enacted by SBX2-7 in 2016. The Tobacco 21 standard applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions.
California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.