Municipal code
Merced Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Merced, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-02
- Contents
- 17 titles · 3,542 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Merced
Contents
▸Charter
Overview- Article I — Incorporation and Succession
- Article II — Powers of City
- Article III — Form of Government
- Article IV — City Council
- Article V — City Manager
- Article VI — Officers and Employees
- Article VII — Appointive Boards and Commissions
- Article VIII — Civil Service
- Article IX — Retirement
▸Article X — Elections
- Article XI — Fiscal Administration
- Article XII — Board of Education
- Article XIII — City Court
- Article XIV — Franchises
- Article XV — Miscellaneous
▸Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 1.02 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.08 — CITY SEAL
- Chapter 1.09 — CODE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY AND POWERS
- Chapter 1.10 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 1.11 — ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES
- Chapter 1.12 — GENERAL PENALTY
- Chapter 1.13 — INSPECTION
- Chapter 1.16 — CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 1.17 — CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS
▸Title 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Overview- Chapter 2.04 — MEETINGS
- Chapter 2.08 — BONDS OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
- Chapter 2.12 — CITY OFFICERS
- Chapter 2.16 — ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION
- Chapter 2.20 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.24 — BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
- Chapter 2.28 — DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASES
- Chapter 2.31 — REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.32 — AIRPORT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.36 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.40 — RELOCATION AGENCY
- Chapter 2.44 — HOLIDAYS
- Chapter 2.48 — SALE OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.52 — BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.54 — ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.56 — TAX TRANSPARENCY COMMISSION
▸Title 3 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
Overview- Chapter 3.08 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.12 — CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS—NONDISCRIMINATION
- Chapter 3.20 — DOCUMENTARY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.24 — PROPERTY TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — SALES TAX
- Chapter 3.32 — USE TAX
- Chapter 3.38 — MERCED VITAL CITY SERVICES PROTECTION MEASURE
- Chapter 3.40 — REVENUE BONDS
- Chapter 3.44 — BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA TAX
- Chapter 3.50 — LOCAL CABLE USAGE FEES
- Chapter 3.52 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
▸Title 5 — BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
Overview- Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL LICENSING PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — LICENSE TAXES, RELATED PROVISIONS, AND REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC
- Chapter 5.12 — SALE OF WEAPONS
- Chapter 5.20 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.24 — LIQUIDATION SALES
- Chapter 5.28 — SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 5.32 — WRECKING ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.36 — POOLROOMS AND BILLIARD ROOMS
- Chapter 5.40 — PRIVATE PATROL
- Chapter 5.44 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.48 — DANCES
- Chapter 5.50 — TAX ON CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 5.52 — MOTION PICTURE FILMING
- Chapter 5.54 — STREET AND SIDEWALK VENDORS
- Chapter 5.56 — PAINTING OF CURBS
▸Chapter 5.58 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
▸Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
Overview- Chapter 8.06 — RECYCLING
- Chapter 8.16 — ABANDONED ICEBOXES
- Chapter 8.20 — DISASTER CONTROL
- Chapter 8.22 — FIREWORKS
- Chapter 8.24 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
- Chapter 8.26 — REGULATION OF SMOKING IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PLACES
- Chapter 8.28 — BURGLARY ALARM SYSTEMS AND FALSE ALARMS
- Chapter 8.30 — REGULATION OF SHOPPING CARTS
- Chapter 8.34 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 8.36 — GRAFFITI
- Chapter 8.50 — FORECLOSED AND VACANT HOMES
▸Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
Overview- Chapter 9.08 — GAMING
- Chapter 9.12 — INTOXICATED PERSONS
- Chapter 9.16 — SPITTING, URINATING, DEFECATING IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.20 — WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.24 — OFFENSES BY AND AGAINST MINORS
- Chapter 9.28 — FALSE NAMES
- Chapter 9.36 — AUTOMATIC DIALING DEVICES
- Chapter 9.40 — ADVERTISING
- Chapter 9.44 — TRESPASSING AND DISCHARGING FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.46 — PUBLIC BUILDINGS
- Chapter 9.48 — PAYMENT OF TAXI FARES
- Chapter 9.50 — AGGRESSIVE SOLICITATION
- Chapter 9.51 — CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.52 — CONDUCT ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.54 — GARAGE SALES
- Chapter 9.60 — LOITERING FOR DRUG ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.64 — DISRUPTIVE PARTIES AND GATHERINGS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.65 — HOSTING PARTIES WHERE ALCOHOL IS CONSUMED BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF
- Chapter 9.70 — DRUG FREE ZONES
- Chapter 9.75 — DISPLACED TENANT PROTECTIONS
- Chapter 9.80 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
- Chapter 9.84 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKING REGULATIONS
▸Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Overview- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 10.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 10.16 — SPEED
- Chapter 10.20 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.24 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 10.25 — MEDIAN ISLAND SAFETY
- Chapter 10.28 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.32 — LOADING AND UNLOADING
- Chapter 10.40 — TRUCK ROUTES
- Chapter 10.44 — BICYCLES
- Chapter 10.45 — ROLLER BLADES, SKATEBOARDS AND OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES
- Chapter 10.46 — INTERSTATE TRUCK TERMINALS AND ACCESS
- Chapter 10.50 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT ZONES
▸Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Overview- Chapter 12.04 — OFFICIAL PLAN
- Chapter 12.08 — NUISANCES
- Chapter 12.12 — UTILITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 12.16 — HOUSE NUMBERING
- Chapter 12.20 — MOVING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 12.24 — CONSTRUCTION AND REMOVAL
- Chapter 12.28 — EXCAVATIONS
- Chapter 12.32 — NEW RACKS
- Chapter 12.36 — RESTAURANT ENCROACHMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 12.42 — TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURES
▸Title 13 — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
Overview- Chapter 13.02 — APPLICATION AND EFFECT
- Chapter 13.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 13.06 — INCIDENTAL EXPENSES
- Chapter 13.08 — NOTICES
- Chapter 13.10 — PURCHASES AND ASSESSMENTS
- Chapter 13.12 — FORCE ACCOUNT
- Chapter 13.14 — REVOLVING FUND
- Chapter 13.16 — PARCELS AND DIAGRAM
- Chapter 13.18 — PROTESTS AND HEARINGS
- Chapter 13.20 — MODIFICATIONS
- Chapter 13.22 — SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT
- Chapter 13.24 — LEGAL REMEDIES
- Chapter 13.26 — REASSESSMENT
- Chapter 13.28 — LIENS
- Chapter 13.30 — INVESTIGATING PROCEDURE
- Chapter 13.32 — IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1911
- Chapter 13.34 — STREET OPENING ACT OF 1903
- Chapter 13.36 — MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1913
- Chapter 13.38 — MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 13.40 — ASSESSMENT OF CITY DEPARTMENTS
- Chapter 13.42 — GENERAL PROCEDURE
- Chapter 13.44 — LOT BONDS
- Chapter 13.46 — DISTRICT BONDS
- Chapter 13.48 — DISTRICT LIABILITY BONDS
- Chapter 13.50 — AD VALOREM LAND BONDS
- Chapter 13.52 — AD VALOREM REALTY BONDS
- Chapter 13.54 — UNPAID ASSESSMENTS AGAINST PUBLICLY OWNED PROPERTY
- Chapter 13.56 — PARKING BONDS
- Chapter 13.58 — REFUNDING BONDS
- Chapter 13.60 — PEDESTRIAN MALLS
- Chapter 13.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 13.66 — FINANCING FACILITIES
▸Title 15 — PUBLIC SERVICE
Overview- Chapter 15.08 — CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 15.12 — SERVICE CHARGES
- Chapter 15.16 — FACILITIES CHARGES
- Chapter 15.20 — DISPOSITION OF REVENUES
- Chapter 15.24 — USE RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 15.28 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 15.29 — INDUSTRIAL USERS
▸Chapter 15.30 — DISCHARGES OF FATS, OILS, AND GREASE FROM FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 15.32 — REGULATION AND BILLING
- Chapter 15.36 — RATES AND CHARGES
- Chapter 15.40 — WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS
- Chapter 15.42 — WATER CONSERVATION REGULATION
- Chapter 15.44 — WATER SHORTAGE REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO NON-COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE
- Chapter 15.50 — STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
▸Title 17 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Overview▸Chapter 17.04 — BUILDING CODE
▸Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 17.06 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 17.07 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 17.08 — HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 17.09 — HISTORICAL CODE
- Chapter 17.10 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 17.11 — CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 17.12 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Chapter 17.16 — ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS CODE
▸Chapter 17.20 — ELECTRICAL CODE
▸Chapter 17.24 — MECHANICAL CODE
▸Chapter 17.28 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 17.32 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 17.34 — REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 17.40 — CAMPGROUNDS
- Chapter 17.44 — EXCAVATIONS
- Chapter 17.48 — FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
- Chapter 17.52 — REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
- Chapter 17.54 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
- Chapter 17.58 — ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 17.60 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION
- Chapter 17.62 — PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPACT FEES
- Chapter 17.64 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS
▸Title 18 — SUBDIVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 18.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 18.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 18.12 — DESIGN
- Chapter 18.16 — TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 18.18 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 18.20 — PARCEL MAPS
- Chapter 18.24 — FINAL MAP
- Chapter 18.28 — OTHER MAPS
- Chapter 18.32 — IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 18.36 — DEVIATIONS
- Chapter 18.44 — SCHOOL FACILITIES DEDICATION
▸Title 20 — ZONING
Overview- Chapter 20.02 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 20.04 — INTERPRETATION
- Chapter 20.06 — ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP
- Chapter 20.10 — COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 20.12 — INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 20.14 — DOWNTOWN ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 20.16 — URBAN VILLAGE ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 20.18 — PUBLIC USE AND AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 20.20 — SPECIAL USE ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 20.22 — OVERLAY ZONES
- Chapter 20.24 — HEIGHT MEASUREMENT AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 20.26 — SETBACK MEASUREMENT AND PROJECTIONS
- Chapter 20.28 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
- Chapter 20.30 — WALLS AND FENCES
- Chapter 20.32 — INTERFACE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 20.34 — CREEK BUFFERS
- Chapter 20.36 — LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 20.38 — PARKING AND LOADING
- Chapter 20.40 — SMALL LOT SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
- Chapter 20.42 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 20.44 — SPECIAL LAND USE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 20.46 — RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 20.48 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
- Chapter 20.50 — TEMPORARY USES AND STRUCTURES
- Chapter 20.52 — NONCONFORMING PARCELS, USES, AND STRUCTURES
- Chapter 20.54 — CONDOMINIUMS
- Chapter 20.56 — DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 20.58 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
- Chapter 20.60 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
- Chapter 20.62 — SIGNS
- Chapter 20.64 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
- Chapter 20.66 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND REVIEW
- Chapter 20.68 — PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.70 — PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARINGS
- Chapter 20.72 — POST-DECISION PROCEDURES
- Chapter 20.74 — APPEALS
- Chapter 20.76 — COVENANTS FOR EASEMENTS
- Chapter 20.78 — CONDITIONAL ZONING
- Chapter 20.80 — ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 20.82 — GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 20.84 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Chapter 20.86 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
▸Chapter 20.90 — GLOSSARY (DEFINITIONS)
Overview- 2.6 Repealed by 310
- 2.9 Ord. 393 § 3 2.08.020
- 5.25 Ord. 55 § 14 6.04.040
- § 5.26
- § 7.6
- § 8.1
- 15.57 Ord. 948 § 1 5.08.350
- § 15.200
- § 16.22
- § 16.61
- § 16.85
- 16.94 Ord. 365 § 16 Repealed by 1658
- § 16.100
- 17.22 Ord. 838 § 1 9.24.030
- 21.14 Ord. 473 § 11 5.40.120
- § 24.2
- 24.50 Ord. 697 § 2 12.24.080
- § 25.6
- § 26.46
- § 26.54
- § 26.80
- § 26.85