Local zoning · Merced County

Merced County — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Merced County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Merced County, landscaping and screening are governed by the Merced County Zoning Code, primarily § 18.36 (Landscaping) and § 18.34 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges). These chapters set plant palette, irrigation and coverage rules, define screening “types,” and control fence/wall heights and materials across all zones. Where parking, outdoor storage, and utility areas front the street, added landscape screens and/or walls are often required. Projects must also comply with California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) via § 18.36.030.

Key rule: When screening is required, Merced County expects a combination of walls/fences/berms with landscaping; chain link alone is not enough. See § 18.34.050 and § 18.36.050(F).

What the County means by “landscaping” and “screening”

  • WELO compliance. All landscaped areas must comply with the State’s Model WELO (Title 23, Section 2.7 CCR) per § 18.36.030.
  • Plant palette and coverage. At least 90% drought-tolerant plants; turf limited to 30% of landscaped area (Director may allow exceptions); shrubs min 1‑gal, trees min 15‑gal; consider visibility, utilities, and solar access per § 18.36.050(A)–(B).
  • Planter construction. Curbs or recessing to protect plants and manage runoff; minimum bed widths of 12 in (groundcover), 40 in (shrubs), 60 in (trees) per § 18.36.050(D).
  • Screening “types.” The code provides objective screening types:
    • Type A Opaque: fully opaque to 6 ft with intermittent screening to 20 ft; used where complete visual separation is needed.
    • Type B Semi‑Opaque: opaque to 3 ft with intermittent screening to 20 ft.
    • Type C Broken: intermittent screening up to 20 ft to create spatial separation without full blockage.
      See § 18.36.050(F) (Tables 3‑3–3‑5 identify which type applies between different adjacent uses).
  • Outdoor storage/utility areas. Require an opaque landscape screen at maturity or a wall where visible from the right‑of‑way; max wall/fence height typically 7 ft per § 18.34.030 (Table 3‑2).
  • Noise barriers. Where a noise study requires barriers, walls/fences may not exceed 7 ft; provide trees every 30 ft along walls/fences; screen walls 50% at maturity if visible from the right‑of‑way; approved materials include masonry/stucco over frame, masonry walls, or board‑and‑batten wood per § 18.34.060.
  • Sight triangles. All fences, walls, berms, and plants must respect sight distance at intersections/driveways per County Code Chapter 13.24, referenced in § 18.34.020(D) and § 18.36.060(C).
  • Fence/wall materials and security fencing. Allowed/prohibited materials vary by zone; barbed/razor/electric security fencing is allowed only in agricultural and industrial zones and prohibited in residential and commercial zones per § 18.34.020(E)–(F).

Cross-overs with other standards

  • If your landscape screen protects or fronts a parking area, see the County’s parking standards and the “landscape screen” triggers in § 18.36.070 (Table 3‑7).
  • Larger commercial/industrial projects may be subject to design review, which emphasizes coordinated planting, screening of equipment, and parking-lot shade trees.
  • Projects in overlays like Castle Commerce Center/Airport SPZ must meet overlay-specific landscape/screening rules in addition to base zones; see overlay districts and § 18.18.050.

Countywide fence/wall basics that affect landscaping

  • Heights. Within front setbacks, residential max is 4 ft for the first 15 ft; elsewhere up to 7 ft. Sight triangles at intersections/driveways are limited to 2 ft 6 in per § 18.34.030 (Table 3‑1). Similar limits apply in agricultural/commercial/industrial zones per Table 3‑2.
  • Additional rules. Fences/walls over 7 ft require a building permit; heightened or different screens may be imposed by conditions of approval; sight distance per Chapter 13.24 per § 18.34.030(E). For materials, see § 18.34.020(E)–(F).

Decision-Reference Tables

Core landscaping and screening triggers

Situation in unincorporated areas Minimum treatment Code Reference
Outdoor storage/utility areas visible from public right‑of‑way (non-residential) Opaque landscape screen at maturity or wall up to 7 ft § 18.34.030 (Table 3‑2)
Parking lot or structure adjacent to required front setback (listed non-residential zones) Landscape screen across entire setback; may combine with wall/berm § 18.36.070 (Table 3‑7)
Noise-impacted projects requiring barriers Wall/fence ≤ 7 ft; trees at 30‑ft intervals; 50% wall screening at maturity where visible § 18.34.060
Between differing land uses (buffers) Use Type A/B/C screen per adjacency tables § 18.36.050(F)
Front yard fences (residential zones) Max 4 ft for first 15 ft of front setback; 7 ft elsewhere § 18.34.030 (Table 3‑1)

Non-residential front setback landscaping by zone

Zone (unincorporated areas) Minimum front setback landscaping Added requirement when parking lines the frontage Code Reference
C‑P Commercial Professional Office 10 ft landscape setback Landscape screen along entire setback § 18.36.070 (Table 3‑7)
C‑1 Neighborhood Commercial 10 ft Same as above Same as above
C‑2 General Commercial 6 ft Same as above Same as above
C‑3 Heavy Commercial 15 ft Same as above Same as above
HIC Highway Interchange Center 15 ft Same as above Same as above
B‑P Business Park 15 ft Same as above Same as above
M‑1 Light Manufacturing 15 ft Same as above Same as above
M‑2 General Manufacturing 15 ft Same as above Same as above

Residential front setback landscaping

Residential zone (unincorporated areas) Front setback depth Minimum street tree frequency Code Reference
R‑1 Single-Family 15 ft One tree per parcel § 18.36.060 (Table 3‑6)
R‑1‑5000 Single-Family (smaller lots) 15 ft One tree per parcel Same as above
M‑H Mobile Home Residential 10 ft One tree per parcel Same as above
R‑2 Two-Family 20 ft One tree per parcel Same as above
R‑3 Multi-Family 20 ft See multi-family standards below Same as above
R‑4 Multi-Family High Density 20 ft See multi-family standards below Same as above
  • Multi-family detail (R‑3/R‑4): At least 10 ft of the 20‑ft front setback (exclusive of driveways) must be a planted buffer; if parking is adjacent to a front setback or on a corner, 15 ft of the setback must be a landscape screen; walls/berms may be combined per § 18.36.060(D).

District-by-District Guidance (unincorporated areas)

R‑1, R‑1‑5000, M‑H, R‑2

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening: Provide the residential front setback and a minimum of one street tree per parcel (see table above); maintain sight triangles; fences/walls in front setbacks limited to 4 ft for the first 15 ft per § 18.34.030 and § 18.36.060. No screening is required between single-family residences per § 18.36.050(F).
  • Where it applies: All residentially zoned parcels in unincorporated areas; see Merced County Zoning.

R‑3 and R‑4

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening: Minimum 20‑ft front setback with 10 ft of planted buffer; 15 ft landscape screen when parking fronts the setback; may combine with walls/berms; plant/open-space usability percentages apply (R‑3/R‑4 must provide at least 25% of required landscaped area as usable open recreation) per § 18.36.060(A), (D).
  • Where it applies: Multi-family zones in unincorporated areas.

C‑P, C‑1, C‑2, C‑3, HIC (Commercial family)

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening: Front setback landscaping per Table 3‑7 (see non-residential table above). A landscape screen is required along the frontage where parking abuts the setback; combine with walls/berms as needed per § 18.36.070. Front-yard fences/walls capped at 4 ft; outdoor storage/utility areas require opaque screens or walls up to 7 ft per § 18.34.030. Barbed/razor/electric fencing prohibited in commercial zones per § 18.34.020(F).
  • Where it applies: Commercially zoned parcels in unincorporated areas.

B‑P, M‑1, M‑2 (Business Park/Industrial)

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening: 15‑ft landscaped front setback; require a landscape screen along the frontage where parking abuts setbacks per § 18.36.070. Outdoor storage/utility areas must be screened or walled up to 7 ft per § 18.34.030. If industrial abuts a residential zone, provide a 6‑ft solid masonry wall along the common property line and a 20‑ft setback per § 18.16.040(A)(2)(b). Security fencing (e.g., barbed wire) allowed in industrial zones per § 18.34.020(E)(3).
  • Where it applies: Business Park and Manufacturing zones in unincorporated areas.

A‑1, A‑1‑40, A‑2 (Agricultural)

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening: Agricultural parcels are subject to the County’s landscaping and fence/wall chapters; security fencing is allowed in agricultural zones per § 18.34.020(E)(3). See Agricultural standards table noting cross-application of § 18.34 and § 18.36.
  • Where it applies: Agricultural zones in unincorporated areas.

Castle Commerce Center and Airport SPZ (Special Planning Zone)

  • Purpose: The SPZ provides tailored development regulations around the former Castle Air Force Base and airport operations per § 18.18.010–.020.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Follow Countywide § 18.34 and § 18.36, plus SPZ-specific standards in § 18.18.050.
    • Minimum plant sizes and parking-lot tree ratios: trees ≥ 24‑inch box; other plants ≥ 15‑gal; at least one 24‑inch box tree per six parking spaces and at row ends; Santa Fe Drive corridors require clustered trees and grade variation per § 18.18.050(C).
    • Screening/buffers emphasized along perimeter edges; noise barriers may be required by study, using masonry/stucco walls or berms per § 18.18.050(B)(5).
  • Where it applies: Parcels within the Castle Commerce Center and Airport SPZ overlay in unincorporated areas; see Merced County Overlay Districts.

Practical coordination tips

  • If you propose a screen along a street or in a front setback, verify fence/wall height limits and whether a landscape “screen” is also required in your zone. Tie your submittal to Merced County Development Standards and zone-based tables in § 18.34/§ 18.36.
  • Existing nonconforming fences/walls/hedges persist unless altered; changes can trigger current standards. See Merced County Nonconforming Uses and verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Deviations (e.g., alternative screen designs) can be considered through conditions of approval or a variance/exception, where findings allow. § 18.34.030(E)(2) notes that greater height/type can be required by conditions.

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel is in an unincorporated area and identify the base zone and any overlays (zoning, overlay districts).
  • Prepare a WELO‑compliant planting/irrigation plan (90% drought‑tolerant; ≤30% turf; tree/shrub minimum sizes) per § 18.36.030 and § 18.36.050.
  • Show planter construction details (curbs/recess; minimum widths) per § 18.36.050(D).
  • Demonstrate required front setback landscaping (depth and any screen) per § 18.36.060 (residential) or § 18.36.070 (non‑residential).
  • Identify if outdoor storage/utility areas or parking front the street; add an opaque landscape screen or wall as required by § 18.34.030 and § 18.36.070.
  • Choose the correct screen Type A/B/C for adjacency buffers (see § 18.36.050(F) and the County’s adjacency tables).
  • Check fence/wall heights/materials and sight triangles per § 18.34.020–.030. Security fencing is limited by zone.
  • If near noise sources, confirm whether a noise barrier and associated tree spacing/landscape screening are required per § 18.34.060.
  • If subject to design review, coordinate screening/landscape with site architecture and parking-lot shade per § 18.122.030 criteria.
  • For signage in landscaped areas or on walls, confirm signage compliance.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Which screen Type (A/B/C) applies between specific adjacent uses The code assigns different opacity levels by adjacency Tables 3‑3 to 3‑5 are referenced but not fully shown here. Confirm with Planning which table cell applies to your adjacency under § 18.36.050(F).
Corner‑lot visibility limits Overgrown screens/walls can violate sight distance and trigger correction Confirm exact sight triangle dimensions with Public Works per § 18.34.020(D) and Chapter 13.24.
Industrial next to residential Triggers both setbacks and wall type/height If in M‑1/M‑2 next to a residential zone, provide the 20‑ft setback and 6‑ft solid masonry wall per § 18.16.040(A)(2)(b).
Overlay rules vs. base-zone rules (Castle SPZ) Overlay can add stricter landscape/screening standards If within Castle SPZ, apply § 18.18.050 tree sizes and parking‑lot tree ratios in addition to § 18.36.
Fence/wall materials and “security” features Some materials are prohibited in commercial/residential areas Verify allowed materials by zone under § 18.34.020(E)–(F) before specifying barbed or razor wire.

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Merced County, most projects must plant drought‑tolerant landscapes, limit turf, and use trees/shrubs of minimum sizes. If your parking, storage, or utility areas face the street, expect to add a landscape screen—and sometimes a wall or berm. Fences in the front yard are usually capped at 4 ft, rising to 7 ft outside the front setback; security fencing is limited to agricultural/industrial zones. Multi-family and commercial/industrial zones have defined front landscape depths, and industrial sites bordering homes must install a 6‑ft masonry wall.

Source References

Information Gaps

  • The exact adjacency tables (Tables 3‑3 to 3‑5) that assign Screening Types A/B/C to specific use pairings were referenced but not fully visible in the retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 18.34.030.) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (Article 8) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (Article 8) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (Article 8) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (Title 18.) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the front yard fence height limits in unincorporated Merced County?

In residential zones, fences/walls within the first 15 feet of the front setback are limited to 4 ft; elsewhere on the lot they may go up to 7 ft, subject to sight‑triangle rules. Similar front-setback limits apply in other zones via Table 3‑2. See § 18.34.030.

Do I have to screen outdoor storage or utility areas from the street?

Yes. If visible from the public right‑of‑way, provide an opaque landscape screen at maturity or a wall (up to 7 ft, or as conditioned) per § 18.34.030 (Table 3‑2).

What landscaping is required in front of commercial or industrial buildings?

Provide a landscaped front setback (6–15 ft depending on zone) and, when parking abuts that frontage, a continuous landscape screen across the width of the required setback. See § 18.36.070 (Table 3‑7).

What are the minimum planting standards for any project?

Use at least 90% drought‑tolerant species, limit turf to 30% of landscaped area, and meet minimum plant sizes (trees ≥ 15‑gal; shrubs ≥ 1‑gal). Construct and size planters per code. See § 18.36.050(A)–(D) and WELO in § 18.36.030.

How are noise walls landscaped?

If a noise study requires a wall, trees must be planted every 30 ft along the wall or fence, and walls visible from a public right‑of‑way must be at least 50% screened at maturity. Materials are specified in § 18.34.060.

Are barbed wire or electric fences allowed?

Only in agricultural and industrial zones. They are prohibited in residential and commercial zones per § 18.34.020(E)–(F).

What if my industrial site borders a residential zone?

Provide a 20‑ft setback and a 6‑ft solid masonry wall at the shared property line per § 18.16.040(A)(2)(b).

Do multi-family projects have special front-yard landscape rules?

Yes. In R‑3/R‑4, 10 ft of the 20‑ft front setback must be a planted buffer; if parking is adjacent to a front setback or on a corner, 15 ft must be a landscaped screen. See § 18.36.060(D).

Does Castle Commerce Center/Airport SPZ have extra landscaping rules?

Yes. Among other items, require 24‑inch box trees and at least one such tree per six parking spaces, plus clustering along Santa Fe Drive. See § 18.18.050.

Will I need design review for landscape/screen changes?

Some projects do, especially larger commercial/industrial work. Minor landscape additions/removals may be exempt, but confirm under § 18.122.030 and the Design Review page.

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