Merced plan check and resubmittal guide
What we could verify about the City of Merced’s permit office from government and permit portal pages, what California law says about plan check there, and how to answer a correction letter. Each fact links to its source.
The City of Merced permit office
- Inspection Services Division: (209) 385-4773 (cityofmerced.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340 (cityofmerced.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- Building department page
Links and facts checked on October 31, 2026.
How to resubmit, at a glance
In our words, from Merced’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.
- Go to the building permit applications page to reach the online portal.
- Use the Narrative form for your revisions or deferrals.
- Upload it alongside your revisions or deferrals to the permit portal.
From Merced’s own page, read October 31, 2026: cityofmerced.gov
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2025 California Building Codes.
Local amendments to the building code
None listed by the California Building Standards Commission as of 2026-10-31. The Commission is still posting 2025 filings, and a place that adopts the state code without changes does not file, so check the city's own adoption ordinance.
Merced and Merced County
Merced is in Merced County. See the Merced County guide.
California rules every plan check here follows
These come from California law and state agencies, so they apply in Merced as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
The 2025 edition of Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, has been in effect since January 1, 2026.
Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Energy code
If your permit application was filed on or after January 1, 2026, the project has to meet the 2025 Energy Code.
Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Energy forms with the application
A building permit application covered by the energy code (Part 6) must include at least one copy of the required energy compliance documents.
Source: California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, checked October 31, 2026
Green building code (CALGreen)
The 2025 edition of CALGreen, the state green building code (Part 11), took effect on January 1, 2026.
Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026
ADU decision deadline
If the city or county has not approved or denied a complete application for an ADU or junior ADU within 60 days, the application is treated as approved (Gov. Code § 66317).
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026
ADU denials must explain the fix
When a city or county denies an ADU or junior ADU application, it must send written comments within 60 days that list each problem and explain how you can correct it.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026
Building permits for approved housing projects
For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Law Fact Sheets, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan check corrections has
General guidance, not the City of Merced’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other California city guides
How we help
Send us the whole correction letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Merced yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Merced and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
How do I respond to Merced’s plan check corrections?
In short: Go to the building permit applications page to reach the online portal. Use the Narrative form for your revisions or deferrals. Upload it alongside your revisions or deferrals to the permit portal. Answer every comment in a response letter that says what changed and on which sheet.
How long does Merced take to review a resubmittal?
For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards. Ask the City of Merced for its current review times.
Does Merced charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Inspection Services Division at (209) 385-4773 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Merced send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Inspection Services Division at (209) 385-4773 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Merced?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Merced or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.