Merced, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

The City of Merced does not have a stand-alone carport chapter; carports are treated as residential accessory structures under Chapter 20.28 and as part of the off-street parking rules in Chapter 20.38 of the Zoning Ordinance. Section 20.28.020 lists carports among the accessory buildings 'customarily appurtenant to a permitted use,' so they follow Table 20.28-1: a maximum height of 35 feet and a minimum three-foot interior side and rear setback, increased to five feet for any accessory structure exceeding 120 square feet. The exterior (street-side) yard must match the primary structure's required setback. Under Section 20.08.020, driveways serving a garage or carport must be a minimum of 20 feet in length, measured from the garage/carport to the back of the sidewalk or front property line, whichever is farthest from the street. Carport design standards in Chapter 20.46 require roofing materials to match the dwelling and, for multi-family projects, carports to have fascia boards matching the main structure. For ADU purposes, Section 20.42.030.E provides that garages and carports are excluded from floor-area calculations, and 'solar carports' may be approved by minor use permit under Section 20.44.110. A carport that is enclosed becomes a garage and is subject to garage standards. Building permits for carports are issued by Merced Development Services.