Merced County, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Merced County's Zoning Code defines a carport as a permanent roofed structure that is not completely enclosed, used for vehicle parking (Article 8 Definitions). A carport is an accessory structure subject to Chapter 18.32, so it must meet the residential-zone setbacks of Section 18.12.030, may not encroach into the required front setback or the street-side setback of a corner parcel, is limited to 15 feet in height, and counts toward the two-accessory-structure-per-parcel limit. For front-loading parking, Section 18.12.040 sets zone-specific standards: in the R-1-5000 Single-Family Residential Zone, carports and garages facing the front parcel line must be set back 20 feet from the right-of-way, while in the R-1 zone a side-loading garage driveway may be 15 feet from the right-of-way. Freestanding membrane-covered carports and cabanas (rigid, framed, canvas-covered) are allowed under Section 18.32.030(C)(10) only if they meet all accessory-structure rules, are not built in the front one-half of the parcel or in a corner parcel's street-side setback, and have all membrane edges fastened to prevent wind flapping. If a carport is demolished to build an ADU, Section 18.62.040(C) and Gov. Code §66314 mean the county cannot require replacement of the displaced covered parking.