Merced County, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Merced County's Zoning Code addresses garage conversions primarily through the ADU framework in Chapter 18.62. Section 18.62.030(A)(5)(a) states that when a garage is converted to an ADU, no setback is required, and Section 18.62.030(A)(5)(b) requires only five-foot side and rear setbacks when an ADU is built above a garage. On parking, Section 18.62.040(C) provides that when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, or when a carport or covered parking structure is demolished to build an ADU, replacement spaces must be on the same parcel and may be covered, uncovered, or tandem. This mirrors California Gov. Code §66314, which prohibits a local agency from requiring replacement off-street parking when a garage or covered parking is converted or demolished for an ADU. A garage converted to general living space (not a permitted ADU) is still regulated as an accessory structure / addition under Chapter 18.32 and must meet zone standards. Note that the county's subdivision-sales-office rule (Section 18.60.280(B)) separately requires a garage used as a temporary sales area to be reconverted to a standard garage upon sale of the dwelling. The county code still cites the former state ADU statutes (Gov. Code §§65852.2/65852.22), now recodified at Gov. Code §§66310-66342.