Merced, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Sheds and other detached accessory buildings in the City of Merced are governed by Chapter 20.28 (Accessory Structures) of the Zoning Ordinance (Ord. No. 2465, adopted September 19, 2016). Section 20.28.020 lists permitted residential accessory structures, including personal storage buildings, garages, and carports. Development standards in Table 20.28-1 set a maximum height of 35 feet and a minimum interior-yard setback of three feet; however, a five-foot minimum applies to garages off an alley and to any accessory structure exceeding 120 square feet. The exterior (street-facing) yard setback must equal that required for the primary structure. Section 20.28.010 requires accessory structures to be separated from other structures as required by the building code, and attached accessory structures are treated as part of the primary structure for lot-coverage purposes. Notably, the City of Merced code does not impose a 600-square-foot cap on residential sheds the way Merced County's separate code does; instead, accessory structures must meet all other development standards (such as lot coverage) that apply to primary structures in the zone. Sheds large enough to require a building permit are reviewed by Merced Development Services. Guest houses are allowed only on the rear half of the lot and may not contain kitchen facilities.