Merced County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Section 18.12.030, Table 2-4 (Residential Zone Development Standards) sets a 'Maximum Structure Coverage (percentage)' figure alongside the parcel depth, width and coverage standards for each residential zone. The limit is 40% in the Rural Residential zone without public sewer or water service, 60% in Rural Residential with public sewer/water, 60% in the R-1 zone, 60% in R-1-5000, 70% in the combined R-2/R-3/R-4 multi-family zones, and 80% in the M-H mobile home zone. This coverage cap sits in the same table as the zone's minimum parcel width, minimum parcel depth, and maximum depth-to-width ratio of 3:1 that applies uniformly across all six residential zones.

The table applies to every development in the corresponding residential zone under Section 18.12.030.A, which states the table is intended to 'clearly and precisely establish the basic site and structure regulations that apply to all developments in each of the residential zones.' Accessory structures, which count toward the same coverage limit, are separately regulated under Chapter 18.32, and additional dwelling units draw on the standards of Chapter 18.62, both cross-referenced directly beneath the coverage figures in Table 2-4.