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

Maximum structure coverage is set by zone in the Title 18 Zoning Code development-standards tables and is the percentage of the parcel that may be covered by structures. In residential zones (Table 2-4), the maximum structure coverage is 40 percent for R-R with no public sewer/water, 60 percent for R-R with public sewer/water, 60 percent for R-1 and R-1-5000, 70 percent for R-2/R-3/R-4, and 80 percent for M-H. In commercial zones (Table 2-6), maximum coverage ranges from 50 percent (C-P, C-3, H-I-C) to 60 percent (C-1, C-2) and up to 100 percent in the MU mixed-use zone. Industrial zones (Table 2-8) allow up to 80 percent in B-P, M-1, and M-2. For accessory structures in residential zones, Section 18.32.030.C.9 adds that accessory structures shall not occupy more than 15 percent of the rear yard, and accessory plus main structures together may not exceed the zone's maximum parcel coverage. Certain projections - eaves, cornices, bay windows, and attached mechanical equipment - are excluded from lot coverage to the extent allowed in Section 18.30.020. Density and minimum parcel sizes are governed separately by the General Plan and the applicable zone tables. Because coverage limits depend on your zone and connection to public services, verify the applicable percentage with Merced County Planning.