Merced County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Minimum building setbacks are established by zone in the Title 18 Zoning Code (UDO) and applied under Section 18.30.040. There is no single countywide setback - each zone has its own standards. In residential zones (Table 2-4), R-1 requires a 20-foot front, 5-foot interior side, 20-foot street-facing side, and 15-foot rear (main structure) setback; R-1-5000 requires 15-foot front and side-facing-street and 5-foot interior side; R-R (no public sewer/water) requires a 50-foot front, 15-foot interior side, and 25-foot rear setback. Accessory-structure rear setbacks are 5 feet in residential zones. In agricultural zones (Table 2-2), A-1, A-1-40, and A-2 all require 20-foot front, 15-foot interior side, 20-foot corner side, and 25-foot rear setbacks. Front setbacks are measured at right angles from the nearest point of the front property line to the structure envelope (Section 18.30.040.D); side and rear setbacks are measured similarly to the respective property lines. Certain features may project into required setbacks: eaves, cornices, and bay windows up to 3 feet; fire escapes up to 4 feet 6 inches; and attached mechanical equipment up to 50 percent into a required rear or side setback. Conforming-height fences and retaining walls under 3 feet above grade are exempt from setbacks. Because setbacks depend on your specific zone, confirm them with Merced County Planning.