The City of Merced limits building height by zoning district in its Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). Most residential zones — including the single-family R-R and R-1 districts and the R-2, R-3, R-MH multi-family/mobile-home districts — cap buildings at 35 feet, while the higher-density R-4 district allows up to 40 feet.
Maximum building/structure height in the incorporated City of Merced is set by zoning district in Title 20. According to the City's Zoning Ordinance residential development-standard tables, the maximum height is 35 feet across most residential districts: the single-family R-R and R-1 series (R-1-20, R-1-10, R-1-6, R-1-5), the R-2 and R-3 multi-family districts, and the R-MH (Mobile Home Park) district. The high-density R-4 district allows a taller maximum of 40 feet. Height is measured per the definitions in Title 20 and is separate from the number of stories. These are zoning limits and apply to the principal building; accessory structures and fences/walls have their own lower height standards (fences under MMC 20.30; accessory structures under the accessory-structure provisions of Title 20). Non-residential and commercial districts have their own height limits not covered here. Because height interacts with setbacks, lot coverage, and special overlays, the City advises confirming the limit for a specific parcel with the Planning Division at (209) 385-6858. These city limits differ from Merced County standards, which govern only unincorporated areas.
Exceeding the district height limit results in permit denial, a stop-work order, or a requirement to modify the structure; a variance is required to exceed the limit legally. Enforcement is through Development Services under Title 20. Administrative citation amounts follow California Government Code Section 36900(b): $100 / $200 / $500.
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