Accessory Structures in Merced, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Chapter 20.42 of the City of Merced Zoning Ordinance permits one attached ADU, one detached ADU, and one JADU per single-family lot. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet, 16 feet tall, with four-foot side and rear setbacks. The chapter implements California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
Merced Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and JADU Rules
Few RestrictionsShed Rules
Merced's Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.28 treats sheds as residential accessory structures. Per Table 20.28-1, they may be up to 35 feet tall with a three-foot interior side and rear setback, increased to five feet for any accessory structure exceeding 120 square feet or any garage off an alley. The exterior (street-side) yard must match the primary structure's setback.
Merced Shed and Detached Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Merced allows an attached garage or detached accessory structure to be converted into an ADU or JADU under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.42. When a garage is converted to an ADU, displaced parking need not be replaced, and converting an existing detached structure requires no added setbacks. The work must meet the California Building Code.
Merced Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Merced regulates carports as residential accessory structures under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.28, subject to a 35-foot height limit and three-foot interior setback (five feet if over 120 square feet). Driveways serving a garage or carport must be at least 20 feet long, measured to the back of sidewalk or front property line. Carports are excluded from ADU floor-area calculations.
Merced Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Zoning Ordinance Section 20.42.060 gives Merced explicit tiny-home-on-wheels (THOW) standards, allowing one THOW per single-family lot as an ADU. It must be under 400 square feet (excluding lofts), no taller than 14 feet, DMV-registered, ANSI/NFPA certified, set back five feet, and parked on an approved pad - never in front of the home.
Merced Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW) Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Accessory Structures in Merced County →