Building Setbacks & Zoning in Merced, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
The City of Merced sets minimum yard setbacks by zoning district in its Zoning Ordinance (Title 20, Tables 20.08-2 and 20.08-3). In single-family zones, front setbacks range from 15 to 30 feet and rear setbacks from 5 to 25 feet by district (e.g., R-1-5 front 15 ft / rear 5 ft; R-R front 30 ft / rear 25 ft).
Merced Building Setbacks
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
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.
Merced Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
The City of Merced caps maximum lot coverage by zoning district in its Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). Single-family limits range from about 25% (R-R) up to 50% (R-1-5), and multi-family/mobile-home districts reach 50-65%. Per the City, lot coverage does not include fences, walls, hedges, swimming pools, or uncovered patios.
Merced Lot Coverage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Merced County →