Building Setbacks & Zoning in Merced County, CA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

In unincorporated Merced County, Table 2-4 of the Zoning Code sets minimum yard setbacks by residential zone, from a 50-foot front setback in the Rural Residential (no public sewer/water) zone down to 10 feet in the M-H mobile home zone. Interior side setbacks range from 15 feet down to 3 feet.

Merced County Residential Yard Setbacks

Some Restrictions

Merced County Code § 18.12.030, Table 2-4 (Residential Zone Development Standards)

Setbacks (minimum). Property lines are measured in feet, with those adjacent to the street measured from the face of the curb, adopted plan line, or edge of right-of-way. Front: 50 [R-R no sewer] / 30 [R-R w/ sewer] / 20-Garage, 15-Livable Area [R-1] / 20-Garage, 15-Livable Area [R-1-5000] / 20 [R-2/R-3/R-4] / 10 [M-H]. Side (interior side): 15 / 10 / 5 / 5 / 5/12 / 3. Rear: 25 / 20 / 10 / 10 /...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

In Merced County's R-1 zone, the main house is capped at 30 feet and accessory structures at 15 feet, measured from the average finished grade to the highest point of the structure. The R-R zone without public sewer or water allows a 35-foot main structure, while multifamily R-2/R-3/R-4 parcels can reach 45 to 60 feet.

Merced County Residential Structure Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Merced County Zoning Code § 18.12.030, Table 2-4

Table 2-4 Residential Zone Development Standards Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated) R-R (no public sewer/water) R-R (with public sewer/water) R-1 R-1-5000 R-2/R-3/R-4 M-H ... Height (maximum) measured in feet Height (main structure) 35 30 30 30 R-2:45 R-3:60 R-4:60 15 Height (accessory structure) 35 15 15 15 15 15

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Table 2-4 of the Merced County Zoning Code caps maximum structure coverage on residential parcels at 40% in Rural Residential without public sewer or water, rising to 60% in R-R with sewer, R-1 and R-1-5000, 70% in R-2/R-3/R-4, and 80% in the M-H mobile home zone.

Merced County Max Residential Lot Coverage

Some Restrictions

Merced County Code § 18.12.030, Table 2-4 (Residential Zone Development Standards)

Parcel Depth, Width, and Coverage (maximum) area measured in feet ... Maximum Depth: Width Ratio 3:1 / 3:1 / 3:1 / 3:1 / 3:1 / 3:1. Maximum Structure Coverage (percentage) 40 / 60 / 60 / 60 / 70 / 80

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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