Merced County · Land use · Private school
Where is a private school allowed in Merced County?
In Merced County, a private school is needs a conditional use permit in 6 (R-R, R-1, R-1-5000, R-2, R-3 and 1 more) and not allowed in 1 (Merced County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-R, R-1, R-1-5000, R-2, R-3 and R-4
- Not allowed: M-H
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Merced County Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a private school can go
Merced County's code calls this use “Schools (private)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-R | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.12.020 |
| R-1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.12.020 |
| R-1-5000 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.12.020 |
| R-2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.12.020 |
| R-3 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.12.020 |
| R-4 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.12.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
M-H.
What else applies
- Not covered here: Castle Commerce Center and Airport SPZ (S5) and Fox Hills Community Specific Plan (S6) zones: separate specific-plan tables, not used; Article 8 definitions (Places of Assembly, Farm Animal Keeping/Raising) are not in the packet; Chapters 18.60, 18.12.040, 18.10.040 use standards are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Merced County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a private school in the R-R zone in Merced County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Merced County's use table lists it that way in R-R (§ 18.12.020).
Can I have a private school in the M-H zone in Merced County?
No. Merced County's use table does not allow it in M-H (§ 18.12.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a private school at an address in Merced County
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