Merced County · Zoning · MU
Merced County MU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced County's MU zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 ft tall, the front setback is 5 ft and the minimum lot size is none required, with the conditions listed below (Merced County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft (Measured from the face of the curb, or the right-of-way where there is no curb)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: none required (newly created parcel)
- Maximum lot coverage: 100%
MU is a zoning district in Merced County. Every value below was read from the Merced County Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in MU
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 50 ft § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “MU”: 50 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 5 ft Applies: Measured from the face of the curb, or the right-of-way where there is no curb § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “MU”: 5 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Side (interior)”, column “MU”: 0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “MU”: 0 |
| Minimum lot size | none required Applies: newly created parcel § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Parcel Size”, column “MU”: None |
| Maximum lot coverage | 100% § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Structure Coverage (percent)”, column “MU”: 100 |
Uses in MU
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Needs an administrative permit
- Rooming or boarding house — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs an administrative permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for MU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Merced County Municipal Code.
Other Merced County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Merced County's MU zone?
50 ft — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Merced County's MU zone?
5 ft (measured from the face of the curb, or the right-of-way where there is no curb) — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced County's MU zone?
0 ft — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Merced County's MU zone?
0 ft — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced County's MU zone?
none required (newly created parcel) — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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