Merced County · Zoning · R-2
Merced County R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced County's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Merced County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft (R-2)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (Measured from the face of the curb, adopted plan line or edge of right-of-way)
- Minimum side setback: 5/12 ft (The code prints 5/12 without saying what the two numbers mean; read the code)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft (interior parcel)
- Maximum lot coverage: 70%
R-2 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 R-2
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 | 45 ft Applies: R-2 § 18.12.030 · code textTable row “Height (main structure)”, column “R-2/R-3/R-4”: R-2:45 R-3:60 R-4:60 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: Measured from the face of the curb, adopted plan line or edge of right-of-way § 18.12.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R-2/R-3/R-4”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 5/12 ft Applies: The code prints 5/12 without saying what the two numbers mean; read the code § 18.12.030 · code textTable row “Side (interior side)”, column “R-2/R-3/R-4”: 5/12 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 18.12.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “R-2/R-3/R-4”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft Applies: interior parcel § 18.12.030 · code textTable row “Interior Parcel”, column “R-2/R-3/R-4”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 70% § 18.12.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Structure Coverage (percentage)”, column “R-2/R-3/R-4”: 70 |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum lot size: 6,400 sq ft — corner parcel § 18.12.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R-2 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 R-2 zone?
45 ft (r-2) — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Merced County's R-2 zone?
20 ft (measured from the face of the curb, adopted plan line or edge of right-of-way) — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced County's R-2 zone?
5/12 ft (the code prints 5/12 without saying what the two numbers mean; read the code) — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Merced County's R-2 zone?
15 ft — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced County's R-2 zone?
6,000 sq ft (interior parcel) — Merced County Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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