Merced · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Merced?
In Merced, a child care center is needs a permit in 15 (R-3, R-4, R-MH, C-O, C-N and 10 more) and not allowed in 8 (Merced use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-3, R-4, R-MH, C-O, C-N, C-C, C-SC, B-P and 7 more
- Not allowed: R-R, R-1, R-2, C-T, C-G, P-OS, P-PK and A-G
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Merced 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 child care center can go
Merced's code calls this use “Day Care Centers”. 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-3 High medium density residential | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.08.020 |
| R-4 High density residential | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.08.020 |
| R-MH | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.08.020 |
| C-O | Needs a minor use permit Code row: “Day Care Centers (Children & Adults)” | § 20.10.020 |
| C-N | Needs a minor use permit Code row: “Day Care Centers (Children & Adults)” | § 20.10.020 |
| C-C | Needs a minor use permit Code row: “Day Care Centers (Children & Adults)” | § 20.10.020 |
| C-SC | Needs a minor use permit Code row: “Day Care Centers (Children & Adults)” | § 20.10.020 |
| B-P | Needs a minor use permit Code row: “Day Care Centers (Children & Adults)” | § 20.10.020 |
| D-COR | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.14.020 |
| D-O | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.14.020 |
| D-CM | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.14.020 |
| R-OV Outer village residential | Needs a site plan review permit | § 20.16.020 |
| R-IV Inner village residential | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.16.020 |
| C-V | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.16.020 |
| P-F | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.18.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Day Care Home Facilities' small (1-8) and large (9-14) are P in nearly all residential zones. 'Day Care, Adult (1-12 persons)' in R-2 to R-4: C [5].
- State law: A licensed family child care home in a house is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1597.45); this page covers child care centers only.
- Not covered here: RP-D residential planned development and other planned developments (no use table in text); Commercial cannabis uses (Table 20.44-1 in 20.44.170). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Merced
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the R-3 zone in Merced?
Only with a minor use permit. Merced's use table lists it that way in R-3 (High medium density residential) (§ 20.08.020).
Can I have a child care center in the R-R zone in Merced?
No. Merced's use table does not allow it in R-R (§ 20.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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