Merced · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Merced?
In Merced, a live-work unit is allowed in 5 base zones (C-C, D-COR, D-O, D-CM and C-V, all with a condition), needs a permit in 5 (C-O, C-N, B-P, R-OV and R-IV, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Merced use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-C, D-COR, D-O, D-CM and C-V
- Needs a permit: C-O, C-N, B-P, R-OV and R-IV
- Not allowed: C-SC, C-T and C-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 live-work unit can go
Merced's code calls this use “Live/Work Units”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C-C | Allowed — see note Note 2: Residential use on the ground floor is prohibited unless it is located on the back of the property where it is not visible or approved with a conditional use permit. | § 20.10.020 |
| D-COR | Allowed — see note Note 2: Residential use on the ground floor is prohibited unless it is located on the back of the property where it is not visible or approved with a conditional use permit. | § 20.14.020 |
| D-O | Allowed — see note Note 2: Residential use on the ground floor is prohibited unless it is located on the back of the property where it is not visible or approved with a conditional use permit. | § 20.14.020 |
| D-CM | Allowed — see note Note 2: Residential use on the ground floor is prohibited unless it is located on the back of the property where it is not visible or approved with a conditional use permit. | § 20.14.020 |
| C-V | Allowed — see note Note 1: Prohibited as a single use unless approved with a conditional use permit. Permitted as part of a residential mixed-use project. | § 20.16.020 |
| C-O | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.10.020 |
| C-N | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.10.020 |
| B-P | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.10.020 |
| R-OV Outer village residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.16.020 |
| R-IV Inner village residential | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note 3: Must meet minimum density requirements of ten (10) dwelling units/acre. | § 20.16.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Sec. 20.44.080 Live/work.
- 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 live-work unit in the C-O zone in Merced?
Only with a conditional use permit. Merced's use table lists it that way in C-O (§ 20.10.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the C-SC zone in Merced?
No. Merced's use table does not allow it in C-SC (§ 20.10.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the C-C zone in Merced?
Yes, with a condition. Merced's use table lists it as allowed in C-C (§ 20.10.020). The code adds a condition: “Residential use on the ground floor is prohibited unless it is located on the back of the property where it is not visible or approved with a conditional use permit.”
General information, not legal advice.
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