Merced · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Merced?
In Merced, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 7 base zones (R-3, R-4, C-C, D-COR, D-O and 2 more, 2 with a condition), needs a permit in 5 (R-2, C-O, C-N, B-P and D-CM, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 7 (Merced use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-3, R-4, C-C, D-COR, D-O, R-IV and C-V
- Needs a permit: R-2, C-O, C-N, B-P and D-CM
- Not allowed: R-R, R-1, R-MH, C-SC, C-T, C-G and R-OV
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 an apartment building (multifamily housing) can go
Merced's code calls this use “Multiple-Family Dwellings”. 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 | Allowed | § 20.08.020 |
| R-4 High density residential | Allowed | § 20.08.020 |
| C-C | Allowed | § 20.10.020 |
| D-COR | Allowed | § 20.14.020 |
| D-O | Allowed | § 20.14.020 |
| R-IV Inner village residential | Allowed — see note Code row: “Multiple Family Dwellings” Note 3: Must meet minimum density requirements of ten (10) dwelling units/acre. | § 20.16.020 |
| C-V | Allowed — see note Code row: “Multiple Family Dwellings” Note 1: Prohibited as a single use unless approved with a conditional use permit. Permitted as part of a residential mixed-use project. Note 3: Must meet minimum density requirements of ten (10) dwelling units/acre. | § 20.16.020 |
| R-2 Low medium density residential | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 4: Permitted only on lots six thousand (6,000) square feet or greater at the density permitted in the existing zoning district. | § 20.08.020 |
| 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 |
| D-CM | Needs a site plan review permit | § 20.14.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Sec. 20.46.030 and Sec. 20.44.180.
- Small House Village row (R-2 C, R-3 P, R-4 P) is a separate type. Commercial table note [1] sets residential densities for C zones.
- State law: State laws such as AB 2011, SB 6 and the density bonus law can allow homes on some commercial sites, or more units than this table shows.
- 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 an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-2 zone in Merced?
Only with a conditional use permit. Merced's use table lists it that way in R-2 (Low medium density residential) (§ 20.08.020). The code adds a condition: “Permitted only on lots six thousand (6,000) square feet or greater at the density permitted in the existing zoning district.”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-R zone in Merced?
No. Merced's use table does not allow it in R-R (§ 20.08.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-3 zone in Merced?
Yes. Merced's use table lists it as allowed in R-3 (High medium density residential) (§ 20.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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