Merced · Zoning · D-COR
Merced D-COR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced's D-COR zone, generally buildings can be up to None tall, the front setback is 0 to 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 1,250 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Merced code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: None
- Minimum front setback: 0 to 10 ft (build-to line: the building must stand within this distance)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 1,250 sq. ft.
- Maximum density: 36 du/acre
D-COR is a zoning district in Merced. Every value below was read from the Merced 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 D-COR
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 | None § 20.14.030 · code textTable row “Height (max.) [3]”, column “D-COR”: None |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 to 10 ft Applies: build-to line: the building must stand within this distance § 20.14.030 · code textTable row “Exterior [1]”, column “D-COR”: Min: 0 ft. Max: 10 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 20.14.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “D-COR”: 0 ft. [2] |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 20.14.030 · code textTable row “Interior Rear”, column “D-COR”: 0 ft. [1] |
| Minimum lot size | 1,250 sq. ft. § 20.14.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area (min.)”, column “D-COR”: 1,250 sq. ft. |
| Maximum density | 36 du/acre § 20.14.030 · code textTable row “Residential Density (max.)”, column “D-COR”: 36 du/acre |
Uses in D-COR
Uses the code's use tables allow in D-COR, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Live-work unit — Allowed — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Allowed — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in D-COR:
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — Property line adjacent to a single-family home § 20.14.030
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — Property line adjacent to a single-family home § 20.14.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Property line adjacent to a single-family home § 20.14.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for D-COR in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Merced Municipal Code.
Other Merced zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Merced's D-COR zone?
None — Merced Municipal Code § 20.14.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Merced's D-COR zone?
0 to 10 ft (build-to line: the building must stand within this distance) — Merced Municipal Code § 20.14.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced's D-COR zone?
0 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.14.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Merced's D-COR zone?
0 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.14.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced's D-COR zone?
1,250 sq. ft. — Merced Municipal Code § 20.14.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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