Merced · Zoning · R-1-20
Merced R-1-20 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced's R-1-20 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 30 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq. ft. (Merced code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 30 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (One interior yard must be 15 ft; 10 ft applies to all other interior yards)
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 30%
R-1-20 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 R-1-20
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 | 35 ft § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Feet”, column “R-1-20”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 30 ft § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Exterior Yards, Front”, column “R-1-20”: 30 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: One interior yard must be 15 ft; 10 ft applies to all other interior yards § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “All Other Interior Yards”, column “R-1-20”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq. ft. § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area”, column “R-1-20”: 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 30% § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage (max.)”, column “R-1-20”: 30% |
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR, density limit for R-1-20 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 R-1-20 zone?
35 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Merced's R-1-20 zone?
30 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced's R-1-20 zone?
10 ft (one interior yard must be 15 ft; 10 ft applies to all other interior yards) — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced's R-1-20 zone?
20,000 sq. ft. — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Merced's R-1-20 zone?
30% — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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