Merced · Zoning · R-1-5
Merced R-1-5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced's R-1-5 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Merced code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (Garages must be set back at least 20 ft)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (One interior yard must be 10 ft; 5 ft applies to all other interior yards)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
R-1-5 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-1-5
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-1-5”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: Garages must be set back at least 20 ft § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Exterior Yards, Front”, column “R-1-5”: 15 ft. [1] |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: One interior yard must be 10 ft; 5 ft applies to all other interior yards § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “All Other Interior Yards”, column “R-1-5”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area”, column “R-1-5”: 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage (max.)”, column “R-1-5”: 50% |
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR, density limit for R-1-5 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-1-5 zone?
35 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Merced's R-1-5 zone?
15 ft (garages must be set back at least 20 ft) — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced's R-1-5 zone?
5 ft (one interior yard must be 10 ft; 5 ft applies to all other interior yards) — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced's R-1-5 zone?
5,000 sq. ft. — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Merced's R-1-5 zone?
50% — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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