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Merced · Zoning · R-3-2

Merced R-3-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Merced's R-3-2 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq. ft. (Merced code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 35 ft
  • Minimum front setback: 15 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 5 ft (One interior yard must be 10 ft; 5 ft applies to all other interior yards)
  • Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft.
  • Maximum lot coverage: 55%
  • Maximum density: 1 unit per 2,000 sq. ft.

R-3-2 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-3-2

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 text
Table row “Feet”, column “R-3-2”: 35 ft.
Minimum front setback
15 ft
§ 20.08.030 · code text
Table row “Exterior Yards, Front”, column “R-3-2”: 15 ft.
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 text
Table row “All Other Interior Yards”, column “R-3-2”: 5 ft.
Minimum lot size
6,000 sq. ft.
§ 20.08.030 · code text
Table row “Lot Area”, column “R-3-2”: 6,000 sq. ft.
Maximum lot coverage
55%
§ 20.08.030 · code text
Table row “Lot Coverage (max.)”, column “R-3-2”: 55%
Maximum density
1 unit per 2,000 sq. ft.
§ 20.08.030 · code text
Table row “Lot Area per Dwelling Unit”, column “R-3-2”: 2,000 sq. ft.

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for R-3-2 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Merced's R-3-2 zone?

35 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Merced's R-3-2 zone?

15 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Merced's R-3-2 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-3-2 zone?

6,000 sq. ft. — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Merced's R-3-2 zone?

55% — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.

General information, not legal advice.

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