Merced · Zoning · R-4
Merced R-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced's R-4 zone, buildings can be up to 40 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sq. ft. (Merced code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft (One interior yard must be 10 ft; all other interior yards 6 ft; rear yard is larger for tall structures (note 2))
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 65%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,000 sq. ft.
R-4 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-4
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 | 40 ft § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Feet”, column “R-4”: 40 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Exterior Yards, Front”, column “R-4”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft Applies: One interior yard must be 10 ft; all other interior yards 6 ft; rear yard is larger for tall structures (note 2) § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “All Other Interior Yards”, column “R-4”: 6 ft. [2] |
| Minimum lot size | 7,500 sq. ft. § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area”, column “R-4”: 7,500 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 65% § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage (max.)”, column “R-4”: 65% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,000 sq. ft. § 20.08.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area per Dwelling Unit”, column “R-4”: 1,000 sq. ft. |
Uses in R-4
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-4, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a site plan review permit
- 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
- Growing crops — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-4:
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Structures over 25 ft in height, plus 1 ft for each additional 5 ft of height § 20.08.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for R-4 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-4 zone?
40 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Merced's R-4 zone?
15 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced's R-4 zone?
6 ft (one interior yard must be 10 ft; all other interior yards 6 ft; rear yard is larger for tall structures (note 2)) — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced's R-4 zone?
7,500 sq. ft. — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Merced's R-4 zone?
65% — Merced Municipal Code § 20.08.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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