Local zoning · Merced County

Merced County — Parking

Parking under the Merced County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Merced County, off-street parking is governed by the Merced County Zoning Code (Title 18), specifically Chapter 18.38 Off‑Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards. These rules set how many spaces different uses must provide, where spaces may be located, and how parking is designed, paved, lit, and maintained. Requirements apply at new construction, expansion, or intensification of use, and they are minimums; a review authority can require more to ensure compatibility and safety (§ 18.38.010; § 18.38.040) . For the big picture of how parking interacts with zoning and approvals, start with the County’s zoning & planning overview and Merced County Development Standards.

Key rule in plain English: If you expand a building or intensify a use in unincorporated Merced County, you must add the new off‑street parking that expansion generates and keep those stalls permanently available to the use (§ 18.38.040(F); § 18.98.020) .

What triggers parking and what can be exempt

  • Parking standards apply to all uses at building permit, occupancy, or land use permit; minimums may be increased through discretionary review (§ 18.38.010) .
  • Minor resurfacing, slurry seal, like‑for‑like striping, and curb/planter repair are exempt from permit requirements (§ 18.38.030) and are also generally exempt from Design Review when space counts don’t drop (§ 18.122.020(D)) .

How many spaces are required (selected uses)

Table 3‑8 in § 18.38.040 controls the minimum stall count by land use. Below are common uses that often come up in applications in unincorporated areas:

Use (unincorporated areas) Minimum Off-Street Parking Code Reference
Single- and two-family dwellings 2 spaces per unit up to 4 bedrooms; 3 spaces for 5+ bedrooms; at least 1 covered; each space ≥ 9 ft x 19 ft § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
Multi-family 1.25 spaces per 1‑bedroom; 2 spaces for 2–4 bedrooms; 3 spaces for 5+ bedrooms; plus 1 guest per 5 units; at least 1 covered per unit § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) 1 space per ADU; exemptions apply (see “ADUs” below) § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8, M)
Short‑term rentals 1 space per short‑term rental, plus spaces required for the underlying dwelling § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
General retail (unless otherwise listed) 1 space per 250 sq ft of gross floor area § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
Shopping centers >200,000 sq ft 1 space per 275 sq ft § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
Service stations/vehicle repair 1 per 400 sq ft GFA + 1 per employee; minimum 3; service bays don’t count as stalls § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
Warehouses/storage buildings 1 per 1,000 sq ft + 1 per facility vehicle § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)
Day care centers 1 per employee + 2 spaces + 1 loading space per 5 children § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8)

Notes and adjustments:

  • Fractional requirements round up to a whole space (§ 18.38.040(C)(2)) .
  • Mixed-use projects sum the requirements for each component unless joint/shared parking is approved (§ 18.38.110(C)) .
  • Density bonus housing has capped ratios by statute that the County codifies in § 18.66.050 (e.g., 0.5 space per unit near a major transit stop for qualifying affordable rentals) (§ 18.66.050) .

Location, shared and off-site options

  • Provide required parking on the same parcel; off‑site parking needs an Administrative Permit, must be within 1,000 feet, and requires a recorded agreement (§ 18.38.040(D); § 18.38.130) .
  • Shared/joint use can cover up to 50% of a use’s requirement when day/night peaks don’t overlap, subject to findings; reductions may also follow a parking study (§ 18.38.110) .
  • Parking is not allowed in front yard setbacks, except on residential driveways; residential required stalls must be within 200 ft of the unit (§ 18.38.100; § 18.38.040(J)) .

Design, size, surfacing, lighting, and maintenance

  • Stall and aisle dimensions: standard stalls are typically 9 ft x 19 ft; two‑way aisles 24 ft; see Table 3‑10 for other angles (§ 18.38.070) .
  • Compact spaces: up to 20% of required stalls may be compact (min 8 ft x 15 ft) in multi‑family, mixed‑use, commercial projects; tandem generally not allowed unless valet/attendant always present (§ 18.38.080) .
  • Paving/surfacing, drainage, and lighting: Urban areas require asphalt/concrete; ag areas may use appropriate all‑weather surfaces; one foot‑candle minimum lighting at night; wheel stops/striping required (§ 18.38.140) .
  • Ongoing upkeep: keep surfacing, striping, walls, lighting, and landscaping in good condition (§ 18.38.170) .

Accessibility (ADA), EV, bicycle, and motorcycle parking

  • ADA: Provide ADA‑accessible stalls per Table 3‑9 (e.g., 1 space up to 40 total); ADA stalls must be at least 14 ft x 19 ft and placed near entries; 1‑ and 2‑family dwellings are exempt (§ 18.38.040(L); § 18.38.070/Table 3‑9) . See the California Building Standards Code for technical details the County references.
  • EV/Alternative‑fuel: Provide EV/alt‑fuel spaces when adding 10+ stalls per Table 3‑11 (e.g., 10–25 total stalls → 1 EV/alt‑fuel space; over 200 → at least 8%); signage and lighting are required (§ 18.38.150) .
  • Bicycle: Short‑term racks required for businesses with 10+ visitor stalls; long‑term secure parking equal to 5% of added tenant stalls when adding 10+ stalls to nonresidential/multifamily projects (§ 18.38.180) .
  • Motorcycle: Provide motorcycle spaces per Table 3‑12 (e.g., commercial lots with 26–50 stalls → 1 motorcycle stall; >100 → 2 + 1/100) (§ 18.38.190) .

Loading and truck parking

  • Loading: Commercial, mixed‑use, industrial, institutions and hotels must provide on‑site loading per Table 3‑13; minimum bay is 12 ft x 40 ft x 14 ft high; no loading on public streets; limited hours next to residential (§ 18.38.210) .
  • Off‑street truck parking: Agricultural/commercial/industrial sites must provide truck spaces by floor area with specified surfacing, screening, lighting, and a 75 ft x 20 ft minimum space size; truck terminal aisles must be at least 35 ft, and aisles can’t be used for parking (§ 18.38.200) .

Special residential rules (ADUs, multi‑ton vehicles, RVs)

  • ADUs: 1 space per ADU, but no stall is required if the ADU is within ½ mile of transit or within an existing accessory structure; ADU stalls may be tandem on the existing driveway; replacement parking for a converted garage/carport can be covered, uncovered, or tandem on the same parcel (§ 18.38.040(M); Chapter 18.62) . See also California ADU law.
  • Multi‑ton vehicles in residential zones: On‑street and front‑setback storage of >5‑ton commercial vehicles is prohibited in R‑1, R‑1‑5000, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, M‑H (§ 18.38.040(I)(1)) .
  • Recreational vehicles/boats: Residential storage allowed with conditions; cannot block required parking, encroach over sidewalks, or be used as a dwelling without a temporary permit (§ 18.38.120) .

Valet and temporary arrangements

  • Valet operations require an Administrative Permit and license, with insurance, routes, and off‑site parking authorization; a 7‑day short‑term license can be issued for special events (§ 18.38.090) .

Nonconforming sites and flexibility

  • If your site is nonconforming for parking/loading, it may continue, but expansions must add new required parking/loading for the expansion; landscaping upgrades may be required at expansion/reconfiguration (§ 18.98.020) .
  • The Director can waive or modify requirements for nonconforming parking to encourage economic development (§ 18.38.050) .
  • Minor Deviations can reduce parking or loading numbers and adjust layout/landscape standards by up to 10% through an administrative approval (§ 18.126.020, Table 6‑4) .
  • For broader relief, see Variances and Exceptions.

District-by-District Parking Notes (unincorporated areas)

Below are parking‑focused takeaways aligned to the County’s base zones and selected special plan areas. Countywide parking chapters still apply unless a specific plan states otherwise. For zone purposes and applicability, see Merced County Zoning.

Agricultural — A‑1, A‑1‑40, A‑2

  • Purpose/uses: Working lands and ag‑support uses (see Table 2‑2 for development standards) (§ 18.10; Table 2‑2) .
  • Parking highlights:
    • Agricultural truck parking must support the on‑site operation; all‑weather surfacing and cattle grates at access points required; lighting downward‑directed (§ 18.38.200(A),(D)) .
    • Inoperable‑vehicle indoor storage rules for residential zones don’t apply in ag zones (§ 18.38.040(G)) .
    • Loading and general parking design/maintenance standards still apply (§ 18.38.140; § 18.38.170; § 18.38.210) .

Residential — R‑1, R‑1‑5000, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, M‑H

  • Purpose/uses: Single‑family through higher‑density multi‑family; mobilehome parks (see § 18.12) .
  • Parking highlights:
    • Single‑family: 2 spaces up to 4 bedrooms; 3 spaces for 5+; ≥1 covered; 9' x 19' minimum (§ 18.38.040/Table 3‑8) .
    • Multi‑family: graduated ratios + guest parking; ≥1 covered per unit (§ 18.38.040/Table 3‑8) .
    • ADUs: 1 stall unless exempt; tandem is allowed for ADUs on an existing driveway (§ 18.38.040(M)) .
    • Location: No parking in front setback except on a driveway; required stalls must be within 200 feet of the dwelling served (§ 18.38.100; § 18.38.040(J)) .
    • Heavy commercial vehicles (>5‑ton) not allowed in residential front setbacks/on‑street (§ 18.38.040(I)(1)) .

Commercial and Mixed Use — C‑P, C‑1, C‑2, C‑3, H‑I‑C, MU

  • Purpose/uses: Office, neighborhood and general retail, heavy commercial, highway‑oriented, and mixed‑use; base dimensional standards at § 18.14/Table 2‑6 .
  • Parking highlights:
    • General retail default is 1/250 sq ft unless a specific use row applies (§ 18.38.040/Table 3‑8) .
    • Shopping centers >200,000 sq ft: 1/275 sq ft (§ 18.38.040/Table 3‑8) .
    • Design: compact space cap 20%; standard stall/aisle dimensions in Table 3‑10; surfacing/lighting per § 18.38.140 (§§ 18.38.070–.080; § 18.38.140) .
    • Shared/joint use and off‑site options may reduce on‑site counts with findings (§§ 18.38.110, 18.38.130) .
    • Provide EV, bicycle, motorcycle spaces per §§ 18.38.150, 18.38.180, 18.38.190 .

Industrial — BP, M‑1, M‑2

  • Purpose/uses: Business park, light and general manufacturing (see Table 1‑1) .
  • Parking highlights:
    • Typical warehouse/storage: 1/1,000 sq ft + 1 per facility vehicle (§ 18.38.040/Table 3‑8) .
    • Off‑street truck parking required and scaled to GFA; 75' x 20' truck spaces, screening, lighting, and no parking in aisles; terminal aisles ≥35' (§ 18.38.200) .
    • Loading per Table 3‑13; no loading on public streets (§ 18.38.210) .

Special Planning / Specific Plan areas (SPZ; examples)

  • Castle Commerce Center and Airport SPZ: Joint use of parking can be approved at up to 75% cross‑credit between day/night uses with a recorded agreement; landscape tree counts within lots are specified; otherwise Chapter 18.38 applies (§ SPZ Parking; § 18.38.040 reference within SPZ chapter) .
  • Fox Hills Community Specific Plan — CMU zone: Adds tailored minimums including NEV and bicycle/motorcycle stalls for commercial square footage and enclosed stalls for residential over commercial; ADA compliance remains mandatory (§ 18.22.040(D)(9)) .
  • Overlays and specific plans may tailor parking; confirm at Merced County Overlay Districts.

Landscaping, screening, and signs near parking

  • Parking lot landscaping must meet § 18.36.050(G) and Chapter 18.36 more broadly; screening applies to loading and truck parking in specified conditions (§ 18.38.160; § 18.38.210(H)) . See Landscaping and Screening.
  • Signage near parking follows Chapter 18.44 (signs) (§ 18.38.140(E)) . See Merced County Signage.

Checklist

  • Identify your use and count stalls per § 18.38.040 Table 3‑8; round up fractions .
  • Confirm stall location: on the same parcel unless approved for off‑site (§ 18.38.130) and not in the front setback except driveways (residential) .
  • Size stalls/aisles per Table 3‑10 and mark any compact stalls; avoid tandem unless valet/attendant (§§ 18.38.070–.080) .
  • Pave, drain, light, stripe, and wheel‑stop per § 18.38.140; plan landscaping per § 18.36.050(G) .
  • Provide ADA stalls per Table 3‑9 and the California Building Standards Code (§ 18.38.040(L)) .
  • Provide EV/alt‑fuel, bicycle, and motorcycle parking if triggered (§§ 18.38.150, 18.38.180, 18.38.190) .
  • Provide loading per Table 3‑13 and keep loading off public streets (§ 18.38.210) .
  • For shared or off‑site solutions, prepare findings/agreements (§§ 18.38.110, 18.38.130) .
  • If nonconforming, add only the incremental new requirement and maintain availability; consider a Minor Deviation or Director waiver where eligible (§§ 18.98.020, 18.38.050, 18.126.020) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Counting mixed-use stalls Double counting is common Sum by use; justify any shared reduction with a parking study (§ 18.38.110(D))
Off‑site parking reliability Losing a leased lot can create violations Recorded agreement and notice; substitute parking or scale down use (§ 18.38.130(C)-(D))
ADA vs. County counts ADA stalls aren’t optional Table 3‑9 plus Building Code governs (§ 18.38.040(L))
ADU parking State law limits local standards Apply § 18.38.040(M) and California ADU law
Truck parking in ag/com/ind Space sizes, surfacing, and screening are specific Use § 18.38.200 details and terminal aisle width ≥35 ft
Front setback parking Often proposed in site plans Prohibited except residential driveways (§ 18.38.100)
Nonconforming lots Expansions can trigger upgrades Additional stalls for the expansion; possible Director waiver (§§ 18.98.020; 18.38.050)

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Merced County, most projects must provide on‑site, properly designed and maintained off‑street parking. The code tells you how many spaces you need, how big they must be, where they can go, and when you must also add ADA, EV, bicycle, motorcycle, truck, and loading spaces. There is flexibility for shared or off‑site parking with approvals, but expansions must still add the new spaces they generate.

Source References

  • § 18.38.010–.090 (Purpose, permit, exemptions, valet)
  • § 18.38.040 (Table 3‑8 Off‑Street Parking Space Requirements; rounding; on‑site; ADUs; ADA cross‑references)
  • § 18.38.070–.080 (Dimensions; compact/tandem)
  • § 18.38.100–.130 (Location; shared/joint use; off‑site agreements)
  • § 18.38.140–.170 (Design standards; EV/alt‑fuel; landscaping; maintenance)
  • § 18.38.180–.190 (Bicycle; motorcycle)
  • § 18.38.200–.210 (Truck parking; loading; Table 3‑13)
  • § 18.66.050 (Density bonus parking caps)
  • § 18.98.020 (Nonconforming parking/loading)
  • § 18.126.020 (Minor Deviation up to 10% for parking/loading/layout/landscape)
  • Castle Commerce Center & Airport SPZ parking provisions referencing Ch. 18.38 and joint use thresholds
  • Fox Hills Community Specific Plan (CMU) parking modifications (§ 18.22.040(D)(9))

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (section may) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 18.98.020.) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 18.38.030.) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 18.96.040.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 130 (Article 5) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (chapter does) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 18.38.070.) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (Title 18.) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Merced County Zoning Code (§ 18.02.080.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does a single-family home need in unincorporated Merced County?

Two spaces per dwelling with up to four bedrooms, and three spaces for five or more bedrooms. At least one space must be covered (garage or carport), and each stall must be at least 9 ft by 19 ft (§ 18.38.040, Table 3‑8) .

Can I count on-street parking toward my required off-street parking?

No. Required parking must be on the same parcel unless you get an Administrative Permit for off‑site parking, and even then, on‑street stalls cannot be counted toward your minimums (§ 18.38.130(B)(2)) .

Are tandem or compact parking spaces allowed?

Up to 20% of required parking may be “compact” (8 ft x 15 ft). Tandem is generally not allowed unless a valet/attendant is always present; an exception allows tandem for ADU spaces on an existing driveway (§ 18.38.080; § 18.38.040(M)(2)) .

What are the ADA parking requirements for my commercial project?

Provide ADA spaces per Table 3‑9 (e.g., 1 accessible stall up to 40 spaces; then 2 up to 80, etc.). ADA spaces must be at least 14 ft x 19 ft and located near building entries (§ 18.38.040(L); § 18.38.070/Table 3‑9) .

Can I share parking with a neighboring use?

Yes, if peak demands do not overlap. The County may allow up to 50% cross‑credit between primarily day‑time and night‑time uses, subject to findings and, often, a parking study (§ 18.38.110) .

What if my site doesn’t meet today’s parking standards and I want to expand?

Nonconforming parking can continue, but any expansion must add the additional stalls that the expansion generates. The Director may consider waiving or modifying requirements to encourage economic development (§ 18.98.020; § 18.38.050) .

Do I need bicycle, motorcycle, or EV spaces?

Often yes. New or expanded commercial/multifamily projects with 10+ stalls typically must add bicycle parking; motorcycle and EV/alternative‑fuel spaces also kick in based on lot size thresholds (§§ 18.38.150, 18.38.180, 18.38.190) .

Are loading docks required?

Commercial, mixed‑use, industrial, hotels, hospitals, and institutions must provide on‑site loading per Table 3‑13. Loading on public streets is not allowed (§ 18.38.210) .

What is different in special plan areas like the Castle Commerce Center and Fox Hills?

These areas apply Chapter 18.38 but can modify ratios and sharing rules (e.g., up to 75% joint use credit). Fox Hills CMU also requires NEV and other tailored spaces (§ SPZ parking; § 18.22.040(D)(9)) .

Can heavy commercial trucks be parked in residential zones?

No. On‑street and front‑setback storage of commercial vehicles rated over five tons is prohibited in residential zones R‑1, R‑1‑5000, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, and M‑H (§ 18.38.040(I)(1)) .

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