Merced County · Land use · Horses and stables
Where is keeping horses allowed in Merced County?
In Merced County, keeping horses is allowed in 3 base zones (R-R, R-1 and R-1-5000) and not allowed in 4 (Merced County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-R, R-1 and R-1-5000
- Not allowed: R-2, R-3, R-4 and M-H
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Merced County Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where keeping horses can go
Merced County's code calls this use “Farm Animal Keeping/Raising”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
The code defines “Farm Animal Keeping”: “The care and breeding of farm animals (e.g., cattle, goats, pigs, rabbits. sheep, horses), excluding the keeping of household pets (e.g., cats, dogs, fish).” (§ 18.200.060)
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-R | Allowed | § 18.12.020 |
| R-1 | Allowed | § 18.12.020 |
| R-1-5000 | Allowed | § 18.12.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 18.12.040A and Merced County Code Title 7.
- Not covered here: Castle Commerce Center and Airport SPZ (S5) and Fox Hills Community Specific Plan (S6) zones: separate specific-plan tables, not used; Article 8 definitions (Places of Assembly, Farm Animal Keeping/Raising) are not in the packet; Chapters 18.60, 18.12.040, 18.10.040 use standards are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Merced County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have keeping horses in the R-2 zone in Merced County?
No. Merced County's use table does not allow it in R-2 (§ 18.12.020).
Can I have keeping horses in the R-R zone in Merced County?
Yes. Merced County's use table lists it as allowed in R-R (§ 18.12.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about keeping horses at an address in Merced County
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