Merced · Land use · Growing crops
Where is growing crops (agriculture) allowed in Merced?
In Merced, growing crops (agriculture) is allowed in 1 base zone (A-G), needs a permit in 6 (R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and 1 more, all with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Merced use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: A-G
- Needs a permit: R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-MH
- Not allowed: P-OS, P-F and P-PK
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Merced Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where growing crops (agriculture) can go
Merced's code calls this use “Crop Cultivation”. 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.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| A-G | Allowed | § 20.18.020 |
| R-R | Needs a site plan review permit — see note Note 10: Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types of crops, surrounding uses, etc. Hog-raising and onsite sale of products, including wholesale, are prohibited. See Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) for additional regulations. | § 20.08.020 |
| R-1 Low density residential | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 10: Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types of crops, surrounding uses, etc. Hog-raising and onsite sale of products, including wholesale, are prohibited. See Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) for additional regulations. | § 20.08.020 |
| R-2 Low medium density residential | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 10: Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types of crops, surrounding uses, etc. Hog-raising and onsite sale of products, including wholesale, are prohibited. See Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) for additional regulations. | § 20.08.020 |
| R-3 High medium density residential | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 10: Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types of crops, surrounding uses, etc. Hog-raising and onsite sale of products, including wholesale, are prohibited. See Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) for additional regulations. | § 20.08.020 |
| R-4 High density residential | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 10: Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types of crops, surrounding uses, etc. Hog-raising and onsite sale of products, including wholesale, are prohibited. See Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) for additional regulations. | § 20.08.020 |
| R-MH | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 10: Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types of crops, surrounding uses, etc. Hog-raising and onsite sale of products, including wholesale, are prohibited. See Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) for additional regulations. | § 20.08.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Not covered here: RP-D residential planned development and other planned developments (no use table in text); Commercial cannabis uses (Table 20.44-1 in 20.44.170). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Merced
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have growing crops (agriculture) in the R-R zone in Merced?
Only with a site plan review permit. Merced's use table lists it that way in R-R (§ 20.08.020). The code adds a condition: “Agricultural uses are temporary, transitional uses in the city and should not remain on a permanent basis. The appropriate length of time for the use will be defined in the conditional use permit based on the types…”
Can I have growing crops (agriculture) in the P-OS zone in Merced?
No. Merced's use table does not allow it in P-OS (§ 20.18.020).
Can I have growing crops (agriculture) in the A-G zone in Merced?
Yes. Merced's use table lists it as allowed in A-G (§ 20.18.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about growing crops (agriculture) at an address in Merced
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question