Merced · Land use · Rooming or boarding house
Where is a rooming or boarding house allowed in Merced?
In Merced, a rooming or boarding house is allowed in 2 base zones (C-C and D-COR, all with a condition), needs a permit in 7 (R-3, R-4, B-P, D-O, D-CM and 2 more, 2 with a condition) and not allowed in 10 (Merced use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-C and D-COR
- Needs a permit: R-3, R-4, B-P, D-O, D-CM, R-IV and C-V
- Not allowed: R-R, R-1, R-2, R-MH, C-O, C-N, C-SC, C-T and 2 more
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 a rooming or boarding house can go
Merced's code calls this use “Single-Room Occupancy”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C-C | Allowed — see note Note 3: Allowed only for converted hotels or motels. | § 20.10.020 |
| D-COR | Allowed — see note Note 3: Prohibited as a single use unless approved with a conditional use permit. Permitted as part of a residential mixed-use project. | § 20.14.020 |
| R-3 High medium density residential | Needs a site plan review permit | § 20.08.020 |
| R-4 High density residential | Needs a site plan review permit | § 20.08.020 |
| B-P | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.10.020 |
| D-O | Needs a site plan review permit | § 20.14.020 |
| D-CM | Needs a site plan review permit | § 20.14.020 |
| R-IV Inner village residential | Needs a site plan review permit — see note Note 3: Must meet minimum density requirements of ten (10) dwelling units/acre. | § 20.16.020 |
| C-V | Needs a site plan review permit — see note Note 1: Prohibited as a single use unless approved with a conditional use permit. Permitted as part of a residential mixed-use project. Note 3: Must meet minimum density requirements of ten (10) dwelling units/acre. | § 20.16.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Sec. 20.44.120 Single room occupancy.
- Group/Transitional/Supportive Housing S1 note [3]: rooming and boarding houses only as an accessory use, max persons by zone.
- 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 a rooming or boarding house in the R-3 zone in Merced?
Only with a site plan review permit. Merced's use table lists it that way in R-3 (High medium density residential) (§ 20.08.020).
Can I have a rooming or boarding house in the R-R zone in Merced?
No. Merced's use table does not allow it in R-R (§ 20.08.020).
Can I have a rooming or boarding house in the C-C zone in Merced?
Yes, with a condition. Merced's use table lists it as allowed in C-C (§ 20.10.020). The code adds a condition: “Allowed only for converted hotels or motels.”
General information, not legal advice.
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