Zoning Code Update Process
Introduction
The Merced County Zoning Ordinance (Title 18 of the Merced County Code, also described as the "Zoning Code") guides and regulates the growth and development of Merced County, based on the adopted 2030 Merced County General Plan. In 2015, the County initiated its first comprehensive Zoning Code update since portions of the ordinance was amended in 1977 by Ordinance No. 1586. The purpose of the update is to:
- Implement the goals and policies of the 2030 Merced County General Plan;
- Address modern day issues identified by Staff and the Board of Supervisors;
- Align with State and Federal Laws; and,
- Provide a user-friendly document through organization, clear and simplified language, and the use of tables and graphics.
Zoning Code Update Status (Effective November 21, 2019)
- On September 25, 2019, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt the new Zoning Ordinance.
- On October 22, 2019, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and adopted the new Zoning Ordinance. The new Title 18 becomes effective on Thursday, November 21, 2019.
- View the newly adopted online Zoning Ordinance
Revised Draft Zoning Ordinance (August 2019)
- Article 1 - Enactment and Applicability
- Article 2 - Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards
- Article 3 - Regulations Applicable to All Zones
- Article 4 - Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Article 5 - Nonconformities
- Article 6 - Permit Processing Procedures
- Article 7 - Zoning Code Administration
- Article 8 - Definitions
Environmental Documents
Public Review Draft (May 2019)
- Article 1 - Enactment and Applicability
- Article 2 - Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards
- Article 3 - Regulations Applicable to All Zones
- Article 4 - Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Article 5 - Nonconformities
- Article 6 - Permit Processing Procedures
- Article 7 - Zoning Code Administration
- Article 8 - Definitions
- Article 1 - Enactment and Applicability
- Article 2 - Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards
- Article 3 - Regulations Applicable to All Zones
- Article 4 - Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Article 5 - Nonconformities
- Article 6 - Permit Processing Procedures
- Article 7 - Zoning Code Administration
- Article 8 - Definitions
Public Review Draft (February 2019)
- Article 1 - Enactment and Applicability
- Article 2 - Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards
- Article 3 - Regulations Applicable to All Zones
- Article 4 - Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Article 5 - Nonconformities
- Article 6 - Permit Processing Procedures
- Article 7 - Zoning Code Administration
- Article 8 - Definitions
Past Public Hearing Dates
| Public Hearing Review Authority | Date |
|---|---|
| Planning Commission | June 26, 2019 |
| Board of Supervisors | August 13, 2019 |
| Planning Commission | September 25, 2019 |
| Board of Supervisors | October 22, 2019 |
Past Meetings
| Meeting | Date |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Meeting | July 1, 2015 |
| Stakeholder Interviews | September 9, 2015 |
| Stakeholder Meeting | September 10, 2015 |
| Joint Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission Study Session | November 3, 2015 |
| Board of Supervisors Subcommittee Meeting | April 18, 2018 |
| Board of Supervisors Subcommittee Meeting | December 11, 2018 |
| Joint Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission Workshop View Joint Study Session Presentation Slides | February 26, 2019 |
| Zoning Code Update Education Night | October 17, 2019 |