Madera County, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Local rule
- second unit not for sale or rent
- Local rule
- family occupancy only
- Minimum lot size
- 1 acre
- Overriding law
- state ADU statute, Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342
Summary
Madera County's second-unit overlay ordinance bars renting or selling a second dwelling and requires family-only occupancy, but state ADU law (Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342) overrides that restriction wherever it conflicts, so the local no-rental rule no longer controls.
A second single family residence shall be allowed on lots of one acre or larger subject to the following conditions and requirements: 1. The second single family residential unit is not for sale or rent; 2. The lot contains an existing single family dwelling unit that is owned and occupied by the applicant as his or her principal residence; ... 4. The second unit shall be occupied by members of the immediate family (i.e., parent(s), children) of the occupant(s) of the principal residence.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18.81, the county's Second Unit Overlay District (SUO), allows a second single-family residence on lots of one acre or more, but only where the principal residence is owner-occupied and the second unit is occupied by immediate family and not for sale or rent (§ 18.81.010(A)). This is a pre-2017 'second unit' ordinance (Ord. 525C, 1993; Ord. 525HH, 2008) that predates California's statewide ADU law (Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342, formerly § 65852.2), which now overrides conflicting local occupancy and rental restrictions on accessory dwelling units, including in counties. Where the two conflict, state law controls.
Violations & Fines
The county's no-rental and family-occupancy clause is not enforceable against ADUs under state preemption; the county instead enforces against building a second unit without required permits or outside the mapped SUO overlay boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out a second unit or ADU in unincorporated Madera County?
What does the Second Unit Overlay (SUO) require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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