ADU rules in Madera, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Madera County Code Chapter 18.50 (Regulations for Specific Land Uses), Section 18.50.020 (Accessory Dwelling Units), allows ADUs on any R (Residential) lot with a single-family dwelling, and on Planned Development lots with an approved Precise Plan. Maximum detached ADU floor area is 1,200 sq ft. The County also offers pre-approved ADU plans.
Under Madera County Code §18.50.020, an ADU may be located on any R Zone District lot that allows single- or multi-family dwellings and that contains only one single-family detached dwelling, or on any PD (Planned Development) zone lot where a Precise Plan approves ADUs. A new detached single-story ADU must observe a front setback of 20 ft, rear setback of 5 ft, interior side setback of 5 ft, and corner side setback of 15 ft. A detached two-story ADU requires a 15 ft rear setback and 10 ft interior side setback for the two-story portion. Maximum detached ADU floor area is 1,200 sq ft. ADUs may not be rented for less than 30 days and may not be sold separately from the primary residence. State law (Cal. Gov't Code §65852.2) preempts more restrictive local rules and requires ministerial approval within 60 days. Madera County offers pre-approved ADU plans through the Building Division.
Building or zoning violations are misdemeanors under Madera County Code, with potential fines and orders to remove unpermitted ADUs. Short-term rental of an ADU (under 30 days) violates §18.50.020 and may trigger code-enforcement action.
madera-county-ca
Habitual barking is regulated through Madera County Code Chapter 9.58 (Noise Regulations) and Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control). A barking dog that disturbs neig...
madera-county-ca
Madera County Code Chapter 9.58 (Noise Regulations) governs unincorporated areas. A March 2025 update set quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. with decibel-lim...
madera-county-ca
Madera County requires apiary registration with the Agricultural Commissioner, either directly or via the statewide BeeWhere portal. Cal. Food & Ag Code §290...
madera-county-ca
Madera County allows poultry and livestock in agricultural and large-lot residential zones under Title 18 (Zoning). Section 18.04.190 (Farm, poultry) defines...
madera-county-ca
Madera County Code § 6.04.580 (Running at large) prohibits dogs from being on public streets, roads, parks or another's private property without restraint. D...
madera-county-ca
Most of unincorporated Madera County is mapped by CAL FIRE as State Responsibility Area, with the eastern foothills (Oakhurst, Coarsegold, North Fork, Bass L...
See how Madera's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.