Madera County, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing title
- Title 14, Buildings and Construction
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Madera County only
- Administered by
- County building official
- Permit expires
- 12 months if work unstarted
- Base code
- California Building Standards Code
Summary
Title 14 of the Madera County Code requires a county building permit for erecting, altering, repairing, relocating, or maintaining any building, structure, or related electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work in the unincorporated area.
This title shall apply to the erection, construction, demolition, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, conversion, occupancy, change of occupancy, and maintenance of buildings, structures, swimming pools, and also the installation of electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling facilities and appurtenances necessary thereto within the unincorporated area of the county.
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
Section 14.04.020 makes Title 14. Buildings and Construction apply to the erection, construction, demolition, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, conversion, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures in unincorporated Madera County, plus electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling installations. The county administers permits through the Department of Engineering and General Services under the state-adopted California Building Standards Code (California Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Energy, and Green Building Standards Codes). No permit is issued until development fees are paid, and an issued permit expires if work doesn't start within 12 months or is suspended for 180 days.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted work is a misdemeanor under the code's general penalty, Section 1.12.010: up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to add a room onto my house in unincorporated Madera County?
Does this apply inside the city of Madera or Chowchilla?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.