Madera County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Building setbacks are governed by Madera County Code Title 18 (Zoning). Chapter 18.98 (Structure Regulations) establishes how setbacks are measured-from base setback lines along streets and highways, measured at right angles (Section 18.98.010)-and Section 18.98.020 prohibits structures from being placed closer to the base setback line than the minimum for the district, with averaging exceptions where neighboring structures are within 300 feet. The numeric setbacks themselves are in each district's development-standards table. For agricultural zones, Section 18.53.030 sets a 25-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, and 20-foot rear setback for the AR-5, ARE, and ARF districts. For residential zones, Section 18.11.120's table sets front setbacks of 25 feet in most single-family zones (10 feet in the higher-density RX zone), with side setbacks generally 10 feet and rear setbacks of 10-20 feet depending on the zone. Section 18.98.090 requires a minimum 10-foot separation between principal and accessory buildings, and Section 18.98.070 allows side-yard offset reductions for narrow legacy lots (never below the stated minimums) and minor encroachments of eaves and chimneys up to 36 inches or 30 percent of the setback. Parcels one acre or larger in State Responsibility Areas must also meet Public Resources Code 4290 offsets (Sections 18.98.010 and 18.98.070). Because setbacks vary by zone, confirm your parcel's zoning with Madera County Planning.