Accessory Structures in Madera, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Madera, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Madera implements the state ADU mandate at Municipal Code § 10-3.513: ADUs are approved ministerially, capped at 1,200 square feet detached, limited to one story at 16 feet (two stories at 27 feet), and must sit within 100 feet of the primary home.
Madera Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsMadera Municipal Code § 10-3.513
§ 10-3.513 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS. ... (D) Permit requirements. An application for an accessory dwelling unit that complies with all applicable requirements of this section shall be approved ministerially. ... (F) Development standards. ... (2) Maximum floor area. (a) New detached unit. No newly constructed detached accessory dwelling unit may contain floor area in excess of 1,200 squ...
ADU Impact Fees
Madera requires a separate utility connection fee or capacity charge for most new ADUs under § 10-3.513(E)(3), but waives it for ADUs built entirely inside existing living space. Junior ADUs are exempt from utility connection fees altogether.
Madera ADU Utility Connection Fees
Light RestrictionsMadera Municipal Code § 10-3.513(E)(3)
(3) Utility connection fees. (a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), a separate new utility connection and payment of a connection fee or capacity charge pursuant to state law and city fee schedule will be required for any new accessory dwelling unit. (b) No new or separate utility connection or related connection fee or capacity charge will be required for accessory dwelling units t...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Madera requires a recorded deed restriction before an ADU can be occupied, but the unit is legal only if the owner of record lives in either the main house or the ADU, unless the owner is a government agency, land trust or nonprofit housing group.
Madera ADU Owner-Occupancy Deed Restriction
Some RestrictionsMadera Municipal Code § 10-3.513(F)(10)(c)
(10) Deed restrictions. Prior to occupancy of an accessory dwelling unit, the property owner shall file with the County Recorder a deed restriction containing a reference to the deed under which the property was acquired by the owner and stating that: ... (c) The accessory dwelling unit shall be considered legal only so long as either the primary residence or the accessory dwelling unit is ...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Madera bars accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs from being rented for terms under 30 days. Section 10-3.513 also forbids selling an ADU separately from the main house, keeping the unit tied to long-term housing rather than vacation rental use.
Madera ADU Short-Term Rental Ban
Some RestrictionsMadera Municipal Code § 10-3.513(C)(5)
(C) General requirements. An accessory dwelling unit: ... (5) Shall not be used for rentals with terms of less than 30 days. (6) Shall not be sold separate from the primary residence.
Shed & Carport Rules
Detached sheds and accessory buildings in Madera's R-1, R-2, R-3, and PD zones must sit 10 feet from any dwelling if larger than 1,000 square feet or taller than 12 feet, under Municipal Code § 10-3.411(D). Smaller structures need only a 3-foot separation.
Madera Accessory Building and Shed Setbacks
Some RestrictionsMadera Municipal Code § 10-3.411(D)
(D) Accessory buildings and structures. Except as provided elsewhere in this title, the following regulations shall apply to the location of accessory buildings: (1) Attached accessory building. Where an accessory building is attached to and made a part of the main building, it shall be made structurally an integral part of, and have a common wall with, the main building and shall comply in all...
Looking for Madera County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madera city rules.
Accessory Structures in Madera County →