Accessory Structures in Madera County, CA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Madera County, California.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
The county's Second Unit Overlay District lets an immediate family member occupy a second home on a mapped one-acre-plus lot, but current state ADU law overrides its family-only, no-rent conditions.
Madera County Second Unit Overlay Rules
Significant RestrictionsMadera County Code § 18.81.010
In addition to the uses permitted in the underlying zoning district, 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;...4.The second unit shall be occupied by members of the immediate family (i.e., parent(s), children) of the occupant(s) of the...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Madera County's older second-unit conversion pathway requires three years of owner-occupancy before converting part of a home into a rentable second unit, though current state ADU law limits such conditions.
Madera County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsMadera County Code § 18.94.140
In the residential, urban, single family (RUS) district, subject to the following: A. The unit is not for sale, but may be rented; B. The lot contains an existing single family detached unit owned and occupied by the applicant as his or her principal residence for a minimum of three years prior to the conversion application and which the applicant will continue to occupy as his or her principal...
ADU Rental Restrictions
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.
Madera County Second Unit No-Rental Rule
Light RestrictionsMadera County Code § 18.81.010(A)
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...
Shed & Carport Rules
Detached accessory structures like sheds need only a ministerial building permit, no discretionary review, but must sit at least ten feet from the house or any other building on unincorporated Madera County lots.
Madera County Shed & Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsMadera County Code §§ 18.04.015, 18.98.090
Principal buildings shall maintain a minimum ten-foot separation from accessory buildings and other principal buildings. No detached accessory structure or accessory building shall be erected, structurally altered, or placed on a lot so that any portion of the structure or building is closer than ten feet to the principal building or other accessory building on the lot, with the following excep...
Accessory Structures by City in Madera County
1 cities in Madera County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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