Madera County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Madera County Code Ch. 14.60
- Zones covered
- AE, AH, A1-30, AO
- Elevation standard
- Lowest floor at/above BFE
- Before construction
- Development permit required
- Violation
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Unincorporated Madera County requires new and substantially improved residential structures in FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas to have the lowest floor built at or above the base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor.
All new construction or substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement:a.In AE, AH, A1-30 zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation.b.In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.c.In an A zone, without BFE's specified on the FIRM (unnumbered A zone), elevated to or above the base flood elevation, as determined under Section 14.60.110(C). Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, shall be certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor, and verified by the community building inspector to be properly elevated. Such certification and verification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator.
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
Under Chapter 14.60 of the Madera County Code, any new construction or substantial improvement within a special flood hazard area (Zones A, AE, AH, A1-30, AO) shown on the county's FEMA flood insurance rate maps needs a development permit from the floodplain administrator (the county engineer) before work begins. Residential structures must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation (or, in Zone AO, above the mapped depth number or two feet above the highest adjacent grade). Nonresidential structures may instead be floodproofed to that same elevation. This applies only in unincorporated Madera County: the FEMA study covers 'Madera County, California, Unincorporated Areas' specifically, and the cities of Madera and Chowchilla administer their own separate flood ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or altering a structure without complying with Chapter 14.60 is a misdemeanor; the floodplain administrator and board of supervisors can also pursue administrative action or nuisance abatement to remedy a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the city of Madera or Chowchilla?
What if my parcel isn't in a mapped flood hazard zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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