Madera County, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- SRA boundary
- North/east of Madera Canal
- Setback standard
- PRC § 4290, Section 1276.01(A)
- Applies to
- Parcels 1 acre and larger
- Ongoing duty
- Annual defensible-space maintenance
Summary
Parcels in Madera County's state responsibility area, the foothill and mountain land north and east of the Madera Canal, must meet state fire-safe building setbacks and maintain defensible space.
All parcels one acre and larger, located in state responsibility fire protection areas (SRA), shall comply with the setback requirements of State of California Public Resources Code 4290, Section 1276.01(A) for building and accessory structure setbacks from property lines and/or center of the road [PCR 4290, Section 1276.01(A)]. The fire department may grant an exception to setbacks for fire safe standards only. Any exception to the minimum setback distance specified in this code shall be the responsibility of the zoning administrator and will be processed pursuant to Chapter 18.106. Any approvals from the fire department for exceptions to the requirements of Public Resources Code 4290, must be provided in writing to the engineering department prior to the approval of a building permit. Parcels less than one acre in size shall provide the same practical effect as specified by Public Resources Code 4290, Section 1276.01(B). The fire department will have responsibility in determining standards which provide for the same practical effect. (Ord. 525M § 18(part), 2003: Ord. 525I § 1, 2000: Ord. 542 § 12(part), 1991: Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).
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
Madera County splits into two fire-responsibility zones: the local responsibility area south and west of the Madera Canal, and the state responsibility area (SRA), the foothill and mountain territory north and east of the canal, defined at § 2.32.012. For parcels an acre or larger in the SRA, § 18.98.010(C) requires building and accessory-structure setbacks to meet California Public Resources Code § 4290's fire-safe standards, with only the fire department able to grant an exception. Developments in the SRA must also maintain defensible space year-round under § 18.94.150. These are county-code cross-references to a state fire-safe standard, not a locally invented setback distance.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required PRC § 4290 fire-safe setback in the SRA is a zoning violation enforceable under Chapter 18.112; failing to maintain defensible space can trigger fire-department abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Madera County is in the state responsibility fire area?
Do SRA parcels need special fire setbacks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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