Madera County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Home-based businesses in unincorporated Madera County are governed by Chapter 18.89 of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 18), titled Regulations for Cottage Industry Home Occupation. The cottage industry must remain clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling. Under Section 18.89.020.B, the activity may occupy a maximum of 25 percent of the gross area of one floor of a residence. Section 18.89.080.A sets a minimum lot size of one-half acre for a cottage industry. The chapter restricts the scale of operation: under Section 18.89.040.B, a total of one person other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed in the cottage industry, and Section 18.89.040.E limits a home office to one employee or partner on the premises during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Customer activity is tightly limited - Section 18.89.030.K provides that no customers shall come to the site to take delivery of products or receive services in some categories, while Section 18.89.040.F allows one customer on the premises at a time, by appointment only, during the same weekday hours. Adequate on-site access and parking for the residence, the employee, and one customer must be provided (Section 18.89.040.D), and stacked parking is allowed. Operators should verify their specific use category and any additional district rules with the Planning Division.