Madera County, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Unincorporated Madera County encourages EV charging infrastructure through Zoning Code Section 18.102.140 (Expedited Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permitting), added by Ordinance No. 699 in 2022. It provides that electric vehicle charging stations qualifying for expedited permit processing under California Government Code Section 65850.7 are subject to the administrative permitting procedures set out in the county's electric vehicle charging station permit-expediting ordinance. Government Code 65850.7 is the statewide mandate requiring local agencies to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited, streamlined, ministerial (non-discretionary) permitting process for EV charging stations, limiting review to health-and-safety concerns. In practice this means a qualifying residential or small commercial charging installation in the unincorporated county should receive a checklist-based, administratively approved permit rather than going through Planning Commission or conditional-use review. The county's general off-street parking standards in Chapter 18.102 still govern how parking spaces, including any EV-equipped spaces, are counted and laid out for a development, but the charging station's own electrical and installation permit follows the expedited track. Applicants should contact the Madera County Building and Planning Divisions for the specific submittal checklist and any applicable building or electrical permit requirements.