Madera County, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Loading is regulated on private sites through Madera County Zoning Code Section 18.102.110 (Loading Space Requirements). In any commercial, industrial, or institutional zone, loading spaces must be provided and maintained on the same lot as the use at the time of building development. Establishments in structures under 10,000 square feet of gross floor area must provide at least one small-truck loading space, located within about 50 feet of the structure and clearly marked on the pavement, though the zoning administrator may require a large-truck space instead based on the business type. Structures of 10,000 square feet or larger must provide at least one large-truck loading space located at a loading dock or adjacent to a service entrance, with additional required spaces within 100 feet of the service entrance and positioned so they do not conflict with required parking or circulation. As part of site-plan review, the zoning administrator may require additional truck spaces. Section 18.102.030 also requires that loading occur only in designated loading areas, not in standard parking spaces. For on-street curb loading, the California Vehicle Code controls curb colors under Section 21458: a yellow curb means stopping only to load or unload passengers or freight for the time set by local ordinance, and a white curb means stopping only to load or unload passengers or deposit mail.