Madera County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- driveways, curbs, sidewalks
- Issued by
- county road commissioner
- Residential driveway limit
- 10 ft curb-to-property
- Work deadline
- start within 60 days
- Fee
- issuance plus inspection fee
Summary
Building or repairing a driveway, curb, sidewalk, gutter, or retaining wall within a Madera County road right-of-way requires a construction permit from the road commissioner before work begins.
The provisions of this chapter apply only to permits for the laying, constructing, reconstructing, or repairing of curbs, sidewalks, gutters, driveways, highway surfaces, retaining walls, storm drains, culverts, or other appurtenant highway structures.B.This chapter also applies to permits for the constructing, reconstructing, or repairing by any private individual, copartnership, firm or private corporation of any highway light, or highway lighting system in any highway or in any privately owned thoroughfare which is open to public travel. (Ord. 222 §§ 75, 75.1, 1955).
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 Code § 11.24.010 requires a permit for laying, constructing, reconstructing, or repairing curbs, sidewalks, gutters, driveways, highway surfaces, retaining walls, storm drains, culverts, and other appurtenant structures within the county road right-of-way, plus private highway-lighting work. Applicants file plans and pay an issuance fee under Chapter 11.12, and residential driveway permits carry added dimensional limits, curb-to-property distance of no more than 10 feet, under § 11.24.070. Work must start within 60 days of issuance or the road commissioner may revoke the permit under § 11.24.140.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or altering a driveway, curb, sidewalk, or other structure in the county right-of-way without a permit exceeds the road commissioner's authorization and can trigger permit denial, revocation, or required removal at the owner's cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to pave my driveway in unincorporated Madera County?
What if I skip the encroachment permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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