Local zoning · Madera County

Madera County — Parking

Parking under the Madera County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Madera County, parking is governed by Title 18 (Zoning) of the County Code, specifically the countywide Parking Regulations in Chapter 18.102. These standards require off‑street vehicle parking and loading facilities, establish use‑based parking ratios, and set design and location rules for lots and structures . The rules apply alongside broader Madera County Zoning, Development Standards, and Design Review processes.

Key rule in plain English: On‑street spaces normally don’t count toward required parking; you must meet off‑street parking on the site (or under limited shared/off‑site programs) in unincorporated areas .

What the ordinance covers

  • Countywide purpose and applicability: Off‑street parking and loading are required for new buildings, enlargements, and changes of use where parking demand increases; single‑family homes are excepted from plan submittal but must meet residential parking rules .
  • How to count and size spaces: Definitions for standard and compact stalls; fractional rounding; GFA for calculations; ADA spaces required by state/federal law and included within totals; tour bus and truck loading sizes provided .
  • Where parking can go: Generally on‑site and within 200 ft of the use; limited shared and off‑site options are available with approvals and distance caps; parking districts may modify requirements in district boundaries .
  • Site plan review: A parking plan is required (except for single‑family dwellings) and reviewed with other Development Standards and any applicable area plan .
  • Design: Drive‑aisle widths by stall angle; setbacks, landscaping, shade trees, screening near residences, surfacing, striping, drainage, vision setbacks, and lighting are prescribed; no backing into the right‑of‑way for most uses .

Core quantitative standards (selected)

The table below highlights frequently used ratios from Table 18.102.040. Always confirm exact use‑type and any cumulative or mixed‑use rules at project intake.

Use or Standard Minimum Requirement Code Reference
General retail / restricted retail 1 space per 250 sq ft GFA § 18.102.040
Furniture/large appliance retail 1 space per 600 sq ft GFA § 18.102.040
Convenience store 1 space per 200 sq ft GFA (with gasoline sales: 50% of pump spaces may count) § 18.102.040
Neighborhood or community shopping center 1 space per 333 sq ft GFA § 18.102.040
Auto/boat/RV sales 1 space per 2,000 sq ft sales area § 18.102.040
Industrial and general commercial (minimum) 4 parking spaces + 1 truck parking space; additional truck parking as operations require § 18.102.040
Mini‑storage 2 spaces for manager’s office + 1 per 25 storage units § 18.102.040; § 18.94.075(E)
Elementary/middle schools 1 per employee + 1 per 20 students § 18.102.040
Hospitals 1.5 per bed + medical office rate for outpatient services § 18.102.040
Retirement home 1 per 4 resident beds § 18.102.040
Multifamily dwellings 2 spaces per unit (at least 1 covered) § 18.102.080
Single‑family (subdivision lots ≤4,500 sq ft) 2 spaces; at least 1 covered § 18.102.080(A)
Single‑family (subdivision lots ≥4,501 sq ft) 2 covered spaces § 18.102.080(B)
Standard space size 9 ft x 19 ft § 18.102.030(G)
Compact space size 8.5 ft x 16 ft (max 30% of required spaces) § 18.102.030(H)
Small truck loading space 10 ft x 25 ft § 18.102.030(J)
Large truck loading space 12 ft x 55 ft § 18.102.030(K)

Notes:

  • ADA/accessible stalls are required per state and federal law and count within the total required stalls; size and placement per the California Building Standards Code and ADA; the County requires compliance at occupancy .
  • When more than one use occupies a building, add the applicable ratios for each component use (e.g., office + manufacturing) .

Flexible and special programs

  • Shared parking (any non‑residential mix): Up to 20% reduction with a zoning permit, recorded agreement, proximity limits (≤500 ft), and an approved parking plan; not available for residential uses .
  • Mixed‑use shared parking program: Optional program using time‑of‑day factors (Table A) with a max 20% reduction from Table 18.102.040, subject to Zoning Administrator approval .
  • Parking Master Plan (sites >2 acres): Optional; may allow up to 20% reduction based on a comprehensive plan addressing circulation, users, phasing, and alternate modes; larger reductions require a variance .
  • Parking Districts: Where established by the Board of Supervisors, district supply may satisfy project parking within the district’s limits .

Design and location highlights

  • Location: Required parking must be within 200 ft of the use served; all spaces must be accessible without re‑entering the public right‑of‑way; backing into the right‑of‑way is prohibited for most uses .
  • On‑street parking: Does not satisfy off‑street requirements unless specifically allowed through a conditional use process tied to road design; otherwise prohibited for counting minimums .
  • Aisles and angles: 90° stalls need 25‑ft aisles; 60° stalls need 19‑ft one‑way/24‑ft two‑way aisles; 45° stalls need 16‑ft one‑way/22‑ft two‑way aisles .
  • Setbacks and screening: Stalls at least 10 ft from front property line/ROW and 5 ft from side/rear; landscaped setbacks with irrigation; 6‑ft solid masonry wall required where lots are within 100 ft of residentially zoned/developed property (vision corners limited to 3 ft); one tree per six stalls; end‑aisle back‑up area required (+5 ft) .
  • Surfacing and drainage: Commercial, industrial, multifamily, public/institutional facilities must be paved; residential/agricultural must be maintained dust‑free; permanent drainage to prevent run‑on, run‑off, and ponding; pavement striping required where paved .
  • Vision setback at driveways: 10‑ft deep by 30‑ft along frontage on both sides of the driveway; height limits apply within this area .
  • Lighting: Hooded and directed away from property lines and ROW; shopping cart storage and trash enclosures regulated and integrated in site plans; details cross‑referenced to parking lot detail standards .
  • Bicycle parking: Racks are recommended (and typically conditioned) for youth‑oriented recreation/entertainment uses and shopping centers, location and count determined at site plan review .

District-by-district application (parking-specific)

  • Residential districts (single‑family and multifamily)

    • Purpose: Ensure adequate on‑site resident/guest parking.
    • Key standards: Single‑family in subdivisions must provide two spaces; coverage (carport/garage) depends on lot size; multifamily requires two spaces per unit with at least one covered; enclosures must meet setbacks (20‑ft if driveway is at back/side) .
    • Design: Residential driveways are exempt from some forward‑egress rules; surfacing must be dust‑free; standard stall dimensions apply if striped/paved .
    • Where it applies: All residential zoning in unincorporated areas.

  • Commercial, Urban, Median (CUM) and Commercial, Rural, Median (CRM)

    • Purpose: Serve neighborhood and community retail and services.
    • Key standards: Shopping centers use 1/333 sq ft; general retail 1/250 sq ft; convenience stores 1/200 sq ft; on‑street spaces typically don’t count; additional truck parking may be required in centers via site plan review .
    • Flexibility: Shared parking up to 20% reduction; mixed‑use program; off‑site commercial parking allowed within 500 ft with recorded covenant; consider Design Review early .
    • Where it applies: Commercial zones in unincorporated areas (CUM/CRM appear throughout Title 18).

  • Commercial, Urban, General (CUG) and Commercial, Rural, General (CRG)

    • Purpose: Larger format/general commercial.
    • Key standards: Use Table 18.102.040 by use; mini‑storage requires on‑site parking at 1 per 25 units plus office spaces (also established in § 18.94.075(E)) .
    • Existing lots: Change‑of‑tenant that increases demand can trigger full lot upgrades, but parcels zoned general commercial have a narrower “add what’s needed” rule for additional spaces/landscaping when buildings are increased in size; confirm with the County and Nonconforming Uses staff .
    • Where it applies: General commercial zones in unincorporated areas (CUG/CRG).

  • Industrial, Light (IL) and Industrial, Heavy (IH)

    • Purpose: Serve production, warehousing, yards.
    • Key standards: Minimum four stalls plus one truck parking space; provide additional truck spaces per operations; loading space sizes set (10x25 small, 12x55 large) .
    • Existing lots: Similar “add what’s needed” approach for expansions; coordinate early on truck circulation and screening near residences .
    • Where it applies: Industrial zones in unincorporated areas (IL/IH).

  • Agricultural zones (parking‑adjacent standards)

    • Produce stands: Must meet parking surfacing per Chapter 18.102; other standards through entitlement conditions; coordinate with Overlay Districts if applicable .
    • Where it applies: Agriculturally zoned parcels in unincorporated areas.

  • Parking Districts (special program area)

    • Purpose: Allow district‑provided parking to satisfy project parking inside the district.
    • Key standards: Board‑approved formation; applicants must show district supply accommodates the use’s requirement .
    • Where it applies: Within adopted parking districts in unincorporated areas.

Practical notes and interpretations

  • Plan submittal: A parking plan is part of site plan review; include counts by use, stall dimensions, loading, cart corrals, trash enclosures, landscaping, and access; expect cross‑review with drainage and circulation standards during Design Review .
  • Rounding: Fractions ≥0.5 round up to the next whole space .
  • Mixed use: Use cumulative ratios unless an approved shared/mixed‑use program is granted; Table A factors identify the highest time‑period total as the shared requirement .
  • ADA and building code: Accessible stalls must meet state/federal standards at occupancy; coordinate with the California Building Standards Code and County during plan check .

Checklist

  • Identify all uses and calculate minimum stalls from Table 18.102.040; round fractions ≥0.5 up; add component uses if multi‑tenant/mixed use .
  • Confirm ADA stall counts/layout per state/federal law; include within total stall count .
  • Keep required parking within 200 ft of the use; do not count on‑street spaces unless expressly approved; avoid backing into ROW .
  • Apply design standards: stall and aisle dimensions; setbacks and landscaped buffers; screening near residences; shade trees 1:6; striping; drainage; lighting; vision setbacks at driveways .
  • Provide truck loading spaces and any required truck parking per use/operations; use size templates (10x25, 12x55) .
  • Consider shared/mixed‑use reductions (≤20%) or a Parking Master Plan (≤20%); over 20% requires a variance .
  • For commercial off‑site parking, verify ≤500 ft, access, and record a covenant; obtain zoning permit for shared parking agreements .
  • Submit a parking plan with your site plan review; coordinate landscaping with Landscaping and Screening standards .
  • If re‑tenanting or expanding, determine whether full lot upgrades are triggered or if the “add what’s needed” rule applies in industrial/general commercial zones; consult Nonconforming Uses staff early .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Counting on-street stalls Usually prohibited for minimums Whether a CUP tied to roadway design allows counting on-street spaces for your frontage
Off-site vs. shared parking distances Different rules appear in base definitions and flexible programs Use the flexible commercial off‑site limit of 500 ft when approved; confirm which section governs your case and record covenants as required
Change of tenant/use May trigger full lot retrofits Whether the tenant change increases required parking and if your zone qualifies for the industrial/general commercial exception to full upgrades
Mixed-use reductions Max 20% reduction Whether a Mixed‑Use Shared Parking or Parking Master Plan is the correct tool; document peak‑hour factors and secure approvals
Screening near homes Wall/landscape requirements are specific If your lot is within 100 ft of residentially zoned/developed parcels; apply walls and planting plan accordingly
ADA and Title 24 Accessibility is mandatory Count within totals and design per state/federal law and California Building Standards Code; include in plan check scope
Bicycle parking Often conditioned but not a fixed ratio Whether your youth/recreation or center project will be conditioned for racks; show locations on site plan

Plain-English Summary

If you’re building or changing a business in unincorporated Madera County, expect to provide off‑street parking on your site, sized by your use, paved and landscaped, and within 200 feet of your building. You can sometimes reduce counts by up to 20% with shared or mixed‑use programs, but you’ll need a recorded agreement and County approval. Residential projects have fixed requirements—single‑family subdivisions need two spaces (with coverage by lot size) and multifamily needs two per unit with at least one covered—while industrial and general commercial uses must also plan for truck parking and loading.

Source References

  • Title 18 Zoning—purpose/composition: § 18.02.030; compliance: § 18.02.040
  • Parking Regulations—purpose/applicability: §§ 18.102.010–.020
  • Definitions and basic regulations (off‑street/on‑street, GFA, space sizes, ADA, truck/tour bus, rounding): § 18.102.030
  • Vehicular Parking Space Requirements (ratios): § 18.102.040
  • Parking plan and development review: § 18.102.050
  • Bicycle parking racks: § 18.102.060
  • Flexible parking (shared/off‑site): § 18.102.065
  • Mixed‑use shared parking program and Table A: § 18.102.068
  • Parking district: § 18.102.070
  • Residential parking (covered requirements): § 18.102.080
  • Parking Master Plan: § 18.102.086
  • Parking facility design, angles/aisles, setbacks/landscaping/screening, vision setback, lighting: § 18.102.120
  • Produce stand parking surfacing (agricultural): § 18.93.040(E)
  • Mini‑storage parking ratio by district: § 18.94.075(E)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (section may) High relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (Section 18.108.050) High relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (Section 13.12.070) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (Section 18.102.130) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code High relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (chapter are) High relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (Section 18.86.040) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (Title 18) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (Section 18.108.050) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Madera County Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces do I need for a typical retail store in unincorporated Madera County?

General retail requires 1 space per 250 sq ft of gross floor area. If your store is part of a shopping center, the center may use 1 per 333 sq ft; confirm during site plan review because centers and freestanding retail are treated differently under the table and definitions in § 18.102.040 .

Can I count on-street spaces toward my minimum parking?

Generally no. On‑street spaces do not satisfy minimum off‑street parking, unless specifically allowed through a conditional use process tied to roadway design. Plan to meet off‑street minimums on your parcel (or through approved shared/off‑site programs) per § 18.102.030(A)(1) .

How close to my building must the parking be?

Required parking must be within 200 ft of the building it serves, measured nearest point to nearest point, and designed so vehicles don’t back into the right‑of‑way (with limited residential exceptions). See § 18.102.120(A), (C) .

What are the loading space size requirements?

The code defines small truck loading spaces as 10x25 ft and large truck spaces as 12x55 ft. Provide the number and mix consistent with your operations and any conditions of approval; see § 18.102.030(J)–(K) .

Can I reduce parking in a mixed-use or multi-tenant project?

Yes. The Mixed‑Use Shared Parking Program allows up to a 20% reduction based on time‑of‑day demand factors (Table A) and Zoning Administrator approval. A Parking Master Plan can also allow up to 20% reduction for larger sites (>2 acres). See §§ 18.102.068 and 18.102.086 .

Do existing parking lots have to be upgraded when tenants change?

A change that increases required parking typically triggers bringing the lot up to current standards. However, for industrial and general commercial parcels, expansions generally require adding the needed new spaces and landscaping, not wholesale reconstruction. Verify applicability in § 18.102.030(P) and coordinate with Nonconforming Uses .

What are parking lot setback and screening rules near homes?

Provide a 10‑ft landscaped front setback and 5‑ft sides/rear; a 6‑ft masonry wall is required where a lot is within 100 ft of residentially zoned/developed property, with height limits in vision areas. Shade trees at 1 per 6 stalls are required. See § 18.102.120(H) and related subsections .

Do I need bicycle parking?

Bicycle racks are recommended—and often conditioned—especially for recreation/entertainment uses serving youth and shopping centers. The number and location are determined at site plan review under § 18.102.060 .

What are residential parking requirements for new homes and apartments?

Subdivision single‑family lots must provide two spaces; coverage (carport/garage) depends on lot size. Multifamily must provide two spaces per unit with at least one covered. See § 18.102.080(A)–(C) .

Can I place required parking off-site?

For commercial projects, off‑site facilities can be allowed within 500 ft with a recorded covenant, subject to Zoning Administrator approval. See § 18.102.065(B) .

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