ADUs in Madera, CA

Madera homeowners face one early fork: city lot or county lot. The answer decides the plans and the permit path.

Is my Madera property in the city or the county?

Check before anything else. The City of Madera is the seat of Madera County, and land around it is unincorporated county territory. The two have separate building counters, and their ADU resources differ.

Does Madera County have free ADU plans?

Yes, for unincorporated areas. As of October 2026, Madera County offers pre-approved ADU plans in four sizes: 375, 550, 775 and 908 sq ft. Its page describes them as plans for residents of the county's unincorporated areas, so they do not cover lots inside Madera city limits.

What if my lot is inside the City of Madera?

The city reviews it under its own code and state ADU law. Since January 1, 2025, every California city has had to run a program for pre-approving ADU plans (Government Code §65852.27). We did not find a published City of Madera plan library as of October 2026, so we ask the city directly.

Which state rules apply in Madera?

No owner-occupancy requirement for an ADU (Government Code §66315).
No replacement parking when a garage is converted.
No impact fees on an ADU of 750 sq ft or less.
A decision within 60 days of a complete application when a home already exists on the lot.

Why does crossing the river matter?

The San Joaquin River divides Fresno County from Madera County. A Madera project goes to Madera agencies, so Fresno's free plans and Fresno County's ADU page do not apply. We keep the paperwork separate for each side.

Which plan route works for a Madera lot?

It depends on the jurisdiction. In the unincorporated county, one of the four county plans may fit and save design work. Inside city limits, a custom set or a city plan, if one is offered, is the path. We confirm before you pay for drawings.

Find out what fits on your Madera lot

Send your Madera address. We confirm city or county jurisdiction and the plan options for your lot.