Madera County · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Madera County?
In Madera County, a church or other place of worship is allowed in 1 base zone (IA) and needs a conditional use permit in 18 (RUS, RRS (1), RRS (2, 2½, 3), RRS (5), RRS (10) and 13 more) (Madera County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: IA
- Needs a permit: RUS, RRS (1), RRS (2, 2½, 3), RRS (5), RRS (10), RMS, RUM, RRM and 10 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Madera County Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a church or other place of worship can go
Madera County's code calls this use “Churches and Places of Religious Assembly”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| IA Institution Area District | Allowed Code row: “Church” | § 18.48.010 |
| RUS | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RRS (1) | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RRS (2, 2½, 3) | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RRS (5) | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RRS (10) | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RMS | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RUM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RRM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| RM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| AR-5 | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (20) | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (40) | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (80-640) | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARF | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.53.020 |
| MCN Mixed Use Commercial Neighborhood District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches and places of religious assembly” | § 18.27.010 |
| CUR Commercial, Urban, Restricted District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.36.010 |
| MCM Mixed Use Commercial Multiple Family District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches and places of religious assembly” | § 18.37.010 |
| CRR Commercial, Rural, Restricted District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Churches, synagogues and other buildings for religious assembly” | § 18.38.010 |
What else applies
- Other commercial / industrial zones do not list churches (they list 'Public and semipublic buildings and uses'); those cells are left out. RX and RT cells left out. IA 'Church' is a permitted use.
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- Not covered here: RX and RT residential zones (only with village core overlay); Ag zone ARE 'Z' items not used; PDD planned development uses; Residential zone names (not in packet). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Madera County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the RUS zone in Madera County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Madera County's use table lists it that way in RUS (§ 18.11.100).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the IA zone in Madera County?
Yes. Madera County's use table lists it as allowed in IA (Institution Area District) (§ 18.48.010).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a church or other place of worship at an address in Madera County
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