Madera County · Land use · Growing crops
Where is growing crops (agriculture) allowed in Madera County?
In Madera County, growing crops (agriculture) is allowed in 9 base zones (RM, AR-5, ARE (20), ARE (40), ARE (80-640) and 4 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 21 (Madera County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM, AR-5, ARE (20), ARE (40), ARE (80-640), ARF, OS, POS and 1 more
- Not allowed: RUS, RRS (1), RRS (2, 2½, 3), RRS (5), RRS (10), RUM, RRM, MCN and 13 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 growing crops (agriculture) can go
Madera County's code calls this use “Agricultural / Agricultural uses”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RM | Allowed Code row: “Agricultural” | § 18.11.100 |
| AR-5 | Allowed Code row: “Agricultural uses” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (20) | Allowed Code row: “Agricultural uses” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (40) | Allowed Code row: “Agricultural uses” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (80-640) | Allowed Code row: “Agricultural uses” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARF | Allowed Code row: “Agricultural uses” | § 18.53.020 |
| OS Open Space District | Allowed Code row: “Agriculture” | § 18.50.010 |
| POS Public Open Space District | Allowed — see note Code row: “Farming: Forty acres or more per site” Note Farming: Farming: Forty acres or more per site | § 18.52.010 |
| TPZ Timber Preserve Zone | Allowed Code row: “Agriculture” | § 18.75.010 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- POS permits 'Farming: Forty acres or more per site'. Roadside stands and produce stands are separate rows. Residential row 'Agricultural' RMS shows '&P' and is left out. RX and RT cells left out.
- 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 growing crops (agriculture) in the RUS zone in Madera County?
No. Madera County's use table does not allow it in RUS (§ 18.11.100).
Can I have growing crops (agriculture) in the RM zone in Madera County?
Yes. Madera County's use table lists it as allowed in RM (§ 18.11.100).
General information, not legal advice.
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