Madera County · Land use · Kennel
Where is a kennel (dog boarding) allowed in Madera County?
In Madera County, a kennel (dog boarding) is needs a conditional use permit in 8 (RM, AR-5, ARE (20), ARE (40), ARE (80-640) and 3 more) and not allowed in 21 (Madera County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RM, AR-5, ARE (20), ARE (40), ARE (80-640), ARF, CUM and CRM
- Not allowed: RUS, RRS (1), RRS (2, 2½, 3), RRS (5), RRS (10), RMS, RUM, RRM 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 a kennel (dog boarding) can go
Madera County's code calls this use “Animal hospitals, kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products”. 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 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.11.100 |
| AR-5 | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Animal hospitals, kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products (see Chapter 18.94)” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (20) | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Animal hospitals, kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products (see Chapter 18.94)” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (40) | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Animal hospitals, kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products (see Chapter 18.94)” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARE (80-640) | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Animal hospitals, kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products (see Chapter 18.94)” | § 18.53.020 |
| ARF | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Animal hospitals, kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products (see Chapter 18.94)” | § 18.53.020 |
| CUM Commercial, Urban, Median District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.32.010 |
| CRM Commercial, Rural, Median District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.34.010 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 18.94.030 Animal hospitals, commercial kennels and laboratories using animals or animal products (commercial districts except CRR and CUR, and agricultural districts; lot of at least one acre).
- MCN and MCM list only 'Animal hospitals' (C), which does not name kennels; those two cells are left out. Row also covers animal hospitals and laboratories. 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 a kennel (dog boarding) in the RM zone in Madera County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Madera County's use table lists it that way in RM (§ 18.11.100).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the RUS zone in Madera County?
No. Madera County's use table does not allow it in RUS (§ 18.11.100).
General information, not legal advice.
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