Madera County · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Madera County?
In Madera County, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (RUM, RRM, CUR and MCM, 1 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 5 (CUG, CRG, CUM, CRM and CRR) and not allowed in 21 (Madera County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RUM, RRM, CUR and MCM
- Needs a permit: CUG, CRG, CUM, CRM and CRR
- Not allowed: RUS, RRS (1), RRS (2, 2½, 3), RRS (5), RRS (10), RMS, RM, AR-5 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 an apartment building (multifamily housing) can go
Madera County's code calls this use “Multiple Family dwelling”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RUM | Allowed | § 18.11.100 |
| RRM | Allowed | § 18.11.100 |
| CUR Commercial, Urban, Restricted District | Allowed Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure(s)” | § 18.36.010 |
| MCM Mixed Use Commercial Multiple Family District | Allowed — see note Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure in combination with commercial establishment (under one roof)” Note Ground Floor Restriction: Residential use and residential parking are prohibited on the ground floor in the front half of the lot. | § 18.37.010 |
| CUG Commercial, Urban, General District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure(s)” | § 18.28.010 |
| CRG Commercial, Rural, General District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure(s)” | § 18.30.010 |
| CUM Commercial, Urban, Median District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure(s)” | § 18.32.010 |
| CRM Commercial, Rural, Median District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure(s)” | § 18.34.010 |
| CRR Commercial, Rural, Restricted District | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Multiple family dwelling in permanent structure(s)” | § 18.38.010 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Multiple Family dwelling' is not defined in the packet (a duplex may fall under it). MIN lists 'Combination of industrial facility and dwelling unit in one structure' (C), not used. SHO overlay: multiple residential uses C (overlay, not used). RX and RT cells left out.
- State law: State laws such as AB 2011, SB 6 and the density bonus law can allow homes on some commercial sites, or more units than this table shows.
- 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 an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the CUG zone in Madera County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Madera County's use table lists it that way in CUG (Commercial, Urban, General District) (§ 18.28.010).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) 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 an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RUM zone in Madera County?
Yes. Madera County's use table lists it as allowed in RUM (§ 18.11.100).
General information, not legal advice.
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