Madera County · Zoning · RM
Madera County RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Madera County's RM zone, buildings can be up to 40 ft tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 2 acres (Madera County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2 acres
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 10% (the same for 1, 2 and 3 story buildings)
- Maximum density: 2 units per lot
RM is a zoning district in Madera County. Every value below was read from the Madera County Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in RM
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 40 ft § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Max. structure height”, column “RM”: 40 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Front setback (ft.) from right-of-way”, column “RM”: 25 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Side setback (ft.) — over 1 ac. under 1 ac.”, column “RM”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Rear setback (ft.)”, column “RM”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 2 acres § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Min. lot area”, column “RM”: 2 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Max. lot coverage (%)”, column “RM”: 40 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 10% Applies: the same for 1, 2 and 3 story buildings § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “1 story building”, column “RM”: 10 |
| Maximum density | 2 units per lot § 18.11.120 · code textTable row “Maximum permitted density (DU per lot)”, column “RM”: 2 * |
Uses in RM
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Growing crops — Allowed
- Horses and stables — Allowed
- Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM:
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 40 acres — Additional houses, not to exceed a ratio of one dwelling unit per forty acres in the ranch or farm. § 18.11.120
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Madera County Municipal Code.
Other Madera County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Madera County's RM zone?
40 ft — Madera County Municipal Code § 18.11.120.
What is the minimum front setback in Madera County's RM zone?
25 ft — Madera County Municipal Code § 18.11.120.
What is the minimum side setback in Madera County's RM zone?
10 ft — Madera County Municipal Code § 18.11.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Madera County's RM zone?
20 ft — Madera County Municipal Code § 18.11.120.
What is the minimum lot size in Madera County's RM zone?
2 acres — Madera County Municipal Code § 18.11.120.
General information, not legal advice.
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