General Plan

The General Plan is the City’s long-range blueprint for growth and development. It outlines how Madera will evolve over time, guiding decisions about land use, transportation, housing, parks, public safety, and environmental sustainability. Every new project in the city is evaluated for consistency with the goals and policies set forth in the General Plan.

The General Plan reflects the community’s shared vision for Madera’s future, built on input from residents, business owners, and local stakeholders. It establishes citywide goals, policies, and implementation strategies designed to protect Madera’s character, support economic opportunity, and enhance quality of life for all residents.

About the Current Plan

The City adopted its most recent General Plan in 2009 following an extensive public visioning process known as Vision 2025. This process engaged residents and businesses to define a collective vision for the city’s future growth and sustainability.

The General Plan includes all State-mandated elements, as well as locally prioritized topics identified through community input. Together, these chapters provide an integrated framework for decision-making and investment.

Elements of the Madera General Plan

• Community Design
• Circulation and Infrastructure
• Conservation
• Health and Safety
• Housing
• Land Use
• Noise
• Historic and Cultural Resources
• Parks and Recreation
• Sustainability

Documents and Resources

• City of Madera General Plan (Adopted 2009)
• 2016–2024 Housing Element Update
• Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
• General Plan Land Use Map
• General Plan Circulation Map

Why the General Plan Matters

The General Plan shapes how Madera grows while preserving the qualities that make the community unique. It ensures that new development supports the City’s long-term goals: balancing housing, infrastructure, open space, and environmental protection.

All major land use decisions, zoning updates, and development projects must be consistent with the General Plan. This alignment helps the City plan responsibly for the future while maintaining transparency and accountability to the public.