Building - City of Madera

Department Overview

The Building Department is responsible for overseeing all activities associated with on-site construction. The department administers the building permit process from the intake of building plans through the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Permits for smaller projects, such as window replacements

Check out the following resources to help you understand more about how the building permit process works in Madera.

Building Process

When do I need a building permit?

Most new construction and remodeling projects require a building permit. Any time you add or modify plumbing, electrical or mechanical equipment, you will also need a permit.

Certain kinds of work are exempt from permitting requirements. Read more about exempt activities here. Examples of work you do not need a permit for include:

A one-story garden shed or playhouse less than 120 square feet in size with no plumbing or electrical.
Surface treatments (paint, tile, etc.)
On-site cement work
Fences that are six feet or less in height

Steps in the Building Permit Process

The building permit process typically involves a series of steps in which a homeowner or builder submits an application and gets a plan checked and approved by the Building Department. Permits for simple projects can be issued within a day or two, while more extensive projects may take 6 to 8 weeks. A summary of the typical steps in the permit process is described below.

Fill out an application.

Deliver all submittal requirements to the Building Department.

Pay a plan check fee if a plan check is required.

Building Department will perform a plan check if required.

Make corrections to plans if necessary.

Building Department will complete a “back-check.”

Pay building permit and development impact fees.

Building Department will issue a permit.

Start construction on your project.

Call for inspections as required by the permit.

Inspection Requests MUST be received 24 Hours in Advance. (559) 661-5445

Passing a “Final Inspection” will complete the permitting process.

Building Submittal Requirements

Minor Permits

Examples of minor permits include the following: single room remodels, window replacements, air conditioning system installation.

Application Form

Description of Work. Provide one or more drawings showing the existing condition and proposed construction, sufficiently detailed to show the work being done.

Fees. The Building Department will calculate building Permit Fees for your project. Fees must be paid before the permit will be issued.

Major Remodels and New Construction

Application Form

Site Plan or Plot Plan

Site Plan. If the Planning Department required a site plan review (SPR) for your project, submit the approved site plan with your building permit application.

Plot Plan. A basic plot plan template is provided for projects where a site plan review is not required. This should be used primarily for single-family construction.

Building Plans Requirements - Single Family Residential, Commercial or Industrial

Fees. The Building Department will calculate plan Check Fees for your project. Plan Check fees must be paid before your application will be accepted. When your permit is ready to be issued, building permit and development impact fees will be calculated.

Additional Information

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Self-Certification Form

Attic Ventilation Worksheet

Block Fence Specifications

Patio Plans with Top Plate or Ledger Connection

Eligibility List for Expedite PV Solar

CalGREEN Construction & Demolition Guide

C&D Debris Management Report

Additional Contacts