ATTENTION: The City of Madera Building Department accepts only digital plans and supplementary documents with permit applications.

Electronic (PDF) Plan Submittal Guidelines

To reduce paper waste, mailing costs, delays, and the expense of printing multiple copies of construction documents for building permit applications, the City of Madera has implemented the Electronic Plan Check Program (EPC).

As of December 19, 2024, all building permit applicants are required to submit application materials, construction plans, and supporting documents as PDF files for electronic plan review.

Click here to access the complete guidelines detailing file formatting and submission standards.

How to Submit Your Electronic Documents

All electronic permit applications, plans, and supplementary documents must be in PDF format and can be submitted in the following ways:

• In person: Submit documents on a non-returnable flash drive at the Front Counter between 9 AM and 4 PM.
• Via Dropbox: Upload your files to your Dropbox and email the link to the Front Counter.

• By email: If the PDF files are small enough or if applying for an Over-The-Counter Permit, submit via email:
• Over-the-Counter Permits: overthecounterpermits@madera.gov
• Plot Plan Permits: plotplanpermits@madera.gov
• Solar (PV) Permits: pvplanpermits@madera.gov

• Contact the Front Counter via email: buildingpermits@madera.gov

Minor Permits

Examples of minor permits include single room remodels, window replacements, and 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 a Site Plan Review (SPR) is required by the Planning Department, submit the approved site plan with your building permit application.
• Plot Plan: A basic plot plan template is provided for projects where SPR is not required, primarily for single-family construction.
• Fees: Plan Check fees must be paid before your application is accepted. When your permit is ready to be issued, building permit and development impact fees will be calculated.

Minimum Submittal Requirements - Single Family Residential

Minimum Submittal Requirements - Non-Residential, Commercial, and Industrial

Applications 

• Residential Permit Application
• Commercial Permit Application 
• Firework Booth Application 
• EVCS Permit Applications 

Forms

• RE ROOF Packet
• Patio Plans with Top Plate or Ledger Connection
• Owner Builder Disclosure Form
• Letter of Authorization Form
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Self-Certification Form

Handouts

• Block Fence Specifications
• Eligibility List for Expedite PV Solar
• CalGREEN Construction & Demolition Guide
• C&D Debris Management Report

Building Permit & Inspection Fees

Fees charged for plan checking, inspection, and permit issuance in conjunction with building projects. Building Permit and Inspection fees are applied to new construction, remodeling, and installation of equipment. Examples of projects where fees are applied include the construction of a new home or office, a bathroom remodel, installation of an air conditioning unit, and installation of a new roof or new windows.

Click on the following link to view Building Permit and Inspection Fees

Master Fee Schedule

To view a list of all fees required for building, development, facility rentals, planning, police, permits, public works and more, click to view the City of Madera's Master Fee Schedule.

Building & Development Fees

Building and Development fees are approved annually through the adoption of the City of Madera Master Fee Schedule. The intent of each fee is to collect a portion of the total cost of each activity. Fees in the following categories are generally applied to building and development projects in the City.

Click on the following link to see more information:

Building & Development Fees

View California Building Codes

In Accordance with California Building Standards Commission Information Bulletin 25-01, all applications for a building permit submitted on or after January 1, 2026, are subject to compliance with the 2025 California Building Standard Codes.

Notice to All Builders Regarding Master Plans and Production Home Permitting

2025 Building Codes are in Effect since January 1, 2026 

Completed applications and all required supplementary documentation shall be submitted, in electronic format (PDF),via email to buildingpermits@madera.gov no earlier than 9AM, May 1, and no later than 5PM, on June 12, of the current year. Any eligible organization making an application for a Temporary Permit to Sell "Safe and Sane" Fireworks that fails to return the completed application by 5PM, June 12, of the current year shall not be issued a permit to sell "Safe and Sane" fireworks. All eligible organizations must submit their completed applications and all required supplementary documentation for all proposed locations during this same period to be included in any waiting list lottery.  In the event additional permits become available to eligible organizations, any organizations on the lottery list will be selected by random drawing by the Chief Building Official or his designee on June 19, of the current year.

PDF fillable applications are available in the City’s website and can be downloaded at: . https://www.madera.gov/business-building-development/building-development/.  Completed applications and all required supplementary documentation shall be submitted, in electronic format (PDF),via email to buildingpermits@madera.gov no earlier than 9AM, May 1, and no later than 5PM, on June 12, of the current year.