Madera adopts new exterior color rules for commercial buildings
New palette-based paint standards now in effect for construction and repainting in commercial zones
Business owners planning to paint or build commercial buildings in Madera must now choose from a city-approved color palette, under new exterior color standards adopted by the City Council and now in effect.
The standards, established through Ordinance No. 1021 C.S. (PDF) and a companion resolution, Resolution No. 26-84 (PDF), apply to new construction, building additions, reconstruction following a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, and repainting of existing buildings within the city's commercial zone districts. Property owners are not required to repaint buildings solely because their current color falls outside the approved palette.
“We wanted to give businesses room to express some personality while creating greater consistency across Madera’s commercial areas,” said David Brletic, the city’s planning manager.
Under the standards, exterior façade colors must be low-reflectance, subtle, neutral or earth-tone. High-intensity and fluorescent colors are prohibited. Brighter trim and accent colors, including primary colors, may be used on up to 10% of a building’s façade.
Transitions between base and accent colors must correspond with changes in building materials or surface planes.
Applicants must submit a no-fee Exterior Color Application to the Planning Department, which reviews proposed colors against the adopted palette. If an application is denied, applicants may appeal first to the Planning Commission and, if needed, to the City Council. Each appeal must be filed within 15 days of the decision being challenged.
During Council discussion of the ordinance, members raised questions about whether the palette could be updated over time, whether downtown districts might warrant additional flexibility, and how businesses with established corporate brand colors would be accommodated. Brletic explained that because the palette is adopted by resolution rather than embedded directly in the ordinance, updating it in the future would require separate Council action.
The Council passed both the ordinance and the color-palette resolution by unanimous roll-call vote.
The approved palette includes 88 exterior base colors and 91 trim colors, ranging from soft whites and earth tones to deeper accent shades, according to materials published by the Planning Department. Property owners, tenants, architects and contractors can review the full palette and submit applications through the Planning Department. Staff have said they are available to help applicants choose compliant color schemes before work begins.
Brletic said the standards are meant to give Madera's commercial corridors a more unified look over time, without locking businesses into a narrow set of choices. “Every building doesn't need to look the same,” he said. “We just want our commercial zones to feel intentional and put-together.”
Questions about the new standards, approved color palettes or application process can be directed to the Madera Planning Department at (559) 661-5430.
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