This title is the “zoning ordinance.”
(Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).

The provisions of this title shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted to promote the health, safety, morals, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the county. Among other purposes, such provisions are intended to provide for adequate light, air, sanitation, drainage, convenience of access, conservation of floodplains and woodlands, and safety from fire and other dangers; to promote the safety and efficiency of the public streets and highways; to aid in conserving and stabilizing the economic values of the community; to preserve and promote the general attractiveness and character of the community environment; to guide the proper distribution and location of population and of the various land uses, and otherwise provide for the healthy and prosperous growth of the community. (Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).

The zoning ordinance shall be composed of specific regulations controlling the uses of land, the density of population, the use and location of structures, and the height and bulk of these structures, the areas of open spaces surrounding the structures, areas and dimensions of sites, regulations concerning access, parking and loading areas; and a zoning plan. (Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).

Except as may be otherwise specifically provided:
A. No structure or building shall be erected, altered or enlarged, nor shall any site, building or structure be used or be designated to be used for any purpose other than those uses and purposes included among the permitted uses of these regulations or by a conditional use permit or zoning permit in the zoning district in which such buildings, structures or land is located, or as otherwise permitted in this title.
B. No building or structure shall be constructed, substantially reconstructed or altered to exceed the structure height regulations designed for the zoning district in which the structure or building is located.
C. No building or structure shall be constructed or substantially reconstructed, enlarged or moved into any zoning district except in compliance respectively to the structure height regulations, the structure location regulations, the lot dimension regulations, the off-street parking area requirements, the overlayed district regulations, and other specific regulations herein specified for the zoning district in which the building or structure is located.
D. A lot or lots may be divided into new lots, in compliance with Madera County Ordinance No. 304, the parcel map ordinance, or Madera County Ordinance No. 278, the subdivision ordinance, codified in Title l7 of this code; provided that each new lot is equal to or exceeds the minimum lot dimension regulations of this title.
E. No deed or conveyance of any portion of a lot shall be made which reduces the lot dimensions, minimum offsets, and setbacks, off-street parking spaces, or other minimum requirements applicable to that site and use below the minimum requirements of this title. (Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).

A. The board of supervisors found and determined the necessity for the establishment of the office of zoning administrator. The office of zoning administrator is established.
B. The planning director of Madera County is appointed zoning administrator. (Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).

The planning commission is designated as the zoning agency. (Ord. 525 § 1(part), 1989).