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Please use the "site search" feature in the box to the immediate right for a key work search through all of the documents contained on this web site. You can also browse through the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) below for additional information.
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Business License - City Council - City Services - Employment - Garbage Handeling - Licenses, Permits, & Fees - Municipal Utilities - Police Issues - Recreation - Resolving Problems - Seniors - Water Use - Your Property
Business License
| Q: How do I know if I need a business license? |
| A: Anyone who sells a product or service in the City of Madera needs a business license. If you do not receive a payroll check and a W-2 at the end of the year, and you sell a product or provide a service for a fee, you need a license. |
| Q: Do I need a business license if I work from my home? |
| A: Yes. But you would only apply for a business license after you have received your home occupation permit from the City of Madera Planning Department (559) 661-5440. |
| Q: What is required in order to operate a business from my home address? |
| A: A home occupation permit is required. This process is necessary to inform the surrounding neighbors of the type of business that is proposed to locate in the neighborhood. Once the home occupation permit is approved by the Planning Department (559) 661-5440, a business license from the Finance Department (559) 661-5454 is required to operate. |
| Q: How do I obtain a business license? |
| A: The Finance Department, at 205 W. 4`h Street, has the business license application form. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee that is submitted with the application. The license is then routed to the various departments for approval. Once the license is approved, the fees will be established and a license will be issued. This process can take up to three weeks. |
| Q: How much is a business license? |
| A: The business license fee for most businesses is based upon the monthly gross receipts reported by the business. The fee can be as low as the minimum charge of $40 per year, up to the maximum amount of $1,056 per year. Some businesses have their fee based upon the type of business it is. These rates are specified in the Madera Municipal Code Ordinance Title VI. You can call (559) 661-5450 for the amount you may pay based upon your gross receipts or the type of business you have. |
| Q: How often do I have to pay my business license? |
| A: The City of Madera sends an invoice to its existing customers each July. If the license fee is not paid by the stipulated date on the invoice an additional 10% penalty is charged. Once the license is paid, it is valid until the following June 30. |
| Q: How do I terminate my business license? |
| A: Your business license will be terminated once we receive a written request from the business owner. If the license is not terminated by written notice, the business license fee continues to be assessed each year. |
| Q: What businesses are subject to special regulation or registration with the city? |
| A: The following businesses are subject to special regulations. More information can be obtained by calling Abatement at (559) 661-5412. - Massage therapists - Card room owners & employees - Mobile vendor registration - Registration of security guards and companies - Taxicab regulation - Tow truck regulation - Alarm regulation program - Pawnbroker/Secondhand Dealer registration - Abatement for commercial trucks and trailers parked off the truck route |
City Council
| Q: How often does the City Council meet? |
| A: The City Council meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 205 W. Fourth Street in the Council Chambers. |
| Q: How can I find out what items are on the agenda for Council meetings? |
| A: The City Clerk's Office will post an agenda in the front lobby of City Hall at least 72 hours before the next scheduled meeting. |
| Q: How do I get an item placed on the City Council meeting agenda and how can I get on the mailing list for agendas? |
| A: Contact the City Clerk's Office at 661-5405. |
| Q: How can I address the Council regarding an item not on the Council Agenda? |
| A: a. There is a 15-minute time frame at the beginning of each Council Meeting where the public is invited to address Council regarding any items not on the agenda. Speakers are limited 3 minutes. b. Written Communication A member of the public may address Council via a written communication. The written communication should be addressed to the City Council and forwarded to the City Clerk for inclusion in the next available meeting. The item will be placed on the agenda for Council consideration. The member of the public will be invited to attend. |
| Q: What Council member serves my district and how can I get in touch with him/her? |
| A: Madera Council members do not serve a particular district but rather serve all City residents. They do not have offices at City Hall. To reach the Mayor or a Council member, contact the City Clerk at 661-5405. |
| Q: How can I contact the Mayor or Council Members? |
| A: The Mayor and Council Members do not have offices at City Hall. Messages and correspondence may be left or sent to the City Clerk's Office. |
City Services
| Q: How do I contact the mayor? |
| A: Call 661-5405 |
Employment with the City
| Q: Employment with the City How do I know what employment opportunities exist with the City? |
| A: Current full time job opportunities are listed on the Human Resources page as well as the job information recording at (559) 661-5480. The City also announces the availability of various full and part time positions in the local newspapers. While the City only accepts applications for current vacancies, the City maintains an interest card system whereby a person can identify the type of work or position they would like to obtain. This person provides their name and address and the position sought. The City retains this information for one year. If a recruitment effort is launched for that classification within the year, the application materials will be sent directly to the applicant. |
Garbage Handling
| Q: Who do I call if I need trash cans or have a question about garbage pickup? |
| A: Call the City Engineering Department at 559-661-5418--they handle all aspects of garbage pickup. |
| Q: Who do l contact if my trash does not get picked up? |
| A: If you have a problem or question about trash pickup, contact Allied Waste/Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) directly at 559-673-5191. |
| Q: Do I need my own garbage containers? |
| A: No. The City of Madera is participating in a recycling program that requires the refuse to be separated between green and gray containers. These cans are provided to the customer for use in the recycling program. Cans that are not provided by the City of Madera will not receive refuse service from the service provider. |
| Q: What can I place into my green container? |
| A: The only waste that may be placed into the green container is yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves and flower trimmings. Do not place palm tree fronds into the green container. |
| Q: What can I place into my gray container? |
| A: You should place everything in your gray container that is not allowed to go into the green container. You cannot place into your gray container any hazardous waste material such as paint, pesticides, batteries, or electronic equipment. There is a separate annual service for these items. |
| Q: Will City maintenance crews trim trees/shrubs or haul bulky items to the sanitary landfill? |
| A: Public Works will only trim trees and shrubs for traffic safety and vehicle clearance. Hauling services for a fee is not provided. Refer to the newspaper-classified section for such service. |
| Q: Does the City have a leaf pickup program? |
| A: Leaves are picked up in the Fall after most foliage is on the ground, usually in November or early December. Two sweeps are made throughout the City; thereafter, residents may bag leaves for disposal by Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI). Bags may be placed inside the green container for pickup. |
| Q: Does the City have a recycling program? |
| A: Yes. The landfill provides the City of Madera with a recycling program that eliminates the need for our customers to separate their refuse in the gray container. Once the refuse truck has dropped off its load at the landfill, the employees of the landfill sort through the refuse for recyclable material. For more information, contact Allied Waste/Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) at 673-5191; or call the City Engineering Department at 661-5418 for questions about recycling. |
| Q: What do I do with refuse that will not fit into the gray container? |
| A: Two times a year the City of Madera will hold a Community Clean-up. You should place at the curb in front of your home any refuse items that will not fit into your gray container. You will be notified of these semi-annual events in your monthly bill. |
| Q: Can I place anything I want out at the curb for the semi-annual event? |
| A: No. A sample of items that can not be placed at the curb are as follows: Computers/TV Rocks/Sod Tree Trunks larger than 12" Batteries Tires Metal Drums larger than 10 gal. Paint Calculators Motor Oil If you have any questions regarding items not listed above, please call the City of Madera Finance Department at (559) 661-5454 or the Engineering Department at (559) 661-5418. |
| Q: If I cannot place old paint cans at the curbside semi-annual event, what do I do with them? |
| A: Every October the City of Madera provides a Hazardous Waste Cleanup to those individuals who are receiving refuse service. Computers, TVs, Paint, Batteries, and other hazardous waste household items may be disposed of. |
License, Permits and Fees
| Q: How can I obtain a marriage license, passport, or copy of birth certificate? |
| A: Please contact the Madera County Clerk at (559) 675-7721. The City Clerk does not handle these items. |
| Q: What do I need a building permit for? |
| A: The general rule is "You need a permit for just about everything except, painting, wall papering, flooring." If you build it, add to it, cover it, repair it, move it, remodel it, demolish it - you need permits. You do not need a permit for a wood fence, but you need one for a concrete block fence. Contact the Building Division at (559) 661-5440 for more information. |
| Q: Where do I obtain a dog license? |
| A: City dog licenses can be obtained by either presenting proof of current rabies vaccination to the Finance Department at City Hall, or both rabies vaccination and dog licenses can be obtained at any of the local veterinarian offices in Madera. |
| Q: Do I need permits for repairing an electrical plug or switch, leaky sink, air conditioner, furnace or other appliances? |
| A: If the wiring and plumbing are not changed, repairing an electrical plug or switch or a leaky sink does not require a permit. However, replacing furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters requires permits. Contact the Building Division at (559) 661-5440 for more information. |
| Q: How much does a permit cost? |
| A: Permit cost vary depending on complexity of work. The more complex, the higher the cost. Examples – Re-roofs under $100, Patios under $200, Air Conditioners under $75, Water Heaters & sewers under $50, 400 square foot Garage under $200, 1250 square foot house w/garage & patios under $2,500, 2300 square foot house w/garage & patios under $4,000, new 2,800 square foot office building under $4,300. Contact the Building Division at (559) 661-5440 for more information. |
| Q: How long does it take to get a permit? |
| A: Complexity is the key. A new patio permit will take 1-2 days. A new house will take about 2-3 weeks for the plan check, then another week once corrections are made. A new commercial building will take about 3-4 weeks for plan check, then 1-2 additional weeks once corrections are made. Contact the Building Division at (559) 661-5440 for more information. |
| Q: Will I have to pay school fees? If so, show much? |
| A: Generally, residential additions over 500 square feet in area and all new construction have to pay school fees. Contact Madera Unified School District at (559) 675-4500 for complete information and costs. |
| Q: Can I work in the Public Right-of-Way? |
| A: Yes, provided you obtain an encroachment permit. |
| Q: Where can I obtain an encroachment permit? |
| A: Please contact the Engineering Division of the Community Development Department, located at City Hall, 205 W. 4th St., (559) 661-5418. |
Municipal Utilities
| Q: How can I sign up for municipal utilities? |
| A: Contact the Finance Department at 205 W. 4`h Street, or call 559-661-5454. The Finance Department is open to the public from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. for walk-ins. A drop box is located in City Hall near the Finance Department during the day. For hours other than 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., a night drop is located at the West End of City Hall. |
| Q: How do I sign on for municipal utilities? |
| A: You may obtain an application from the Finance Department by coming into City Hall or calling the Finance Department and having an application mailed to you. Once you have the application completed, bring the application to the Finance Department, along with the following items: - Either a copy of an executed lease agreement or escrow closing statement. - A copy of your Drivers License, passport with picture ID, or California ID Card Once the Finance Department staff reviews the application, be prepared to pay a three-month deposit for service along with a $22.50 non-refundable application fee. |
| Q: Do you take checks for municipal utilities? |
| A: Yes. We also take credit cards and ATM debit cards for payment. To simplify the payment process for our customers we also offer an automatic debit service to your checking account. This eliminates the need for our customers to mail their monthly payment. If you wish to continue to make your payments in person the City of Madera has established alternative pay stations at the Parks Department and at Yosemite Pharmacy on Yosemite Ave. In addition to the alternative pay stations, we have drop boxes at the Fire Station located on Lake Street and inside the lobby of City Hall. |
| Q: If I fall behind on my bill will my service be interrupted? |
| A: If you fall behind on your bill the finance department can make a payment arrangement with the account holder. This payment arrangement allows the finance department staff to schedule the delinquent balance over a period of 6 months. The account holder can continue to receive service as long as they are making their monthly payments as stipulated in the agreement. If the account holder does not maintain the monthly payment agreement, service will be interrupted. |
| Q: How do I cancel my municipal utilities? |
| A: In order to terminate your water, sewer and refuse service, the request must be made in writing by the account holder. The information in the letter should include the date you would like it terminated and the address of where you would like your closing bill sent. The account holder remains responsible for the monthly service fees until we receive a letter from him/her. |
| Q: Why is the City of Madera listed on the back of Media One's cable bill? |
| A: The City serves as Media One's franchise and they are required by ICC to list their franchise on their bills. However, for service requests and cable information you need to call Media One at (800) 883-6796. |
Police Issues
| Q: What hat can I do if my car is impounded for 30 days due to the driver not having a license or having a suspended/revoked license? |
| A: By law, if the driver of a vehicle is found to have no license or a suspended/revoked license the car is automatically held for 30 days. You may request an impound hearing within the first 10 day after the vehicle has been impounded. If you wish to do this call (559) 674-5611 and ask to schedule an impound hearing. After the 30-day period, the registered owner will need to come to the Police Department for a release and will need the following items: the registered owners valid drivers license, proof of insurance, a copy of the current registration or pink slip, and $15.00. |
| Q: What do I do if I need to get a copy of a police report? |
| A: You will need to come in to the Police Department at-330 South C Street. to request a copy of a report. |
| Q: What do I do if I receive a check which has been returned for non-sufficient funds or the account is closed? |
| A: Contact the Madera District Attorney's Office at (559) 675-7726. |
| Q: How do I contest a parking citation? |
| A: Contact the Madera City Finance Department at (559) 661-5454 to contest a Parking Citation. |
| Q: How do I get property returned to me that may be held by the Madera Police Department? |
| A: You will need to call (559) 675-4200 and ask for the Property and Evidence Officer at Extension 560. The Property Room is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM |
Recreation
| Q: What is the phone number for Yosemite National Park? |
| A: (209) 372-0264. You can also obtain information from the website at: www.nps.gov/yose and park reservations information from the website at http://reservations.nps.gov online. |
| Q: What youth leagues are offered and who are the various contact people? |
| A: You can find information on the Parks Department's Youth Programs page or refer to the Parks and Community Services Department activity brochure, Leisure Line-up that is produced four times per year. This brochure lists the various leagues, play dates, costs, and contact names for each sport. Or, contact City of Madera Recreation Programs Manager, Don Mencarini at (559) 661-5425. |
| Q: How do I find out about the classes and activity offerings of the Parks and Community Services Department? |
| A: The Leisure Line-up Brochure is produced four times per year and it lists all of the activities, classes, and special events for each season. The registration form for all program activities is also included in the brochure and can also be found on the Parks Department's Youth Programs and Senior Programs [link to Parks/Senior Programs] pages. The Leisure Line-up can be obtained in person at various locations in Town such as the Library, Housing Authority, Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, and Madera Unified School District. It can also be obtained at the Department main office, 1030 South Gateway Drive, Madera, CA. 93637, or by mail by calling (559) 661-5495. |
| Q: How do I reserve and what does it cost to rent a park shelter or City facility? |
| A: Please see the Parks Facilities and Parks for Rent pages for information and an application. Information can also be obtained in person or by mail from the City of Madera Parks and Community Services Department, 1030 South Gateway Drive, Madera CA. 93637. By phone: (559) 661-5495. |
Resolving Problems
| Q: Who do I call to report potholes or damaged roadways? |
| A: Call the Public Works Department at (559) 661-5466. |
| Q: Why doesn't the City do more complete street repairs rather than simply patching the potholes? |
| A: Due to the financial condition of the State of California, the City of Madera does not have the funds to do complete street reconstruction in most cases. Reconstruction costs five times more than chip sealing a street. In many cases, filling potholes can prevent further deterioration of a street until such time as reconstruction can be accomplished. |
| Q: How do you get a street light repaired? |
| A: Call the Public Works Department at (559) 661-5466 with the pole number (4 digits) the location and closest address if available and we will report it to the responsible agency. |
| Q: Who is responsible for maintenance of sidewalk, curb, gutter and street trees? |
| A: The property owner is responsible. For curb and sidewalk repair, contact the Engineering Department at (559) 661-5418 for contractor referrals. |
| Q: Where do I submit concerns about traffic safety? |
| A: Please submit traffic safety concerns to the Traffic Safety Committee at the Engineering Division of the Community Development Department, located at City Hall, 205 W. 4th St., (559) 661-5418. |
| Q: Where do I call to report water leaks or a broken hydrant? |
| A: Call the Public Works Department at (559) 661-5466. |
| Q: Who is in charge of maintaining landscape areas in the City? |
| A: Citizens with concerns about landscape maintenance issues should contact City of Madera Parks Division Manager. When leaving a message, it is important to note the exact location of the area in order to determine the responsible jurisdiction. |
| Q: Where do I report an abandoned vehicle? |
| A: If the vehicle has been abandoned on public streets, call Code Enforcement at (559) 661-5412. If the abandoned vehicle is on private property contact Code Enforcement at (559) 661-5427. |
| Q: Who do I call about graffiti abatement? |
| A: When observing people actually in the act of "tagging", notify the City of Madera Police Department at 559-675-4200. Report graffiti on private property/subdivision fences/businesses, etcetera to the City of Madera Abatement and Compliance Division, (559) 661-5412. Graffiti observed in public parks, Vernon McCullough Fresno River Trail and City facilities, contact Parks Division Manager David Haines at (559) 675-9306. |
| Q: Where do I report illegal trash dumping? |
| A: Contact Code Enforcement at 559-661-5114. |
| Q: How do I go about filing a claim with the City? |
| A: Generally, people who wish to file a claim with the City contact the Risk Management office at (559) 661-5401 to obtain a claim form. Completed claims are reviewed and presented to the Council for consideration. |
| Q: Who do I call to report a stray animal? |
| A: Dispatching for Animal Control is handled by the Police Department (559) 675-4200 . All animals picked up by City Animal Control are taken to the Madera County Animal Shelter to be impounded. |
| Q: Who do I contact about substandard housing issues? |
| A: Contact Code Enforcement at (559) 661-5114. |
Seniors
| Q: What qualifications are necessary to receive a senior citizen home delivered meal? |
| A: Contact the City of Madera Senior Services Division at (559) 661-5495 to set up an assessment appointment, receive a brochure describing the program, or to speak with someone directly. |
Water Use
| Q: Does the City have a water conservation program for lawn irrigation? |
| A: Yes, and violators can be cited for abuse. The restricted "water patrol" season is April 1st through October 31st. Addresses ending with EVEN numbers may water on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Addresses ending with ODD numbers may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Outdoor watering is allowed any time other than between the hours of 11 A.M. to 7 P.M. Vehicles may be washed at any time. All water conservation measures must be adhered to; abuse will be cited. For example, you must use a control device on the water hose to avoid waste. A detailed information sheet is available at Finance Department or Public Works Department. Failure to comply with water regulations may result in being cited. See Watering Regulations page under Inside the City for more information. |
Your Property
| Q: What is my property zoned and what uses are allowed? |
| A: Please contact the Planning Division of Community Development (559) 661-5440 for zoning information on a property located within the City limits. |
| Q: Is my property within the City limits? |
| A: The City of Madera is experiencing growth and the boundary is expanding constantly as more land is annexed to the City. If there are doubts, inquiries should be made to the Community Development Department or the Madera County Local Agency Formation Commission. |
| Q: Where is my property line located? |
| A: Please contact the Engineering Division of the Community Development Department, located at City Hall, 205 W. 4th St., (559) 661-5418. |
| Q: Is my property in a flood zone? |
| A: The governing body FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) determines which areas of the City of Madera are within a flood zone. Please contact the Planning Division of Community Development (559) 661-5440 for Flood Zone information on a city property. |
| Q: Where are the water and sewer mains and storm drains located? |
| A: Please contact the Engineering Division of the Community Development Department, located at City Hall, 205 W. 4th St., (559) 661-5418. |
| Q: Who do I call if the plumber tells me that the blockage in the sewer line is not on my property? |
| A: Call the Public Works Department at (559) 661-5466. |