Business Licenses and Regulations
| 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) 661-5408 is required to operate. |
| Q: How do I obtain a business license? |
| A: The Finance Department, at 205 W. 4th 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) 661-5408 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 |
Licenses, Permits, & Fees
| 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. |
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 AM to 4 PM for walk-ins. A drop box is located in City Hall near the Finance Department during the day. For hours other than 9 AM to 4 PM, 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. |
