Licenses, Permits, and Fees
| 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: 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: 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 |
Resolving Problems
| 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. |
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. |
