Police Department:
- How do I find out if someone is still in custody?
Please visit Madera County Jail Inmate Inquiry and fill out the form to obtain information on a person in police custody.
- How do I find a registered sex offender in my area?
Please visit the Megan's Law home page for further information.
- How do I get a copy of an accident report?
To obtain a copy of a accident report please fill out a form and attached photo id. The cost of a report is $10.00. Once payment is processed and it is determined that the report can be released to the requesting party, the report will be ready for mailing or pick up. Please make sure that you include a phone number for contact.
You may download the forms here:
- How do I get a copy of any report I need?
You can submit a request for a copy of a report filling out the attached form and copy of id. We do not release reports to individuals by a phone request. Reports other than accidents will only be release in person. We will call you when it has been determined that the report is available for pick up. You will need to provide photo ID at the time of pick up. Payment will be received at the time of pick up. You can also come in to the Police Department and request a copy of a report. The fee for each requested report is $10.00. Release of reports is generally released at the time of request however large requests could take up to (10) business days to fulfill.
- How do I get an Animal License?
Please fill out Animal Control license paperwork and submit with Proof of Rabies vaccine and spay/neuter certificate if applicable. All documents must be signed by a Licensed Veterinarian.
Prices for Licensing:
1 Year License - $50.00 if not spayed or neutered
$8.00 if spayed or neutered
3 Year License - $150.00 if not spayed or neutered
$17.00 if spayed or neutered
Age 55 years or older; One dog license is free with proof of ID of the Dog Owner on paperwork.
Replacement tag is $3.00
- How do I get my car out of impound?
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, the cost for the hearing is $13.60. If you wish to do this call 559-675-4229 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 driver’s license
· Proof of insurance
· A copy of the current registration
· And $64.50
- How do I get my property back?
To pick up your property please call 559 675-4260 to set up an appointment. You will need to present photo ID at the time of pick up.
Fire Department:
- Are fireworks legal in Madera City?
Fireworks are only allowed on the 4th of July and must have the state Fire Marshal Safe & Sane label.
- Does the Madera City Fire Department give out smoke/carbon monoxide detectors?
No, not on a regular basis, there are times the Fire Departments will get local or government grant money to give out a limited amount of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. You can purchase smoke/carbon monoxide detectors at most local hardware or convenient stores.
- Does the Madera City Fire Department have Volunteer firefighters?
No, the Madera City Fire Department does not have volunteers. The Madera County Fire Department utilizes volunteers located at 14228 Road 28 Madera Ca, 93638 Tel 559-675-7799
- Does the Madera City Fire Department offer child car safety seat checks and adjustments?
Unfortunately, the Madera City Fire Department does not offer this service. To find the nearest location for a child safety seat inspection please visit The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Click on "Locate a Child Seat Fitting Station" and then enter your zip code.
- Does the Madera City Fire Department service fire extinguishers?
No, most local Fire Departments do not service fire extinguishers. Fire extinguisher companies can be found in the local phone book. Fire extinguishers can be purchased at a local hardware store.
- Does the Madera City Fire Department teach A.E.D/CPR classes?
- How do I schedule a Fire Station tour?
You can schedule a station tour by calling the local fire station direct in your area. 559-661-5499 ext 2 for station#56, ext 3 for station#57, and ext 4 for station #58.
- Should I call the Madera City Fire station when there’s an emergency?
NO! Always call 911 to report emergency situations.
Engineering Department:
- How do I know if my property is located in a flood zone as determined by FEMA?
Call the City of Madera’s Engineering Division at 1 (559) 661-5418. We will perform a search based on the address of your property and provide you with any applicable documentation that has been provided by FEMA. In the event there is no documentation available for your address, please visit FEMA’s website directly. Please be advised that the City of Madera’s Engineering Division does not provide elevation certificates or perform land surveying for this purpose. It is the responsibility of the property owner to contract with an independent land surveyor to provide this service.
- When is an Encroachment Permit required?
Any work or other obstruction in, over, or on any public sidewalk, street, avenue, alley, or public place in the City that requires inspection to ensure City-owned facilities have been constructed to City standards requires a permit.
Any activity that creates a liability due to obvious safety concerns of the proposed activity may also require a permit. Per Madera Municipal Code, “No person shall grade, prepare, subgrade, pave, excavate, or construct sewers, drains, curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, manholes, catch-basins or similar structures or works in any street, alley, or way, which street, alley, or way is dedicated or proposed to be dedicated for public use, within the city unless and until a permit for the work has been issued by the Department in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.('61 Code, § 7-3.02) (Ord. 37 C.S., passed 12-4-62).”
Contractors performing work for compensation within the City must obtain a City of Madera Business License from the Finance Department. Per Madera Municipal Code, “Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, license taxes in the amounts prescribed in this chapter are imposed upon all business transacted or carried on in the City. It shall be unlawful for any person to commence, transact, engage in, or carry on any business in the city without first having procured a license from the city to do so, or without complying with any and all applicable regulations of this chapter and other related or relevant laws of the city. Each day any such business is carried on without a license and/or•• without such compliance shall constitute a separate violation of the provisions of this chapter for each and every day such business is so carried on. Such license, when issued, shall authorize the person obtaining the same to transact the business described therein at the particular locality within the city designated in such license during the term stated therein. (‘61 Code, § 6-1.05) (Ord. 228 N.S., passed - -).”
PLEASE NOTE: The City can’t give authorization for a property owner to use a third party’s easement based upon a letter. One of the reasons for this is that it does not give a future property owner notice that there is a structure intruding into the easement, and that the easement holder would be entitled to require the future owner to remove the intruding part of a structure or pool (thereby emptying it) in order to access the easement.
The simplest approach is to design all structures, including pools, so that they do not intrude into existing easements. If this is not an option, then property owners must contact the easement holder and enter into a special covenant for use of the easement, or the equivalent, and have it recorded against the property. If the City is also a holder the easement or has an interest in the easement, it would also need to be a signatory to the covenant. The covenant would basically state that the property owner can make special use of the easement “at risk” of having to remove the structure at the homeowner’s own expense if the easement holder needs access to the easement.
Examples of activities NOT requiring a permit from the City of Madera Engineering Division include:
Work that is not within the City Limits, work that is completely on private property, work that includes, but is not limited to, sprinkler repair or typical landscape maintenance such as mowing, trimming, etc. However, some activities may require a permit from another division within the City.
- When is a Special Event Permit required?
A special event can be described as any march or procession of persons or animals or vehicles, or any combination thereof, except funeral processions, over or upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public place, which the march or procession does not comply with normal and usual traffic regulations or controls. Or any congregation, meeting, or gathering of persons and/or objects upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, or public place so as to obstruct the free passage or use of any such street, alley, sidewalk, or place.
- When is a Transportation (Oversized Load) Permit required?
An oversized load permit is issued to any load or vehicle exceeding applicable length, width, height, or weight limits as defined by Caltrans that needs to travel within the City of Madera’s City Limits. You can review the Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual by visiting their website.
- Who is responsible for maintenance of sidewalk, curb, and gutter?
Although these items are usually located within the City’s Right-of-Way, the property owner is responsible per California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610.
- Who is responsible for maintenance of street trees?
The property owner is responsible per California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610. All trees removed must be replaced with a tree from the City of Madera’s Street Tree List. If the tree is a hazard, or if you are cited by Code Enforcement for a diseased or dead tree, or if there are other special circumstances out of your control, you will be issued a no-fee Encroachment Permit following the standard guidelines of Encroachment Permit issuance. If you want to remove a tree for any other reason than the ones stated above, John Scarborough from Parks & Community Services must perform a pre-inspection before we can issue an Encroachment Permit. If the tree removal is approved, the permit will then be issued at the property owner’s expense following the standard guidelines of Encroachment Permit issuance.
John Scarborough can be reached by calling Parks and Community Services at 1 (559) 661-5495.
- Other Common Issues
Speeding: If traffic appears to be going too fast, please contact the Madera Police Department at 1 (559) 675-4200. Enforcement is our primary tool at this time in dealing with unsuitable driving conditions on residential streets. Because of their potential to impair emergency services, speed bumps are not used by the City of Madera as traffic calming measures.
Stop Signs: All intersections that do not have posted stop signs have the right of way assigned by the California Vehicle code. When we receive a complaint about an intersection, we first need to determine if the intersection is under the jurisdiction of the City of Madera. Once we have determined that, the information is turned over to the Traffic Engineer, or the City Engineer. The location is investigated, studied, and checked to see if warrants are met following the guideline in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The City of Madera’s past policy has not been to install stop signs at all residential streets. Those locations may be subject to installation of stop control if accident histories suggest a need or sight distance is below minimum standards.
Traffic Signals: When we receive a complaint about an intersection, we first need to determine if the intersection is under the jurisdiction of the City of Madera. Once we have determined that, the information is turned over to the Traffic Engineer, or the City Engineer. The location is investigated, studied and checked to see if warrants are met following the guidelines in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. When an intersection meets warrants for signals, the location is added to a list of priority intersections to be modified. Before signals can be installed they must be assigned funding as it becomes available.
Other issues not listed: When complaints are received, the course of action varies depending on the type of complaint and if it is an issue that can be resolved by the City of Madera’s Engineering Division. Usually, the complaint is investigated using different methods ranging from accident report data studies to field visits. The best practical solution for the issue, if any, will be determined by the City Engineer. If the complaint is not an issue that can be resolved by the City of Madera’s Engineering Division, we will do our best to direct you to the proper authority that will be able to resolve your issue.
Human Resources Department:
- How do I apply for a job?
Job applications are available for download online or can be picked up in person at Madera City Hall.
- Can I apply for open positions online?
Not quite yet. We are in the process of integrating services that will allow us to accept applications online in the future.
- What jobs are currently open?
You can view our most recent job listings by exploring our recruitment page.
- When do you post new positions?
New job listings are posted as soon as they become available. Bookmark our open recruitments page, or follow the City of Madera Human Resources Department on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest open job listings.
- How do I find out about the job duties, education and other requirements of a position?
This information is included in our recruitment flyers as they are posted. Additionally, you may explore our job descriptions page for more detailed information. Should you have any additional questions that are not covered in recruitment flyers or job descriptions published by the City, please contact the Human Resources Department by e-mail, or phone: 1 (559) 661-5400x8
- How do I apply for a position that is not open?
The City can only accept applications for full time positions that are posted on our website. We do not keep applications on file for future job openings.
- Can I submit a resume or cover letter?
We invite you to attach a cover letter and/or resume along WITH your application, but we would like to remind you that your application is what is relied on in our screening process. Do not use resumes as a short cut to completing the job application. If you do not provide sufficient information about prior work or volunteer experience, or simply indicate “see resume,” your application will be considered incomplete. If you run out of space on the application, complete as much information as possible on the application and then attach a separate document listing your additional skills or experience. Resumes and cover letters are not required, nor will they be accepted in lieu a properly/concisely filled-out job application.
- How can I find out the status of my application?
Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Department by e-mail or phone: 1 (559) 661-5400x8
- What benefits does the City offer?
Many attractive benefits packages are available and are determined by a position’s bargaining unit. The recruitment flyer will offer a summary of benefits and indicate which bargaining unit represents the position. More detailed bargaining agreements that explain benefits in more detail can be found on our Memorandum of Understanding page.
- How can I obtain verification of employment?
Requests for verification of employment should be faxed to the HR Department’s confidential fax at 1 (559) 673-1655.
Planning Department:
- Why doesn't the City of Madera build a Costco/Target/Mall/Theme Park?
The City of Madera and its community share a common goal: expanding the retail, restaurant, and entertainment options available to residents. These establishments not only offer the goods and services that enhance daily life, but they also generate vital sales tax revenue that supports other essential municipal services, including police and fire protection. In recent years, the City has approved over 2 million square feet of new retail and restaurant development. Some of these projects are already built, while others are approved and ready for construction.
National retailers and restaurants—those most sought after by the community—typically expand based on specific criteria, such as economic indicators and market potential. Madera meets many of these criteria, but some businesses prefer to see a larger population and higher levels of disposable income before committing to a new location. We are confident that these factors will improve in Madera over time, and as they do, more retailers will choose to establish themselves in our city.
- Where can I learn more about potential new developments in the City of Madera?
Regular meetings of the Madera Planning Commission are held the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. All meetings are open to the public with a portion of every meeting being reserved for public comment. Agendas & minutes are made available on our website for those who would like to stay in tune with upcoming and proposed projects: https://www.madera.gov/home/departments/planning/agendas-minutes/
- Why is it important to shop locally?
Supporting Local Businesses Strengthens Our Community
When you shop locally, you're making a powerful impact on the economic, environmental, and social fabric of your community:
Economic Benefits: Shopping local helps keep money within the community. When you support small businesses, you're directly contributing to job creation and local economic growth. Unlike larger, out-of-town corporations, local businesses reinvest in the area, helping to sustain the community’s prosperity.
Environmental Benefits: Local businesses tend to source goods and services nearby, which reduces the environmental costs of long-distance transportation. This helps lower carbon emissions and supports more sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
Social Benefits: Local businesses are often owned by your neighbors, and when you shop locally, you’re helping to build a stronger, more connected community. By supporting these businesses, you strengthen social ties, foster a sense of belonging, and help create a vibrant, engaged neighborhood.
Quality & Variety: Local shops offer unique, high-quality products and services tailored to the tastes and needs of the community. They’re often more responsive to customer feedback, giving you a personalized shopping experience you can’t find at chain stores.
Shopping locally boosts the economy, reduces environmental impact, fosters social connection, and offers a wider range of quality products. When local businesses thrive in Madera, our entire community benefits.
- I'm interested in opening up my own business in Madera. Where do I start?
View our Business License page for more information on how to get up and running with starting a business in the City of Madera.
Public Works Department:
- Sewer
- Who is responsible for the sewer line from my house to the line in the street?
Property owners are responsible for the lines on their property and the connection to the City sewer main. If there is a cleanout at the street side of the property line, then the City will maintain the line from the property to the City sewer main.
- Why is it going to take three days to start work on a repair in the street?
Due to the presence of public utilities, we are required to call 811 to locate the services, such as gas, electric, cable/internet. It is for the public’s safety, as well as the safety of our dedicated employees that all services are clearly marked before work begins.
- Who do we call after hours or on weekends?
For life threatening emergencies, please call 911. For after hour non-life threatening emergencies, please call the Police Department 1 (559) 675-4200.
- Water
- Why is it going to take three days to start work on a water leak?
Due to the presence of public utilities, we are required to call 811 to locate the services, such as gas, electric, cable/internet. It is for the public’s safety, as well as the safety of our dedicated employees that all services are clearly marked before work begins.
- Why is my water bill so high; do I need to have my meter checked?
Several issues may be contributing. Water Conservation 1 (559) 661-5466 can assist you; they can determine if you have a leak or a pattern of usage that may be causing an increase in your bill. If there does not appear to be any reason for a high reading, the City will check your meter.
- How do I report water waste?
Contact Water Conservation at 1 (559) 661-5466, or use online water waste reporting form.
- Water accumulates in my gutter and on the street. Can you help?
Per State law, the sidewalk, curb and gutter is the responsibility of the property owner. The City generally does not look to require the repair unless we receive a formal notice or complaint. Then the City is obligated to insure the repairs are made. If the property owner fails to make the repair, the City will cause the repairs to be made at the cost of the property owner.
- What days and hours can I water?
- Why can’t I water any day or time I want?
A watering schedule that is fair to all customers was developed so that everyone in the community can have enough water at a reliable pressure and at a reasonable rate. For instance, if all sprinklers in the City came on during the same day and at the same time, water pressure would dramatically decrease to individual customers and increase energy costs because our pumps must work harder. The schedule has also been adjusted to take advantage of the lower off-peak demand power costs.
- What water rebates are available for City of Madera residents?
The City of Madera has several water rebate opportunities available. All guidelines and applications for rebate opportunities are available on our website.
- I think I have a leak. How do I know if it is the City’s responsibility or my own?
Any leaks from the City water lines connecting to the meter, the City will repair. Any leaks after the meter are the homeowner’s responsibility to repair.
If it is unclear where the leak is located, you can contact us at 1 (559) 661-5466 and we will determine if the leak is a City problem or if the leak is on the homeowner’s property.
- How do I shut off my water in case of an emergency or for repairs?
There are usually two locations where water can be shut off.
Usually, in the front of the house near the faucet or on the side of the house near the front, there is a shut off valve. It may be either a wheel or lever type shut off.
- The wheel type is shut off by turning the wheel clockwise.
- The lever type is shut off by moving the lever until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
This should be done slowly to prevent water hammer. The house valve will shut off all the water in the house but will not shut off the water between the valve and the meter. The meter angle valve, located in the meter box, should be shut off by City Water Department personnel to release the homeowner of liability to any damages that may occur while opening or closing the valve. To schedule water shut offs or for emergencies, call 1 (559) 661-5466.
- Streets
- Who maintains my alley?
On dirt alleys, the City maintains a 12’ center right-of-way. The rest of the alley up to the fences, if fenced, belongs to the property owner.
- What do I do when my backyard floods?
Residents can pump it out to the curb and gutter in the front of your property or to an alley, if it has a valley gutter that takes it to the street.
- The park strip in my neighborhood isn’t getting maintained.
Contact the Parks Department and they can give you more detailed information about your park strips. Some park strips have higher maintenance levels that are paid for through lighting and landscape district fees, which are paid for by the home owners.
- What do I do when the DI in my street is backed up?
Call Public Works 1 (559) 661-5466. If needed after hours, call Police Department 1 (559) 675-4200; they will contact the Public Works Staff.
- Where do I report graffiti?
Please call the Graffiti Hotline at 1 (559) 661-5119 to make a report.
- Where can I get sand bags and sand?
During periods of heavy rain, the City of Madera provides sandbags and sand free of charge for city residents. Sandbags are an effective way to deflect water and protect structures during periods of heavy rainfall, and they offer a simple yet effective way to prevent or reduce flood damage. Sandbags are only available when moderate to heavy amounts of rain are forecasted. Residents must bring their own shovels to fill bags.
Sandbag Station Location:
Sandbags:
Public Works Corporation Yard • 1030 S. Gateway Dr.
Sand:
East side of the lot at E and 14th St.
(across the railroad tracks from the Public Works Corporation Yard)Click here to view Sandbag & Sand Location Map.
Sandbag & Sand Disposal
After the storm sandbags may be kept in a covered area and used for future storm events. When the woven material begins to break down, bags should be discarded. Sand may be used in gardens or other outdoor applications.
Filling & Placing Sandbags
Contact
Please contact the Public Works Department at publicworksinfo@madera.gov, or 1 (559) 661-5466 for more information. To report a non-emergency flood risk after hours, contact 1 (559) 675-4220. In the event of an emergency, contact 911.
- Solid Waste
- Who do I contact regarding a problem with my bill?
Please contact the City of Madera Utility Billing Office at 1 (559) 661-5459.
- My cart is missing or broken. Who do I call, and is there a cost?
If any part of your container is broken, please contact Mid Valley Disposal at 1-800-706-5779.
- The garbage truck did not pick up or only collected half of my trash. Who do I call?
Please contact Mid Valley Disposal at 1-800-706-5779.
- I need an extra pick up. Who do I call?
Contact Mid Valley Disposal at 1-800-706-5779 to coordinate an extra pick up. Please be advised that additional fees will apply.
- How do I change the size of my commercial refuse containers or frequency of pickups?
Please contact Mid Valley Disposal at 1-800-706-5779.
- When is the Residential Curbside Clean-up Program and when is my day?
Visit the Annual Curbside Cleanup page for the latest information about the annual cleanup program. Notice will be provided in advance with estimated dates enclosed.
- What materials go into the different color carts?
The City of Madera provides all residential customers with a gray garbage container, a green yard waste/organics container, and a blue recycling container. The gray garbage container is only for household garbage. Use your green yard waste/organics container for yard trimmings, grass, and food scraps. Use your blue recycling container for all your recyclable material. More detailed information can be found here.
- I am a new customer, what is the normal collection day for my neighborhood?
Follow the link to view a map of the City's residential collection schedule.
- Facilities
- How do I report a street light outage?
By calling Public Works at 1 (559) 661-5466 with the address of the outage and the number on the pole, if possible. Additionally, you can report a street light outage using the online form here.
- How do I report a problem with a Traffic Signal?
By calling Public Works at 1 (559) 661-5466. Please include the intersection of the problem, the specific area of the intersection and the nature of the problem, if possible. If after hours, please call the Police Department 1 (559) 675-4200. Additionally, you can report a malfunctioning traffic signal using the online form here.