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 sell a product or provide a service for a fee, you need a license. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee submitted with the application. Annually, we charge a $4 state ADA Compliance fee and a business license tax fee. For most businesses, the license tax fee is based on the business’s monthly gross receipts. 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 a flat fee based on the type of business it is. These rates are specified in the Madera Municipal Code Ordinance Title VI.

Licenses are renewed automatically at the commencement of our fiscal year July 1 and are valid until the following June 30. If the license fee is not paid by the stipulated date on the invoice, an additional 10% penalty is charged. To terminate a license, we must receive a written request or termination form from the business owner. If the license is not terminated by written notice, the business license fee will be assessed each year.

Local Business Applications will not be processed without authorization from the Planning Department. This does not apply to out-of-town businesses. Please get in touch with the Planning Department at (559) 661-5430 or by emailing planninginfo@madera.gov before submitting any Local Business Applications to discuss zoning and signage requirements.

A Food Inspection Report is required for any retail or mobile food facility applying for a City license. Please call Madera County Environmental Health at (559) 675-7823 to obtain a valid health permit. A copy of your Permit to Operate issued by the Health Department is required before issuance of a City business license.

Applications can be submitted in person at City Hall, by mail with check, or by email attachment to businesslicense@madera.gov.

 

Forms and Applications

 

Helpful Resources