Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find out if someone is still in custody?
Visit the Madera County Jail Inmate Inquiry page.

How do I find a registered sex offender in my area?
Visit the Megan's Law home page.

How do I get a copy of an accident report?
Cost: $10.00. Complete a Release of Information Request form and attach a photo ID. Reports will be mailed or available for pickup. Include a phone number.

• Release of Information Request – English
• Release of Information Request – Spanish

How do I get a copy of any other type of report?
Submit a Release of Information Request form and a copy of your photo ID. Reports are generally released in person at the Police Department. Fee: $10.00.

• Large requests may take up to 10 business days.
• You will be contacted when the report is ready for pickup.
• Release of Information Request – English
• Release of Information Request – Spanish

How do I get an Animal License?
Submit Animal Control license paperwork with proof of rabies vaccination and a spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) signed by a licensed veterinarian.

Licensing Prices:

• 1-Year License: $50 (not spayed/neutered) or $8 (spayed/neutered)
• 3-Year License: $150 (not spayed/neutered) or $17 (spayed/neutered)
• Age 55+: One dog license free with proof of ID
• Replacement Tag: $3

How do I get my car out of impound?
If the driver has no license or a suspended/revoked license, the vehicle is held for 30 days.

Impound Hearing: Request within 10 days. Cost: $13.60. Call 559-675-4229.

Release after 30 days: Registered owner must bring:

• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance
• Current registration
• Fee: $64.50

How do I get my property back?
Call 559-675-4260 to schedule a pick-up. Bring photo ID.

Are fireworks legal in Madera City?
Only allowed on the 4th of July with a state Fire Marshal Safe & Sane label.

Does the Madera City Fire Department give out smoke/carbon monoxide detectors?
No regular distribution; limited detectors may be available through grants.

Does the Madera City Fire Department have volunteer firefighters?
No, only the Madera County Fire Department uses volunteers. Contact: 14228 Road 28, Madera, CA 93638, 559-675-7799.

Does the Madera City Fire Department offer child car safety seat checks?
Not offered. Visit NHTSA to locate a fitting station near you.

Does the Madera City Fire Department service fire extinguishers?
No. Use local service companies or purchase at hardware stores.

Does the Madera City Fire Department teach A.E.D/CPR classes?
No. Visit Red Cross for classes.

How do I schedule a Fire Station tour?
Call the station directly at 559-661-5499. Extensions:

• Extension 2: Station #56
• Extension 3: Station #57
• Extension 4: Station #58

Should I call the Madera City Fire station for emergencies?
No. Please call 911 for all emergency situations.

How do I know if my property is in a FEMA flood zone?

Call 559-661-5418. Documentation may be provided from FEMA. Visit FEMA if unavailable.

Note: The City does not provide elevation certificates. Use a licensed surveyor.

When is an Encroachment Permit required?

Required for any work or obstruction on public sidewalks, streets, alleys, or other public places. Contractors must have a valid City Business License.

Exemptions: Private property work, landscaping, mowing, or sprinkler repair.

When is a Special Event Permit required?

Required for any march, procession, or public gathering on City property that may obstruct normal traffic or use.

When is a Transportation (Oversized Load) Permit required?

Required for vehicles that exceed Caltrans size or weight limits. See the Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual for details.

Who is responsible for maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, curbs, and gutters in accordance with California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610.

Who is responsible for maintenance of street trees?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining street trees. Tree removal requires replacement with a City-approved species.

Contact Parks & Community Services at 559-661-5495 for approval.

Other Common Traffic Issues (Speeding, Stop Signs, Signals)

Speeding: Contact Madera Police at 559-675-4200.

Stop Signs & Signals: The City’s Traffic Engineer investigates compliance with California traffic guidelines.

How can I view open recruitments and apply for a job with the City of Madera?

Visit www.madera.gov/apply.

When do you post new positions?

Positions are posted on GovernmentJobs.com as soon as they become available.

You can also follow Madera HR on Facebook for updates.

How do I find out about job duties and requirements?

Job duties and requirements are included in recruitment flyers and job descriptions.

For questions, contact Human Resources at hrinfo@madera.gov or call 559-661-5400 x8.

How can I obtain verification of employment?

Fax verification requests to the HR confidential fax line at 559-673-1655.

Why doesn't the City of Madera build a Costco, Target, mall, or theme park?

The City works with the community to expand retail options. Retailers typically expand based on population and income levels. More businesses are expected as the local economy grows.

Where can I learn more about potential new developments?

The Planning Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Agendas and minutes are available on the Planning Agendas & Minutes page.

Why is it important to shop locally?

Shopping locally strengthens the economy, reduces emissions, fosters community connections, and supports access to unique products and services.

I'm interested in opening a business in Madera. Where do I start?

Visit the Business License page to learn more about starting a business in Madera.

Sewer

Who is responsible for the sewer line from my house to the street?

Property owners maintain lines on their property. City maintains from street cleanout to main. More info.

Why does it take three days to start a repair?

Public utilities must be located (811 call) before work begins for safety.

Who do I call after hours or on weekends?

Life-threatening emergencies: call 911. Non-life-threatening: call Police at 1-559-675-4200.

Water

Why is my water bill high? Do I need my meter checked?

Call Water Conservation at 1-559-661-5466. If unclear, the City will check your meter.

How do I report water waste?

Call 1-559-661-5466 or use the online water waste reporting form.

What days and hours can I water?

See the Watering Schedule and Regulations.

What water rebates are available?

Details and applications: Water Rebate page.

How do I shut off water for emergencies or repairs?

Two shut-off points: house valve (front/side of home) and meter angle valve (City personnel only). Call 1-559-661-5466 for help.

Streets

Who maintains my alley?

The City maintains the 12’ center right-of-way; property owners maintain remaining portions.

What do I do when my backyard floods?

Pump water to the street curb or alley if there is a valley gutter.

Where do I report graffiti?

Call the Graffiti Hotline at 1-559-661-5119.

Where can I get sandbags and sand?

During heavy rain, free sandbags and sand available at:
Sandbags: Public Works Corporation Yard
Sand: East side of the lot at E and 14th St.
Sandbag & Sand Map

Solid Waste

Who do I contact for billing issues?

Call Utility Billing: 1-559-661-5459.

My cart is missing or broken. Who do I call?

Contact Mid Valley Disposal: 1-800-706-5779.

I need an extra pick-up. Who do I call?

Contact Mid Valley Disposal: 1-800-706-5779. Additional fees may apply.

What materials go in which carts?

Gray: garbage, Green: yard/organics, Blue: recycling. More info.

Collection schedule for my neighborhood?

View the residential collection map.

Facilities

How do I report a street light outage?

Call Public Works: 1-559-661-5466 with address and pole number, or use the online form.

How do I report a problem with a traffic signal?

Call Public Works: 1-559-661-5466 with intersection and details. After hours, call Police: 1-559-675-4200 or use the online form.