5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Madera County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Solid waste collection in unincorporated Madera County is provided by exclusive franchise haulers (Red Rock in the valley, Emadco in the mountains) under Chapter 7.24 of the county code. Article III of that chapter governs 'Impounding Unauthorized Containers,' so only the county's franchised carts and bins may be used for collection service.
In unincorporated Madera County, accumulated junk, debris, dead vegetation and dry brush on residential property are treated as nuisances. Code Enforcement (200 W. 4th St., 559-675-7703) investigates complaints, and abandoned/distressed homes fall under Chapter 7.40, which requires properties be maintained to neighborhood standards.
Owners of vacant lots in unincorporated Madera County must clear weeds under Chapter 7.26. Section 7.26.030 requires a thirty-foot-wide strip cleared from each property line and street frontage. Failure to abate by the deadline can trigger a $250 fine plus county abatement costs charged to the property.
Madera County does not appear to have a dedicated garage-sale or yard-sale permit ordinance for unincorporated areas. Occasional residential yard sales are generally treated as an accessory residential activity under the zoning code (Title 18), but signs are limited by the county Sign Regulations (Chapter 18.90) and sales cannot become a continuous business.
Madera County Code Chapter 7.26 declares hazardous weeds and dry grass a nuisance. On improved lots a 30-foot defensible strip must be cleared around structures; lots under three acres may instead be mowed to one-half to one inch. Owners get 15 days' notice; the fire chief may set deadlines around May 1.
1 cities in Madera County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Madera County Ordinance Hub →