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1. Does the City Manager have specified office hours?

The City Manager maintains an open-door policy. If you have a compliment or a concern, call (706) 752-7957 for an appointment or drop by to visit with him when he is in his office, located at 132 North Main Street.

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1. Where did my garage / yard sale sign go?

Garage or yard sale signs placed on any trees, street signs, power poles, along city streets, etc. are not permitted. Such signs on public property are removed and disposed of immediately.

If a sign was removed from private property where you obtained permission of the property owner to place the sign, please contact City Hall at (706) 342-1251 x227.

2. How much will my business license cost?

The cost of the license is determined by your number of employees and business location. You should have this information ready when submitting the application.

3. How long will it take to get my business license?

Most licenses can be processed in a week. Please make sure to schedule your certificate of occupancy inspection as soon as possible since this can cause a delay in your license.

4. May I operate a business out of my home?

Certain businesses may be approved as home occupations. You must have approval from the Planning Department to obtain a occupational tax certificate and legally operate a business out of your home. Planning Department

5. What are secure and verifiable documents?

The Attorney General of Georgia establishes and annually reviews the list of such documents. For the current list of acceptable secure and verifiable documents: Fact Sheet

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1. How can the cemetery be used?

Madison Historic Cemeteries include active burial grounds. To ensure respectful use as well as protection of the largest historic site in Madison, there is a Cemetery Policy Handbook. The handbook provides for the protection of the burial grounds, traditions, and monuments, and applies to all lot owners and to every visitor of the cemeteries. Cemetery Policy Handbook

2. Can I purchase a cemetery plot?

The Madison Historic Cemeteries are under the administration of the City Manager, who is the contact for locating a grave site and making burial arrangements. The City Clerk is charged with selling and recording cemetery plots in the two active cemeteries, Fairview Cemetery and Madison Memorial Cemetery. No plots are available for purchase in the Old Cemetery or the New Cemetery.

3. Is there a history tour for the cemetery?

Yes, the Cemetery Stewardship Commission printed an initial self-guided Walking Tour for the Madison Historic Cemeteries in 1995. Over the past five years, a lot of research has been gathered to update the brochure, which is expected to be published by the end of 2012. Self-Guided Walking Tour

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1. When and where are the meetings of the Mayor and Council held?

Meetings are held in the Madison Public Safety Building, Meeting Hall, Suite 400, High Street Entrance, located at 160 N. Main Street, Madison, Georgia, 30650. Regular meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. Meetings are open to the public. All agendas are available in advance and include an opportunity for brief public comment.

2. How can I get on the agenda?

If you would like to make a presentation or have more than a brief public comment, please contact the City Clerk at (706) 342-1251 x1205.

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1. How does the Madison Plan align with other plans?

Regional - Morgan County - NEARBY TOWNS & CITIES

Let's see.  For your reading pleasure:
| Northeast Georgia (PDF)
| Morgan County (PDF)
... and our sister cities  | Bostwick (PDF)  | Buckhead (PDF)  | Rutledge (PDF)
... and our near neighbors  | Covington (PDF)  | Jackson (PDF)  | Monroe (PDF)  | Social Circle (PDF)  | Winterville (PDF)

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1. What is a certificate of appropriateness (COA)?

A certificate of appropriateness (COA) is the official approval and authorization to proceed with a proposed material change within the Corridor Design Overlay District. Upon approval, a COA is issued and design review is complete. Then, applicants proceed to plan review where full sets of plans are checked for building code compliance, engineering, fire, utilities, etc.

2. Does the Corridor Design Commission apply historic standards?

Yes, and no. The Corridor Design Commission is charged with promoting and protecting small town character when reviewing site and building plans outside of the Historic Preservation Overlay District. Proposals that reference local architecture in scale, form, and materials are far more likely to be successful.

The board applies its design standards (Zoning Ordinance, Section 642) and generally uses the historic standards as a reference.

3. What do I include for my Corridor Design Commission Certificate of Appropriateness application?

For new construction, there are two public presentations and hearings.

For conceptual review, a preliminary site plan addressing impervious surfaces (access, parking, impervious surface ratio) and pervious surfaces (landscape, perimeter, islands, stormwater facitilites) and a front elevation or photographs of a proposed structure will be sufficient.

For final review, a site plan, landscape plan with lighting plan, and all elevations are required.

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1. Where is the DDA jurisdiction?

The Downtown Development Authority is authorized to work within an area designated by the Mayor & Council as the Downtown Development Area. The boundaries of this area are almost co-terminus with the Downtown Madison's Special Tax District, also known as the Central Business District Special Tax District (CBD-STD). DDA Map

2. Are there any downtown special tax districts (STDs, BIDs, TADs)?

Yes, there is a special tax district for Downtown Madison, the Central Business District Special Tax District (CBD-STD), established to offset the expenses for downtown improvements. The CBD-STD is the service delivery area for the Madison Main Street program, and its boundaries are almost co-terminus with those of the DDA.

Madison has another special tax district out at the General Commercial Corridor, the Interstate 20 (I20-STD), established to offset the cost of Interchange lighting in order to attract night customers and travelers. CBD-STD Map

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1. What is a fiscal year?

A fiscal year is a 12-month operating cycle that comprises a budget and financial reporting period. The City of Madison’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

2. What is the budget?

A budget is a financial plan for a city. It includes both estimates of resources available, including revenues and fund balance, and appropriations (the authority to spend money for specific purposes). The budget document is prepared to provide information about the city, both financial information and operational / policy information from a variety of perspectives and degrees of detail.

3. What is a millage rate?

A millage rate is a number, sometimes referred to as a multiplier. It is the number multiplied by the value of your property to calculate your property tax bill (please note: property value is determined by Morgan County). One mill is $1 of tax on every $1,000 of taxable property value. When the city adopts its annual budget, it determines the minimum millage rate neccessary to multiply against the entire tax base (value of all taxable properties in the city) in order to generate the necessary revenue to fund the proposed budget (after other revenue sources are taken into consideration).

The millage rate for the City of Madison for 2010 was 4.794, or $4.794 per $1,000 of taxable value.

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1. How do I obtain a burn permit?

If you live inside the city limits of Madison, call the Madison Fire Station at (706) 342-1256 the day of the burn. You will be issued a permit good for that day only if burning is allowed. Madison does have some restrictions on what and where items can be burned.

If you live anywhere else in the county, call Georgia Forestry at 1-877-OK2BURN (652-2876).

2. How do I become a volunteer firefighter?

You will first need to come by the fire office, located at 160 North Main Street, and pick up an application and fill it out. Once it is returned, it will be reviewed by the chief. If there are openings, it will go to the officers for approval. If no openings are available, applicants will be contacted in the order their applications were received.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a fire report?

Basic fire reports are available 24 hours after the incident. Call the fire office at (706) 342-1256 and a copy will be made and available for pick-up at your convenience.

If a fire is being investigated, the final report could be delayed as long as it takes to complete the investigation. State reports are available 30 days after the incident.

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1. Can I get a copy of Madison's preservation design standards?

Yes. The Madison Historic Preservation Commission uses both national and local design standards. The Madison Historic Preservation Manual, as well as the Design Criteria, are available online. The Madison Preservation Manual, reprinted in 2001, is also available for $20 by contacting (706) 752-7952.

More about HPC Design Review

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1. How can I find out more about local housing?

Read more about housing programs and projects - and leadership - in the following housing articles from the City's bi-monthly newsletter, Madison Matters!

City-Wide Housing Inventory
Senior Housing
House Watching
TDRs Innovative Planning
DURA Expanded
CHIPping-In for Better Housing

2. Is there help if I want to buy a home?

Yes. Georgia's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) operates the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, which provides first mortgage loans, down payment assistance, and home buyer education to eligible home buyers.
Visit Georgia Dream

3. What can I do if my landlord fails to address a problem?

First, share your concern in writing with your landlord. Second, file a complaint because the City can address some items (link below). Third, visit the Quick Links on our Housing Home Page to connect to Georgia's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) publication, Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook.

Madison Tenant Complaint Form

4. Where can I find affordable housing to rent?

There is an online database of affordable rental housing opportunities maintained by Georgia's Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Click on "Find a Place to Rent". Scroll down to Morgan County. Select Madison.
Visit Georgia Housing Search

5. What are my rights as a tenant and/or landlord?

Want to know more about the shared responsibilities of rental housing... 

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook

6. I may have been unfairly denied housing. Where do I file a fair housing complaint?

If you believe you have experienced discrimination in housing, the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity | Fair Housing Division (FHD) has an online complaint form. Fair Housing Complaint Form

Visit Fair Housing Division

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1. Does Morgan County regulate the zoning in the municipalities?

No, each of the four municipalities in Morgan County has its own zoning regulations. The inverse is also true - the City of Madison does not regulate zoning in Morgan County and can not answer questions about Morgan County’s zoning regulations. You may either visit our offices at 162 N. Main Street or call (706) 342-1251 x1226 if you are uncertain as to whether your property is located in the City of Madison’s jurisdiction. When asking for free zoning verification, please assist us by having the street address and/or tax parcel of the property.

2. How is a piece of property zoned?

The Planning Department maintains the City of Madison's official zoning map. An unofficial copy is updated regularly and is on display in the Main Street & Planning offices at City Hall, and the official signed copy is held by the City Clerk. You may either visit our offices or call (706) 342-1251 x1226 to find out what a parcel of land is zoned. When asking for free zoning verification, please assist us by having the street address and/or tax parcel number of the property.

3. How do I get a plat approved?

All plats for properties in the City of Madison are to be reviewed and signed by the Planning Department. We encourage you to take advantage of our free courtesy review by bringing your plat (i.e., survey, boundary survey, lot split, recombination plat) to receive comments within 24 hours, or if possible, while you wait.

For plat review, please bring four original signed copies (maximum size - 11 inches by 17 inches) for review and recording purposes. There is no charge for plat review if the plat creates no new buildable lots of record. [NOTE: Bring additional copies if you would like signed copies for yourself.] Once a plat is approved, please take the plat for recording to the Clerk of Superior Court. For recording fees, please check with Morgan County at (706) 342-3605.

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1. What do I do about a traffic ticket that I received from the Madison Police Department?

Follow the instructions provided on the red supplement card given to you by the officer from whom you received your ticket. For further answers, please contact the Municipal Court clerk at (706) 342-2058.

2. Where can I get a copy of an accident or police report?

Reports can be obtained at the Madison Public Safety Building 160 N. Main Street. For answers regarding police reports, contact the records clerk at (706) 342-1275.

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1. Can I use the city's logo?

Please contact Karen Roberston at (706) 342-1251 ext. 1206 for the limitations and policy regarding use of the municipal logo.

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1. What day is my garbage service?

Normal household garbage service is divided into four routes and four days. Please reference this map to determine your service day: Household Garbage Service Areas

2. How do I report that the garbage truck missed my house?

To report missed garbage pickups, please contact City Hall at (706) 342-1251 then dial 0.

3. How does garbage service work on a holiday?

Service shifts slightly when a city holiday falls. Every effort is made to shift forward so that if customers forget, they can leave their cart out for the pick-up next day. However, some holidays like Thanksgiving require pick-up earlier in the week.

For holidays on a Monday (MLK Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day): 
Monday customers will have a Tuesday pick-up and Tuesday customers will have a Wednesday pick-up. All other routes remain the same.

For the Good Friday Holiday:
Thursday customers will have a Wednesday pick-up and Friday customers will have a Thursday pick-up. All other routes remain the same.

For the Thanksgiving Holiday: 
Thursday & Friday customers will have a Wednesday pick-up. All other routes remain the same.

For the New Years Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Christmas Holidays: 
These holidays change each year with respect to day of the week, please check the Alert Center for route changes.

Note: Our recycling vendor picks up on Mondays, holiday or not, unless Christmas falls on a Monday in which case recycling shifts to Tuesday.

Reminder: Sign up for email or text alerts for holiday pick-up schedules

About Garbage Service

4. How do I get/replace my recycling bin?

Residents may obtain a recycling bin free of charge at City Hall, 132 N. Main Street, during regular business hours Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00 pm.

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1. What is a URA and a URP?

A URA is a Urban Redevelopment Area, an area designated in the community for extra concentration of community services, programs, and improvements to relieve slum and blight conditions and bring renewal opportunities. A URP is a Urban Redevelopment Plan, the plan adopted and implemented to address the URA.

2. Does Madison have a URA and URP?

Yes, Madison adopted its first URA in April 2011. Two areas of disinvestment identified in the 2009 Comprehensive Plan Update were included as part of a larger overall area. This URA is officially known as the Downtown Urban Redevelopment Area (DURA). More about the DURA

3. What is an Opportunity Zone?

An opportunity zone is a special designation by the state which incentivizes job creation through the use of an existing job tax credit program. The OZ as approved:

> Applies to commercial, professional, and industrial areas in the DURA
> Offers a maximum job tax credit allowed under law - $3,500 per job created
> Requires a minimum job creation threshold of any job tax credit program – 2 jobs
> Allows use of job tax credits for 100% of income tax liability and withholding
> Expands the definition of “business enterprise” to include all businesses of any nature

Using this tool, Madison ensures that the best available package of State incentives is available to both new and expanding businesses, thereby encouraging economic development and redevelopment in the targeted area and that the city will remain competitive with surrounding communities.

All About Our Opportunity Zones

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1. How much is the utility tap fee?

It depends on the property's land use. Please see the current Schedule of Fees via the following link. Schedule of Fees

2. Where do I pay my utility bill?

You now have four options:

• Pay online for quick and convenient service (no convenience fee charged).
  
• Use our Automobile Drop Box located in the middle of the Hancock Street behind the U.S. Post Office (It's the GREEN one!).
• Use our Pedestrian Drop Box located on the front door of City Hall, at 132 North Main Street.
• As always, the folks at our Front Counter at City Hall are always available to take your payment in person.
Online Payments

3. How much is my bill?

If you did not receive your bill, you are still responsible for payment for any water used. Please contact City Hall at (706) 342-1251.