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Madera County moves to tighten noise enforcement; second reading set for March 18
Summary
Supervisors waived first reading on revisions to the county noise code to allow deputies to issue a specific citation and to permit multiple citations and liens for repeat violations. Residents urged stronger enforcement at the hearing.
Madera County supervisors on March 11 waived the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 9.58 of the Madera County Code to strengthen noise-enforcement procedures and set a second reading for March 18.
The proposed changes were presented by Jamie Dacks of the county's Community and Economic Development Department and code enforcement supervising officer Brandon Medellin. Under the revision deputies will be able to issue a specific citation (a dedicated ticket) for noise code violations; code enforcement then may issue notices of violation and record liens for unpaid property-owner citations. Staff said the change also allows multiple citations in a single day for repeated violations, with liens and special assessments applied if citations go unpaid and a deadline is missed.
The sheriff's office told the board the revision aims to streamline enforcement so deputies are more likely to issue citations instead of only ordering noise to be turned down. A patrol lieutenant noted noise complaints are among the most frequent quality-of-life calls the sheriff's office receives.
Public comment focused on recurring late-night parties on rural properties, illegal venues and dangerous ancillary behavior such as off-highway vehicles and firearm discharges. Several residents from Madera Lakes and the Acres described ongoing problems with loud parties that start late and resume after deputies leave; they told the board multiple citations and stronger enforcement are needed. Residents said they frequently call the sheriff's office and work with code enforcement staff.
Why it matters: The change shifts enforcement tools toward easier citation issuance by deputies, adds mechanisms to collect unpaid fines through liens and increases penalties to discourage illegal events. Board members and staff also said future ordinances addressing short-term rentals could further reduce illegal events tied to rentals.
What comes next: The board directed staff to return for a second reading on March 18, 2025. If adopted, staff said citations unpaid by Aug. 1 become a lien on the property and after a statutory period could be placed on property taxes.
Speakers quoted or referenced in the record include county staff (Jamie Dacks, Brandon Medellin), the sheriff's office patrol lieutenant and multiple residents who gave public comment.
