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1. Do I have to have a building permit before I start construction?

Yes, building permits are required for all construction projects except fences. This also includes mobile storage sheds. Applications are available on this site or at City Hall in the City Clerk’s office. Call 1-800-Digrite before any construction begins as required by State law.
Additional information needed:
• Copy of tax record and aerial photo of lot where the structure will be built. (available at the New Madrid County Assessor’s Office)
• Where the structure will be placed on the site marked with stakes and string, and how far from the front, sides and rear lot lines.
• An outline (drawing) of the structure on the lot or an attached site plan.
• The names of all contractors-construction, electrical, water and sewer, and gas.
• New homes and commercial construction require a letter from a land surveyor verifying lot corners and building site corners.

Building Permit Fees: $25 for projects on residential lots. $100 for projects on commercial lots.

Please allow 7 business days from date of application for your permit to be ready if approved. Permits will expire after 180 days.
Building Permit Application

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1. Who do I call if I don't have power after 6 pm?

After hours, on weekends and holidays call the Municipal Light & Power Office, (573)748-2458, answered by the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office. If no one answers the line, call(573)748-2516.

2. Who do I call if there is an electric line or pole down?

During business hours, 7am - 6 pm Monday - Thursday, call the Municipal Light & Power Office, (573)748-2458. After hours, on weekends and holidays call (573)748- 2458, answered by the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office. If no one answers the line, call(573)748-2516.

3. Is there a fine for tampering with a City electric meter?

Yes, the penalty is a fine of not more than $500.

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1. What is the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning?

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch this means tornadoes are possible in your area. Watch the sky and listen to your radio or TV for updates. When a tornado warning is issued a tornado has been detected on the Doppler Radar or someone has reported a tornado in your area. Take immediate action.

2. Where are the outdoor warning sirens located?

One is located next to the Knights of Columbus Hall, 11 Villa Shopping Center, and the other is at the corner of Davis and Crisler Streets.

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1. When is City Hall open?

City Hall located at 560 Mott Street is open from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday, closed Friday.

2. Where can I pay my City of New Madrid Taxes?

2006 and later city personal and real estate taxes are now included on your County tax statement and may be paid at the New Madrid County Collector's office located on the first floor of the New Madrid County Courthouse, Main and Virginia Streets, New Madrid, MO. 2005 and earlier years taxes are payable at the City Clerk's office located in City Hall.

3. Who do I call when I need to plant, dig or trench in my yard?

As required by State law you need to call 1-800-Digrite to have the utilities lines marked.

4. Where are the City dumpsters located for residential usage?

There are dumpsters located at City Hall, Chamber of Commerce Office, Mill Street Community Building, O'Bannon Community Building, Hunter Dawson Park, Mill Street Park, Davis Street Park and St. Anne Park.

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1. How do I contact Muncipal Light and Power?

Our telephone number is (573)748-2458. The mailing address is PO Box 96, New Madrid, MO 63869-0096.

2. Can I connect services over the phone?

No. To establish service you must come to City Hall located at 560 Mott Street, New Madrid during regular business hours (Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm). We must have an application for service completed and a deposit paid. You will need to bring an ID.

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1. I received a traffic ticket do I have to go to court to pay my fine?

No. You can pay the fine either in person to the Municipal Court Clerk located at the Police Department or by mail. If by mail, send to Municipal Court Clerk, 537A Mott Street, New Madrid, MO 63869. You will need to contact the Municipal Court Clerk, 573-748-5901, to obtain the total amount due.

2. I missed my court date. What should I do?

Contact the Municipal Court Clerk at 573-748-5901 immediately. Failure to appear in court could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Once a warrant is issued it will be served by a police officer and a cash bond will be required for your release.

3. How do I make a complaint?

You have two options: Option I: Appear in person at the Police Department, 537 A Mott Street, New Madrid, MO 63869, and a Police Office, or Court Clerk, will walk you through filling out the necessary paper work. Option II: You can request, by calling 573-748-5901, and an officer will come to you to process the paperwork. After 5:00 pm and before 8:00 am you will need to call the Sheriff’s Department, 573-748-2516, to request an officer. In both cases you will need to make a statement to the officer as to what transpired.

4. Can I make payment arrangements for fines issued by the Court?

It is up to the presiding judge to allow payments for fines. He will consider this at your court appearance.

Call or visit the Municipal Court Clerk, located in the Police Department at 537A Mott Street, New Madrid, MO 63869 or call 573-748-5901. Failure to pay a fine could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Once a warrant is issued it will be served by a police officer and a cash bond will be required for your release. There is also a $50.00 additional charge for issuing the warrant.

5. Where is the Municipal Court/Municipal Court Clerk located?

The Municipal Court is located in the Council Chambers immediately east of the Municipal Light and Power/City Hall building, 560 Mott Street, New Madrid, MO 63869. Court is conducted every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm.. The Municipal Court Clerk’s office is located in the City Hall Annex, 537 A Mott Street, New Madrid, MO 63869 directly across the street from the Municipal Light and Power/City Hall Building. Office hours are Monday - Thursday from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm.

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1. Is there a charge for cutting an asphalt street for repairs?

Yes, there is a $150 street repair charge whenever an asphalt street is cut for either water or sewer construction repair. City employees will make the actual cut in the street.

2. What do I have to use as a backfill in a City street excavation?

All streets, sidwalks, parking and other public property disturbed in the coarse of any work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the City. All street excavations must be backfilled with tamped chat or sand.

3. Does the City of New Madrid have facilities available to rent for special occasions?

Contact the New Madrid Police Department, (573) 748-5901, during regular business hours (Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm) for the Mill Street Community Buildings rental fees and availability.

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1. If I do plumbing work in New Madrid, do I have to have a license?

Yes, all persons engaged in plumbing service work must have a City of New Madrid Plumbing License ($10 per year) and a $1000 Plumbers Bond.

2. Will I still receive a break on my sewer bill when I fill a swimming pool?

Customers filling swimming pools or who have had a water leak will no longer be allowed a sewer credit. The sewer charge is now based on the average usage for the months of December, January and February, typically the time of year when the customers' usage is less.

3. What is the cost of a sewer tap fee?

A sewer tap fee is $200 and includes the required collar, tapping by City employees and inspection fee. The contractor is respondsible for exposing the main where the tap is to be made. The sewer inspection fee is $20.

4. How often are the water lines flushed?

The lines are currently being flushed once a year with notice to the public given a week in advance.

5. What can not be connected to the sewer system?

No roof downspouts, foundation drains or any other surface drain shall be connected to the sanitary sewer system.

6. Why do we put chlorine in water?

The main purpose is to disinfect, but it is also used for iron removal.

7. How often is chlorine added to the water?

As needed to try and keep a residual in the system.

8. Why does the water turn brown at times when I take a shower or do laundry?

One reason could be that the line is not used often enough, another could be if a fire plug was turned on for any reason, or it could be that the main needs to be flushed. All the City lines are very old and when a large volume of water is pushed through, as in flushing, it will cause the rust and dirt to loosen and go through the lines.