In November 1997, Madison County began the process of assigning 911 addresses for the entire county. Ordinance No. 97-89 was established to create “a county-wide street naming and addressing policy…to assist emergency service agencies, the United States Postal Service, and the public in the timely and efficient provision of services to residents and business of Madison County”. This policy helped to establish standards for naming roadways, posting street signs, and assigning numbers to all dwellings, principal buildings, businesses and industries.

However, through the years this project has expanded as the needs for Madison County citizens have changed. The Madison County GIS/911 Addressing office now works in conjunction with various government offices to provide the most accurate and accessible data in reference to address changes and digital mapping. Some services offered include County maps with road names, digital maps for dispatchers, digital parcel maps for the Property Appraiser’s Website, as well as a variety of other reports and maps as requested. This office is also involved in the process of Madison County becoming “wireless ready” before the designated deadline and maintains CenturyLink’s street name data, which is accessed each time a citizen dials 911 on a land line phone.

These projects are in addition to the original goal of locating each residence of Madison County and assigning 911 addresses. Addresses can then be validated for mail delivery when there is a permanent living structure or business on the property

The Madison County GIS/911 Addressing Office is here to serve the public in a timely and efficient manner. We hope that this website will help educate the public on the importance of 911 addressing. If you should have any questions concerning this site or the information contained herein, please email us at GIS@madisoncoannex.com.

Addressing Guidelines

Madison County was divided into four different quadrants to begin the 911 addressing process. The four quadrants are divided by the roads N SR 53, S SR 53, E US 90, and W US 90. For example, all roads east of N SR 53 and north of E US 90 will be given the suffix NE in all addresses. Each quadrant was also given a “theme” for the road naming part of the project. The NE quadrant is plants/trees, the SE is history, the SW is geography, and finally the NW Quadrant names are all animals. However, some traditional road names were kept in each quadrant.

Also, within each quadrant other roads were designated as dividers to give emergency services a better idea of how far into the county they would be traveling. Beginning with the roads closest to the meeting point of SR 53 and US Hwy 90, the road names will start with the first letters of the alphabet and as you travel further out into the county, the road names will begin with letters near the end of the alphabet. For example, a road 2 miles from the meeting point of SR 53 and US Hwy 90 in the SW quadrant may be named SW Alabama Trl, however if the road was 22 miles from the meeting point it may be named SW Zaire Way.

There is also a “pattern” to how an address number is determined. For roads running primarily east and west, the beginning of the road is determined by which end is closest to SR 53. This beginning point on the road is given the address number of 100 and an address is given every 10.56 feet from this point on with odd address numbers on the left and even address numbers on the right. For roads, running primarily north and south, the beginning of the road is determined by which end is closest to US Hwy 90. This beginning point on the road is given the address number of 100 and an address is given every 10.56 feet from this point on with odd address numbers on the left and even address numbers on the right. Dividing the road up into 10.56 foot increments means there are approximately 1000 addresses per mile.

Please remember that it is very important to display your numbers to assist emergency services in locating you as quick as possible. Four inch numbers are required for residential and ten inches for commercial.

GIS/911 FAQ

Which county ordinances pertain to 911 addressing?

Ordinance 2003-127, 97-89, 98-91, 99-97, and 99-104 were all created for the 911 addressing process. Copies of these ordinances can be obtained from the Madison County Clerks office.

Why NAME instead of NUMBER Roads?

We are a member of NENA and they have strong evidence to support naming instead of numbering a road in the delivery of emergency services. Road numbers are much easier to get confused than names, especially when the address is something like 23484 CR2345. Imagine this repeated many times a day, day in and day out.

If my address is changed for any reason, how long can I use my previous address?

Upon receiving a new 911 address, residents will have one year to complete all address changes before the USPS will discontinue delivery to the previous address.

How do I obtain an address for new construction or a new mobile home?

When you or your contractor pull permits for construction etc. the building department will direct you to our office. We will fill out the attached addressing application and give you a signed dated copy to keep with the rest of your permits. Our data collector will go out to the property and obtain a GPS point for us to use in assigning your address. You will not be given a Certificate of Occupancy nor will the power be turned on until your address is properly posted at your new home.

How big should my address numbers be?

Address Numbers should be placed on the side of your driveway entrance:
Number Sizes: (inches)
    Residential: 4″ or larger
    Business: 6″ or larger

Where can I purchase address numbers?

Numbers can be purchased from several local vendors or from any hardware store.

Can I get a map printed?

Yes. We will be happy to print you a map according to your needs. Please call ahead with your Map Requests so we may have maps set up and ready to print upon your arrival.

Map Sizes & Prices

8.5×11 Map with Images – $5.00
11×17 Map without Images – $3.00
11×17 Map with Images – $7.00
18×24 Map without Images – $5.00
18×24 Map with Images – $10.00
24×36 Map without Images – $10.00
24×36 Map with Images – $15.00
36×40 Map without Images – $15.00
36×40 Map with Images – $25.00
County Wall Map – $15.00
Future Land Use Zoning Maps – $15.00
County Road Maps (No Images) – $10.00

*Prices subject to change for custom maps.