Accessory Dwelling Units

On Monday, March 2, 2020, the Town Council introduced Ordinance 993, consisting of additional amendments to Chapters 18.18 and 18.31 of the Municipal Code. Ordinance 993 consists of the following general updates to the municipal code to (1) make ADUs converted from existing floor space, and all JADUs, subject to the ADU capacity limitations in Christmas Tree Hill (CTH), (2) provide for an option for discretionary review for non-clerestory windows in certain ADUs, and (3) make additional non-substantive clean-up changes and clarifications to Chapter 18.31, none of which change the meaning or intent of Ordinance No. 992. The Planning Commission considered the proposed zoning ordinance amendments at their February 11, 2020 meeting, and adopted Resolution 20-003 recommending that the Town Council adopt the proposed amendments to Chapters 18.18 and 18.31. The Town Council conducted a second reading and adopted Ordinance 993 on May 19, 2020 and it took effect June 19, 2020.

Town Council Second Reading / Discussion - Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Town Council Public Hearing - Monday, March 2, 2020

Planning Commission Public Hearing - February 11, 2020


Ordinance 992 - adopted January 21, 2020
After several years of implementing the Town's Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ordinance 961 and 962, adopted December 6, 2016), staff identified needed changes and opportunities to improve the existing ordinance. The changes made with the January 21, 2020 Ordinance are broken into three broad categories, which include: 1) changes necessary to comply with current state law; 2) changes to clarify existing regulations; and 3) changes in existing policy that better reflect the Town's ADU goals. On May 14, 2019 and August 13, 2019, the Planning Commission discussed proposed amendments to the ADU ordinance and provided staff with recommendations and direction in preparation of a zoning ordinance amendment application. On October 22, 2019, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 19-021 recommending that the Town Council repeal and replace Chapter 18.31 and approve amendments to Chapters 18.04, 18.18 and 18.20. On December 3, 2019, the Town Council introduced Ordinance No 992, which would amend Title 18 of the Corte Madera Municipal Code to (1) Amend Chapters 18.04 – Definitions, 18.18 – Special Purpose Overlay Districts, & 18.20 – Off-Street Parking And Loading, and to (2) Repeal and Replace Chapter 18.31 – Accessory Dwelling Units. Ordinance 992 was adopted at the January 21, 2020 Town Council meeting, and takes effect on February 21, 2020.

Town Council Second Reading - January 21, 2020
Town Council Public Hearing - December 3, 2019
Planning Commission Public Hearing - October 22, 2019
Planning Commission Public Meeting - August 13, 2019

Planning Commission Public Meeting - May 14, 2019

Planning Commission Public Meeting - December 12, 2017

Town Council Informational Update - May 2, 2017

Ordinance 961 and 962 - adopted December 6, 2016

Town Council Public Hearing - November 15, 2016

Planning Commission Public Hearing - October 25, 2016

Planning Commission Informational Study Session - October 13, 2016