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1. What are the allowed construction hours?

Corte Madera Construction Hours Per CMMC 9.36.030(c) 

• Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm 
• Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm 

Design Review restrictions may supersede (If the project underwent a Design Review, hours of construction are likely further limited.) 

CMMC 9.36.030 - Specific maximum noise levels. (c) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to construction or demolition work performed during the following times: Monday through Fridays from seven a.m. to five p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from ten a.m. to five p.m.; provided, that all powered construction equipment is equipped with intake and exhaust mufflers recommended by the manufacturers thereof; and provided, further, pavement breakers and jackhammers shall also be equipped with acoustical attenuating shields or shrouds recommended by the manufacturers thereof. In lieu of or in the absence of manufacturer's recommendations, the town engineer shall have the authority to prescribe such means of accomplishing maximum noise attenuation as he deems to be in the public interest, considering the available technology and economic feasibility.

2. Can I access information about approved construction projects?

Links to each of the Town of Corte Madera's current approved projects (private development projects and Town-wide projects) are on the Town’s website. Simply go to https://www.townofcortemadera.org/657/Approved-Projects and the links on that page will take you to a detailed archive of public hearings, agenda items and project submittals received to date for each project.  For more information or questions regarding any of these items, please contact the Planning Division of the Department of Community Development via phone at 415-927-5064, via email at PLCounter@tcmmail.org or via mail to Town Hall, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925.  

3. How do I get a building permit?

The Building Department reviews building permit applications and plans for compliance with State and local building codes including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency. The department also provides inspection and code enforcement services for all building-related construction.

• Please contact the office at buildingpermit@tcmmail.org to determine whether or not your project qualifies for an over-the-counter review. (An example of a residential kitchen or bathroom remodel project that does not qualify for an over-the-counter review would be if the property is located in a Flood Zone)
• To get a general overview of the building permit application plan review process, please click here.  
• To download an application for a building permit, click here.

4. When is the design review process required?

Planning and Building Staff will determine if the project is considered a major or minor design review based on the following:

• A Major Design Review will be considered if the Zoning Administrator refers to a Planning Commission any Minor Design Review project that involves a significant policy question or substantial public controversy. New residential or commercial structures, additions, second story additions, and changes to the Master Sign Program are all examples of potential projects that may be considered for Major Design Review. To view the Major Design Review checklist, please click here. 
• A Minor Design Review will be considered if the project is a project that typically does not involve a public controversy or a significant policy question. Examples of these projects include, but are not exclusive, smaller additions to a main structure equal to or greater than 250 square feet and equal to or greater than 15 feet in height, fences, walls, hedges, signs, and specific swimming pool requirements. To view the Minor Design Review checklist, please click here.
• Examples of certain uses that have no Design Review: If an addition to a structure is less than 250 square feet and under 15 feet in height, no Design Review is necessary. For an Accessory Dwelling Unit less than 120 square feet and under 10 feet in height it will not require Design Review. No Design Review is also applicable for fences, walls and hedges under 4 feet in height along the front setback and under 6 feet in height along the rear and side setbacks. Signs conforming to a Master Sign Program and signs exempted in Section 18.22.030 do not need Design Review.

5. What are the department hours?

General Public Hours
Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM 
Fridays from  8:30 AM to 12 PM

One Stop Shop 
Thursday morning walk-ins should be for over the counter building permits and over the counter plan review with the Building Department. 

6. Do I need a permit for this?

The Building Department reviews building permit applications and plans for compliance with State and local building codes including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency. The department also provides inspection and code enforcement services for all building related construction.

• Please contact the Building Department to determine whether or not your project qualifies for an over-the-counter review. (An example of a residential kitchen or bathroom remodel project that does not qualify for an over-the-counter review would be if the property is located in a Flood Zone)

7. How can I schedule an inspection?

• Inspections must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Please call (415) 927-5062 to schedule an inspection.
• Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday in the mornings from 9 a.m. to Noon and in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Inspections are not offered on Fridays, or outside of the above hours.
• Inspections are limited to first come, first served. Please call with advance notice to make the schedule.  

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1. How do I apply for a business license?

The Town has contracted with the HdL Companies to provide assistance to the business community for all of their business license needs. The HdL Business Support Center will provide the business community with support for all aspects of business license including application, payment, certificate issuance, and general support for your business needs.

To view and download an informational flyer with information on how to apply for a new business license or how to renew your current business license, please click here. You may also view and download a version of this flyer in Spanish by clicking here. 

Submitting Your Business License Renewal

Business License renewals can now be submitted via mail, email, online, or by phone to simplify your annual reporting.

Filing by Mail

For your convenience your renewal form has been included with this letter. Mail your completed business registration renewal and payments to the address below. Please make checks payable to the Town of Corte Madera.

Please remit your return form and payment to:
Town of Corte Madera
Business Support Center
8839 N Cedar Ave #212
Fresno, CA 93720

The Business Support Center will offer a variety of online support options allowing for filing and paying of business license fees online as well as obtaining copies of forms and other relevant information.

Filing Online

To file online please visit the business license support website at https://cortemadera.hdlgov.com and select the “Start Now” button to begin.

At the main menu select “Renew” to file your renewal. Payments can be made by electronic check or by credit card.

Customer Support

For assistance with applying or renewing your business license, you may contact the HdL support center by email at Cortemadera@hdlgov.com or by phone at (415) 481-0988. The Business Support Center offers telephone support hours (Monday through Friday 8am-5pm PST)

Thank you for being part of the Town of Corte Madera business community.

2. Where can I find Town budget information?

You can review the current budget and other approved budgets by visiting the archives page on our website. You can go there by clicking on the following link: https://www.townofcortemadera.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=53&Type=&ADID=

3. What are the results of the Corte Madera Sales Tax?

To view an archive of the sales tax results, please click on the following link: https://www.townofcortemadera.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=38 

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1. How do I contact Town staff?

Email addresses and phone numbers are available in the Staff Directory which is searchable by name, title, and department.

2. When does the Town sweep my street?

Street sweeping is conducted by Mill Valley Refuse Service (MVRS) and by our Department of Public Works (DPW). This means your street is swept twice a month. To get the schedules and learn more about street sweeping, please visit our street sweeping page.

3. See full list of Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view the full list of Frequently Asked Questions for Building, Finance, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Public Works and Sanitary District No. 2, or select "All Categories" from the list of options provided.

4. What hours are Town departments open?

OPEN HOURS FOR TOWN DEPARTMENTS

Administration and Finance
Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM and Fridays from – 8:30AM to 12PM.

Building and Planning Departments
Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM and Fridays from – 8:30AM to 12PM.
An appointment is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. However if you prefer to make an appointment, you may make one online. 

Parks and Recreation 
Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm.

Public Works and Sanitary District No. 2
General Public Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM and Fridays from – 8:30AM to 12PM.
Engineering Support & Technical Review of Public Works and Sanitary District No. 2 Permits (sewer, encroachment, floodplain, etc.): Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30am-3:30pm. 

5. Where is our Interim Town Hall located?

Town Hall Services have moved to our interim location at 240 Tamal Vista Blvd, Suite 110 & Suite 108, Corte Madera.  

(Business office complex located at the southwest corner of Fifer Ave and Tamal Vista Blvd)  

Business Suite 110, located on the first level at Hunt Plaza will become the Town’s interim home for the next two years, while the Town Hall construction project gets underway.  Suite 110 will serve as the new home to the majority of Town Hall services & departments including the Administrative Department, Finance Department, Building and Planning Departments, our Public Works Counter, and our Code Enforcement Department.  The Town’s Engineering Team will remain on site at 300 Tamalpais Drive in their temporary building and oversee the Town Hall construction project.

Business Suite 108, located directly across the hallway from suite 110 on the lower level, will serve as the interim Town Council Chambers.  Suite 108, has been renovated with council dais furniture, seating and audio/videography equipment and will serve as the Town Council Chambers where both Town Council, Commissions, Boards and other public meetings will be heard in the near future.  Remote streaming and participation in Town meetings will continue to be available both during and after our transition back to in-person meetings.  (It has been our intention to resume in-person public meetings, with inclusion of a remote participation option, beginning on February 1, 2022, however, staff is monitoring the current increase in Covid-19 transmissions and County recommendations and will make a determination in the near future if a return to in-person public meetings should be delayed.)

We look forward to serving our Corte Madera community at our new Town Hall location.  Once we are settled into our interim location, the Town intends to host an open house, inviting our community to enjoy and become acquainted with our interim facilities.

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1. How do I register for classes and programs?

To register for classes and programs, please log in or create an account (for first time users) on our program registration page. You can access the registration page by clicking on the following link: https://cmprreg.org/Login.aspx

2. How can I learn about the programs and classes offered by the Parks and Recreation Department?

The Parks and Recreation Department publishes a recreation catalog that contains information about the programs and activities offered. You can look through the catalog by clicking on the following link: https://www.townofcortemadera.org/202/Recreation-Catalog

3. I want to host an event at the community center. How can I rent it out?

The Parks and Recreation Department has facilities, including the recently-remodeled Community Center, that can be rented for many types of events. 

To view the rental information for our facilities including fees, policies and photos, please click on the following link: https://www.townofcortemadera.org/404/Parks-and-Recreation-Facilities

You may also call us to make reservations or simply to ask questions. The Parks and Recreation phone number is 415-927-5072. 

4. What is the Intergenerational Center?

The Intergenerational Center offers events and activities for all ages -- preschool - 100+. The Intergenerational Center is a gathering place for seniors, children and young adults, featuring programs in art, games, yoga,  literature, technology and more. 

The Mission of the Intergenerational Center is to enrich the lives of people of all ages through quality programs incorporating intergenerational and multi-generational participation. A primary goal of such activities is to provide social opportunities for the older adult to prevent isolation and promote healthy aging. 

Youth and adults can always learn from each other. Children have the opportunity to gain knowledge from the wisdom of their elders, better understand physical impediments of the aging process and establish invaluable new relationships.

The wide array of innovative programs focus on  health and fitness, the arts, crafts, entertainment, games and a Third Wednesday Speaker Series and more. Children and adults can create projects in the Makerspace equipped with a 3D printer, laser cutter, X-Carve, Carvey, watercolor printer and more under the direction of a professional artist and specialist in related technology. 

To view the program schedule and learn how you can participate in their activities or even volunteer, please visit the Intergenerational website by clicking on the following link: https://agefriendlycenter.org/

5. Where is the Community Center located and what are the Parks and Recreation Department hours?

The Community Center is located at 498 Tamalpais Drive. This is also the location for the Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Offices and the Intergenerational Center. 

Office Hours for the Parks and Recreation Department are as follows: 

• Monday - 7:30am to 6:30pm
• Tuesday - 7:30am to 6:30pm
• Wednesday - 7:30am to 4:30pm
• Thursday - 7:30am to 4:30pm
• Closed to the public on Friday
• Closed Saturday & Sunday

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1. How can I found out what planning applications have been approved?

The Planning Department currently provides a map to illustrate approved Planning Entitlements (Design Review, Variance, etc.) within the Town of Corte Madera from 2015 to present. To view the map, visit https://www.townofcortemadera.org/657/Approved-Projects and click on the interactive map. Once you are on the map, you can click on any icon for information about the application. If you have any questions about this map, please contact Tracy Hegarty at thegarty@tcmmail.org

2. When is the design review process required?

Planning and Building Staff will determine if the project is considered a major or minor design review based on the following:

• A Major Design Review is required for new residential or commercial structures, new second stories, additions that are more than 50% of gross floor area, some signs, or a project that involves a significant policy question or substantial public controversy. To view the Major Design Review checklist, please click here. 
• A Minor Design Review is required for minor additions to a main structure equal to or greater than 250 square feet and equal to or greater than 15 feet in height, most construction within Christmas Tree Hill, pools within 10 feet of property lines, exterior changes to commercial properties, some fences, and some new accessory structures. To view the Minor Design Review checklist, please click here
• Planning Department staff is available to review your project early in your design development to help you understand if Design Review or Variance approval is required.

3. Where can I put my fence and what is the maximum height?

• Please contact a Planning Department staff member to have specific questions answered.

CMMC 18.08.040

Fences in side and rear setbacks:

Fences, walls used as a fence and hedges used as a fence not exceeding (6) six feet in height may be located in a required side or rear yard, with the exception that heights exceeding (6) six feet, but not exceeding (8) eight feet, may be allowed if written approval from all owners of property contiguous with the property line nearest the fence, wall, or hedge is submitted to the planning director or if design review approval is granted pursuant to Chapter 18.30, Design Review of this title, except that, within 50 feet of a street intersection, no such structure or hedge shall exceed (4) four feet in height.

Fences in the front yard setback:

Fences, walls used as a fence and hedges used as a fence not exceeding (4) four feet in height may be located in a required front yard. Fences greater than (4) four feet in height but not greater than (6) six feet in height may be located in a required front yard if design review approval is granted pursuant to Chapter 18.30, Design Review, and if the applicant can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the town engineer, that the proposed fence is not within the public right-of-way; is not within fifty feet of a street intersection; and will not adversely affect sight distance from any public or private road or from any driveway. The planning commission has adopted by Resolution No. 95-03 design guidelines for fences and walls.

Entry Gates in the Required Front Yard Setback. Entry gates, such arches, arbors, trellises or similar structures may be located in the required front yard setback and may not exceed the following dimensions: 8 feet 6 inches in width, 8 feet in height, and 4 feet in depth.                                

Fences in the public right of way:

CMMC 12.04.050(7) - Prohibited encroachments: Construction, maintenance or repair of any fence in excess of (3.5) three and one-half feet in height within a public right-of-way

How to measure the height of a fence

CMMC 18.24.060 - As an exception to the normal procedure for measuring height, the height of a fence or wall shall be measured vertically from the natural or finished grade, whichever is higher, at the base of the fence or wall to the top of the fence or wall above that grade. (See Figure 18 and the definitions of "height" and "grade" in Chapter 18.04, Definitions, of this title).

4. How can I remove a tree from my property?

Any person desiring to remove, destroy or alter one or more trees on his or her property in the town, except those trees exempted from permit requirements (below), shall apply for tree permit to do so. 

• Please contact a Planning Department staff member to have specific questions answered.

15.50.050 - Exemptions to permit requirements.

1. Trees Below Permit Size. On private property, the removal, destruction or alteration of trees with a single trunk circumference less than fifty inches (or multistemmed trees having an aggregate circumference of less than one hundred twenty inches), measured four and one-half feet above grade;       
2. Maintenance Pruning. Maintenance pruning, as defined in Section 15.50.020, of a tree by the tree owner;
3. Topping of Special Tree(s). Topping of trees specifically planted and maintained as a hedge, espalier, bonsai or in pollard form;
4. Trees in the Public Right-of-way. Trees in the public right-of-way do not require a tree permit for maintenance pruning by the town or the owner of the property (i) immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way or (ii) on which the public right-of-way is located;
5. Undesirable Species. Undesirable species of any size may be altered, removed or destroyed without a tree permit. However, inspection of the tree and its confirmation as being an undesirable species by the town arborist are required prior to the removal, destruction or alteration of any undesirable species with a trunk circumference of fifty inches or more (or multistemmed tree having an aggregate circumference of one hundred twenty inches or more), measured four and one-half feet above grade. This procedure is for species identification only and does not require a permit;
6. Public Utilities. Public utility companies subject to the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission may perform such pruning as is necessary to comply with the safety regulations of said commission and to maintain a safe operation of their facilities without a permit. However, they should notify the planning department at least three working days (except in emergencies) prior to taking any action. The planning director shall cause such pruning work to be inspected, when appropriate, to ensure that good pruning practices previously referenced are followed. The planning director shall have the authority to stop any tree pruning performed by a utility company if such practices are not being followed;
7. Emergencies. In case of emergency, a tree located on private property or on property in which the town has a fee, easement or any other interest, may be removed without the necessity of a permit application as required by this chapter upon a determination by the town manager, or his/her designee, that removal of the tree is necessary for the immediate protection of life or property;
8. View and Sunlight Claim. Any removal or alteration of a tree permitted or required under any order, award or agreement issued or entered into, respectively, pursuant to Article III of this chapter by which the right to a view and/or sunlight is established.
9. Fire-Prone Trees. A fire-prone tree, as defined in section 15.50.020, may be altered, removed, or destroyed without a tree permit upon confirmation by the town that it meets the definition of "Fire-Prone Tree"; and upon investigation and verification by the fire code official that the fire-prone tree is deemed to be a fire hazard. This procedure is for verification purposes only and does not require a permit.

5. Where can I get information about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?

• Please review Chapter 18.31 of the Corte Madera Municipal Code for regulations related to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.
• In partnership with 10 local cities and towns in Marin, adumarin.org provides information about building ADUs. The local cities and towns are collaborating on an ADU workbook that will provide helpful information regarding budget concerns, design questions, working with your local jurisdiction, and more. 
• Housing and Community Development (HCD) has created a helpful technical advisory memo on ADUs
• The Town’s project webpage for ADUs provides information on adoption ADU regulations.
• Please contact a Planning Department staff member to have specific questions answered.

6. How do I know what zoning district my property is in?

Members of the public can check address or parcel number on Marin Map.  Search by address, and review zoning district and other property information in the search results.  Users can toggle other layers on and off for additional parcel information.

• Please contact a Planning Department staff member to have specific questions answered.

7. What is the planning application review process?

The Planning Department is responsible for land use planning, implementation and maintenance of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan, and facilitating the land use application review process, including staffing for the Planning Commission. Planning staff is available to advise members of the public and the development community regarding zoning codes, application requirements, and land use processes. Below are flowcharts that provide an overview of the Planning and Building Department processes:

• Planning & Building Process Overview
•  Planning Application Review Process

8. I want to display a sign. Do I need permission from the Town?

• Please contact a Planning Department staff member to have specific questions answered.

Design review and a permit are required by the Town per CMMC 18.22.020. The code states the following: 

(a) No sign shall be approved for a shopping center, for any site with more than one building, or for any building with more than one tenant until a master sign program has received design review approval as described in Chapter 18.30, Design Review. A master sign program, and sign guidelines in any applicable specific plan, shall comply with all other provisions of this chapter. At the discretion of the planning commission, a master sign program may specify some or all of the following: size, material, location, design, color, lighting and construction of each sign.

(b) All signs, except those listed in Section 18.22.030, require sign permit design review approval as prescribed in Chapter 18.30, Design Review, except that, if the zoning administrator finds that the application is for a sign which conforms to an approved master sign program, approval may be given without notice or hearing; but if the application is for a freestanding sign, authorization shall be given as described in Section 18.22.060.

(c) For every site on which a master sign program has been adopted, the provisions contained in the master sign program shall take precedence over the signage requirements of the applicable zoning district, unless the zoning district’s signage requirements are more stringent, or govern requirements not contained in the master sign program. 

Design Review approval is not required for the following signs:

1. One real estate sign not more than six square feet in area and no more than eight feet above grade, advertising the sale or lease of property. The sign shall be located on the same site as the property being advertised for sale or lease, except that, on Saturdays and Sundays, between ten a.m. and seven p.m., up to three directional signs no larger than four square feet each may be located on other private property, with the permission of the property owner. 
2. Names of buildings and dates of erection cut into a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material, not more than four square feet in area.
3. Traffic or other municipal signs, railroad crossing, construction, "danger" and other such emergency or warning signs, including wording or symbols painted on public streets under town authority. 
4. Signs directing and guiding traffic on private property and parking directional markings painted on the pavement when installed in accord with an approved parking lot plan; provided, that no individual sign exceeds four square feet in area and that not more than twenty-five percent of the area of each such sign face is used for the business or proposed name or trademark or other identification of the use of the premises upon which such sign is located. 
5. Signs showing the location of public restrooms, telephones and underground utilities, provided that no individual sign exceeds two square feet in area. 
6. Signs indicating business hours, emergency telephone numbers, credit cards honored, trading stamps or association memberships; provided, that no individual sign exceeds one and one-half square feet in area, and; provided, that the total area of all such signs at any establishment does not exceed four square feet. 
7. Any sign, posting, notice or other indication placed or required by a public entity in carrying out its responsibility to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the community or as required by law. 
8. Street signs and address numbers less than one square foot in area. Where address numbers exceed one square foot in area, they shall be treated as any other permanent building sign requiring a permit, and shall be included in a calculation of total sign area permitted under the provisions of this chapter. 
9. Holiday lights and displays not advertising any product or sale; provided, that they are erected no sooner than forty-five days before the holiday and are not visible no later than fourteen days after the holiday. 
10. Exterior temporary signs and other advertising devices, except floodlights, placed on an occupant’s property for a maximum of thirty days to announce the opening of a new business; provided, that the total area of such temporary advertising devices does not exceed the area of permanent signing permitted under the provisions of this chapter; provided, that no such devices are located in a manner not permitted for permanent signs, and; provided, that such temporary advertising devices pose no hazard to the safe movement of traffic and do not block permanent identification signs on adjoining properties. 
11. Temporary on-window signs advertising: benefit activities sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, products, prices, special sales and special service offers, for a maximum of thirty days per year; provided, that the total area of all such signing at any given time shall not exceed the area of permanent signing permitted under the provisions of this chapter, or twenty-five percent of the window area, whichever is more, provided that said signs are not externally or internally illuminated. 
12. Individual gasoline price signs, the numbers and letters of which are not to exceed the minimum sizes required by California Business and Professions Code Section 13532, and the total sign area which is not to exceed thirty square feet; provided, that the total area of gasoline price signs does not exceed the area of permanent signing permitted by this chapter, and; provided, that such signs are located only in a manner permitted for permanent signs. All gasoline price signs shall be located on the site being advertised and shall not be located less than five feet from any property line. 
13. Political and social issue signs conforming with the provisions in Section 18.22.040. 
14. Signs advertising town-sponsored or town-endorsed events and located on public property. 
15. Signs located on public property which comply with all the provisions of Section 18.22.050(j)(2).

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1. What if I have a Public Works issue on the weekend?

If something comes up over the weekend, please call 415-613-5437. 

If you notice overflow of sewage from a manhole cover, overflow of sewage from a pump station location, or there is sewage smell coming from a creek or other body of water, please report it by calling the weekend issue number or Central Marin Police dispatch (415-927-5150) as soon as possible.

2. Is my property in a flood zone or flood hazard area?

Check with the Town’s Flood Map linked below to see if your property is within the general area and confer with Public Works staff to see what may be needed to be done to avoid flood damage.

(https://ca-cortemadera.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/805/Special-Flood-Hazard-Area-Map?bidId=)

Additional important information: A portion of Corte Madera lies within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), more commonly referred to as the "floodplain". This SFHA consists of properties within zones AE and VE as delineated on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) prepared by FEMA for our community. The FIRM can be viewed at the Public Works Department office, and assistance can be provided in determining if your property is within the SFHA.

Associated with these zones is a Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This BFE represents the level to which a flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (commonly called the "100-year" flood) will rise. For Corte Madera, the BFE is equal to an elevation of 10 NAVD (North American Datum). 

3. How can I file a public works complaint?

If you need to file a complaint with the Department of Public Works you can download the form at https://www.townofcortemadera.org/DocumentCenter/View/6664/ComplaintForm_fillable and email the completed form to pwcounter@tcmmail.org or deliver it in person to Department of Public Works located at 240 Tamal Vista Blvd., Suite #110, Corte Madera. 

4. My street light needs to be repaired, what do I do?

The Town of Corte Madera works with DC Electric Group, Inc. on street light repairs. DC Electric Group, Inc. is a California commercial electrical contractor. DC Electric provides efficient electrical construction and lighting maintenance services.

To report a street light repair, please go directly to DC Electric's website by clicking on the following link: http://www.dcelectricgroup.com/street-light-repair.html

- Please note that you will be asked to provide the street light pole number. This number is typically located on the pole at eye level. If you have additional questions regarding street lights or other Town property, please call our Public Works Department at 415-927-5057.

5. How do I get an encroachment permit?

Fill out the linked form below and submit it to pwcounter@tcmmail.org or submit it in person to the Department of Public Works located at 240 Tamal Vista Blvd., Ste. #110, Corte Madera.

https://townofcortemadera.org/DocumentCenter/View/529/Encroachment-Permit-Application-Complete-Package

The Department of Public Works will instruct you on the next steps. 

6. What if I have a Public Works issue on the weekend?

If something comes up over the weekend, please call 415-613-5437. 

If you notice overflow of sewage from a manhole cover, overflow of sewage from a pump station location, or there is sewage smell coming from a creek or other body of water, please report it by calling the weekend issue number or Central Marin Police dispatch (415-927-5150) as soon as possible.

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1. How do I get a sanitary sewer permit?

Obtaining a sanitary sewer permit involves the following steps:

• Prepare a plan and/or description of the proposed work and review the permit checklist
• Complete a Sewer Permit Application
• Submit the application to the District for review
• Pick up the approved permit and pay any applicable fees

2. What are the sewer connection charges?

To view the sewer connection charges for Sanitary District No. 2, please click here. 

3. Do I need a permit?

Sanitary District No. 2 issues permits for all work on the public portion of the sewer collection system.  Work requiring a permit includes:

• Repair of an existing sewer lateral
• Installation of a new sewer lateral
• New connection to a sewer main
• Installation of a grease trap/interceptor
• Certain residential/commercial remodels that impact the sewer lateral

4. What is the private sewer lateral ordinance?

The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for the operation and maintenance of Sanitary District No. 2’s (SD2) wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities in a more safe, reliable and serviceable manner.

In 2017, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered SD2 to fix damaged and deficient sanitary sewer pipes. Many pipes are in need of repair to prevent the infiltration of rainwater and groundwater, which can overwhelm the wastewater collection system and treatment plant, leading to sanitary sewer overflows in the community or discharges of partially treated wastewater into the San Francisco Bay. Improperly maintained private sewer laterals also lead to raw sewage spilling into residential areas.  

The SD2 Board adopted the Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) Ordinance No.45 at its June 4, 2018 meeting thus requiring inspection of private sewer laterals when any one of the four (4) specific triggers are met (see below). 

To get more information on the Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, please visit our PSL webpage by clicking on the following link: https://www.townofcortemadera.org/745/Private-Sewer-Lateral-Ordinance

5. How do I report a sewer emergency?

Sewer Emergencies in Your Neighborhood

If you have a public sewer emergency, such as overflow of sewage from a manhole cover, overflow of sewage from a pump station location, or smell or see sewage on the ground or coming from a creek or other waterbody, immediately call the numbers listed below. We have field crews on call to respond to emergencies. 

• MAIN PHONE - Sanitary District No. 2 (SD2) during general public hours: (628)253-1158 
• SECONDARY PHONE - Central Marin Police Authority dispatch (who will call the on-call person): (415)927-5150

Emergency calls are dispatched immediately, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Please be prepared to provide your name, phone number, address, and the cross street where the incident is taking place. 

Note that general public hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM and Fridays from 8:30AM to 12PM. 

For Private Property Sewer Emergencies

If you have a private property sewer emergency, please check the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for information before hiring a plumbing contractor. Also, make sure any plumber you hire for a private property sewer emergency is familiar with District policies and programs. You can use the District's Pre-Qualified Contractor List which contains information from contractor's with expertise in private sewer laterals in the District. 

Thank you! Your actions help us sustain public health and protect the environment.