Local zoning · Corte Madera

Corte Madera — Design Review

Q: Do I need design review for a room addition on a Corte Madera single‑family home?

If the addition exceeds the thresholds listed in § 18.30.015 (for example an addition greater than 15 ft in height or greater than 250 sq ft gross floor area — larger thresholds apply in R‑1‑B/R‑1‑C ), Design Review is required; see § 18.30.015 . Confirm your parcel’s R‑1 subcategory with Planning staff.

Q: What findings must the Town make to approve Design Review?

Approvals require the findings in § 18.30.070 , including conformity with the General Plan, minimal unnecessary tree removal and grading, no significant adverse effects on views/sunlight/privacy, appropriate scale and landscaping, and durable materials/techniques.

Q: Who normally decides Design Review applications in Corte Madera?

The Zoning Administrator may review and decide most design review and sign permit applications; the Planning Commission handles master sign programs, freestanding signs and items referred by the Zoning Administrator that involve significant policy issues or public controversy (see § 18.30.050 ).

Design Review under the Corte Madera local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Design review in Corte Madera is administered under Chapter 18.30 of the Town Zoning Ordinance (commonly Title 18). It is a discretionary review that evaluates siting, massing, materials, landscaping and visual impacts, and it is required for specific projects in residential, commercial, mixed‑use and special districts. See the ordinance § 18.30.015 and § 18.30.020 for applicability and scope.

Note: this page interprets Corte Madera’s zoning ordinance only (Title 18); building code, permit intake, and state housing or Title 24 requirements live on other pages. For related municipal topics see the town’s pages on development standards, parking, overlay districts, landscaping and screening, and ADUs.

What the ordinance requires (high‑level)

The purpose of Design Review is to preserve natural landforms and vegetation, minimize grading, ensure harmony of size and materials with the neighborhood, preserve views and privacy, and require high‑quality durable materials and landscaping. See § 18.30.020 and the stated purposes immediately preceding § 18.30.015.
The ordinance spells out objective triggers for residential projects (height, gross floor area, accessory structures, fences, pools, decks) where Design Review is required; see § 18.30.015.
Approval is discretionary but may be by the Zoning Administrator for routine matters or by the Planning Commission for master sign programs, freestanding signs, or significant/controversial projects; see § 18.30.050.
Approvals must meet the Design Review findings (compatibility with the General Plan, minimal removal of vegetation/grading, protection of privacy and views, scale and landscaping, quality materials, safe access) listed at § 18.30.070.
Procedural rules (application contents/fee, notice, timeframe, lapse/renewal, revocation, enforcement) live in §§ 18.30.040–18.30.120 and Chapter 18.36 (Administration).

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the Corte Madera zoning districts that most often intersect with Design Review. The text is a synthesis of the ordinance provisions for each district and the locations where Design Review is invoked; for parcel‑specific applicability, verify with the Planning Department.

District names and standards are shown in bold and linked where related topic pages make sense (first natural mention only).

R-1 (Medium‑Density Residential) — § 18.08.200; development standards § 18.08.220

Purpose / where it applies: The R-1 district regulations apply to parcels shown as R‑1 on the adopted zoning map and establish standards for single‑family and similar residential development. See § 18.08.200.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family homes and allowed accessory structures per the district (see the full district table in the code). Not all uses are listed in the Design Review chapter; consult the zoning use table. Not found in retrieved materials: a single consolidated list of R‑1 permitted uses in the snippets provided. Verify with the Town’s zoning map and full code.
Key dimensional standards: Front yard 20 ft (≥7,500 sq ft lots) or 15 ft (<7,500 sq ft); side yards 5–6 ft depending on lot size; special slope‑adjustment rules for interior side yards are in § 18.08.220. Height, coverage and landscaping provisions referenced elsewhere apply as noted in district text.
Design Review: In residential districts (including R‑1, and subcategories R‑1‑B, R‑1‑C) Design Review is required for defined thresholds such as additions over 15 ft height, additions >250 sq ft (or 500 sq ft for R‑1‑B/R‑1‑C), accessory structures over 10 ft height or 120 sq ft, certain fences, pools close to side/rear lines, and decks >10 ft high — see § 18.30.015.

C‑2 (Regional Shopping) — § 18.12.200 — 18.12.235

Purpose / where it applies: C‑2 creates/enhances regional shopping and retail centers such as Corte Madera Town Center and The Village; see § 18.12.200.
Typical permitted uses: broad retail and service uses appropriate to regional shopping centers; consult the full C‑2 use list in Chapter 18.12. Not found in retrieved materials: a single excerpted permitted‑uses table for C‑2 in the files provided. Verify with the full code.
Key dimensional standards: Front yard 60 ft (where applied), FAR limit ~34%, and height 30–35 ft (see § 18.12.215, § 18.12.230, § 18.12.235). Landscaping and parking separation requirements are in the district rules and call out submission of a landscape plan as part of Design Review.
Design Review: Design Review is prescribed for applicable projects in C‑2; landscape plans and other site elements must be submitted for design review approval as required by Chapter 18.30 (see § 18.12.140 and § 18.12.090 references).

MX‑1 (Mixed‑Use) — multiple provisions including § 18.13.140, § 18.13.145, § 18.13.165, § 18.13.170

Purpose / where it applies: The MX‑1 district regulates mixed‑use and neighborhood/highway zones with special FAR, height, upper‑story setback and landscaping rules; see the MX‑1 sections cited above.
Typical permitted uses: residential and commercial combinations, hotels (with special FAR/height rules under specific findings), and neighborhood‑serving commercial uses. See the MX‑1 provisions in Chapter 18.13.
Key dimensional standards: examples include FAR limits (.34 / .40 with conditions), height limits (25 ft in Neighborhood Zone; 35 ft in Highway Zone), and upper‑story setbacks; see § 18.13.145, § 18.13.165, § 18.13.170.
Design Review: MX‑1 projects are subject to Design Review; certain discretionary increases (e.g., height or FAR bonuses for public benefits) require the additional findings of § 18.30.070 and related MX‑1 findings.

FC Flood Control and Drainage Facilities District — § 18.16.100 — 18.16.055

Purpose / where it applies: The FC district applies to public flood and drainage facilities; see § 18.16.100.
Design Review: The district cross‑references that Design Review approval is required where applicable under Chapter 18.30 — see § 18.16.055. For conditional uses in the FC district, site area, yards and other district standards are conditioned through the Design Review/Use Permit process.

Quick decision‑relevant table

What the reviewer looks for / standard	Short rule	Code reference
Residential Design Review triggers (height/GFA/accessory/fences/decks/pools)	Design Review required when listed thresholds are exceeded (e.g., additions > 15 ft tall; additions > 250 sq ft; accessory > 120 sq ft)	§ 18.30.015
Scope of review (design concerns)	Siting, grading, tree/vegetation retention, bulk, materials, colors, lighting, signs, landscaping, view/privacy impacts	§ 18.30.020
Required findings to approve	Conforms to General Plan, avoids unnecessary grading/tree removal, protects views/privacy, compatible scale and landscaping, durable materials, safe access	§ 18.30.070
Who can act	Zoning Administrator for most design review and sign matters; Planning Commission for master/freestanding signs or significant matters	§ 18.30.050
Application / fee / materials	File on prescribed form with fee and required materials listed on form	§ 18.30.040
Notice & appeals	Notice per Chapter 18.36; decisions effective after 10 days unless appealed; appeal rights per Chapter 18.34	§ 18.30.080; § 18.36.040; § 18.34.070
Lapse / timeframe	Approval lapses 1 year if no active building permit / CO / sign permit; extensions allowed in limited circumstances	§ 18.30.090

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for Design Review)

File the Design Review application on the prescribed form and pay the fee; include all materials listed on the form (plans, elevations, landscape plan where required) — § 18.30.040.
Demonstrate conformance with the General Plan and any applicable specific/area/community plan or overlay requirements — § 18.30.070(1).
Show siting and grading that minimize tree/vegetation removal and grading; avoid development within 50 vertical feet of ridgelines where feasible — § 18.30.070(2) and § 18.30.030 guidance.
Provide elevations and materials/finish samples showing durable, compatible materials and muted/earth‑tone colors or justify alternatives — § 18.30.020 and § 18.30.030.
Submit a landscape plan (water‑conserving design) where required by district standards or the project scope — several districts require landscape plans to be part of Design Review submittal (e.g., § 18.12.140, § 18.10.100).
If the project affects parking layout or number of spaces, show compliance with the town’s parking rules (Chapter 18.20 referenced in district sections). See district references that call out parking compliance.
Be prepared to meet the findings in § 18.30.070 at the time of decision.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Who decides (Zoning Administrator vs Planning Commission)	Routine projects may go to the Zoning Administrator; controversial or major projects can be escalated to the Planning Commission, changing public notice, hearing and appeal rights — different timelines and scrutiny.	Check whether your proposal is listed as a master sign program or is otherwise referred; see § 18.30.050 and confirm with Planning staff.
Exact Design Review triggers for a specific lot	Thresholds (e.g., 250 sq ft addition vs 500 sq ft in R‑1‑B/C) depend on the district/subzone and lot size. Mis‑classification can lead to re‑filing or retroactive enforcement.	Confirm the parcel’s zoning (R‑1 vs R‑1‑B/C) and applicable thresholds in § 18.30.015 and the district section § 18.08.220. Verify with the Planning Department.
Landscaping / tree retention specifics	The ordinance requires water‑conserving landscaping and retention of trees 4"+ trunk diameter where feasible, but precise mitigation and permit conditions are discretionary.	Expect to submit a landscape plan and tree retention/mitigation plan as required by district rules and § 18.30.020/§ 18.30.030. Confirm arborist requirements with staff.
Interplay with special districts or MX‑1 bonuses	MX‑1 allows FAR/height bonuses subject to findings and Design Review; these are complex and conditional.	If seeking bonuses or adjustments, confirm the extra findings and whether Design Review findings must be met in addition to MX‑1 findings (see § 18.13.* and § 18.30.070).
Floodplain elevation exceptions and Design Review	The ordinance text contains references to built‑in exceptions for flood‑elevation work (e.g., raising finished floor) but the exact section and full criteria are not fully present in retrieved snippets.	Not found in retrieved materials: full, parcel‑specific floodplain exception language and section number. Verify directly with the Planning Department and check Title 16 flood provisions.

Plain‑English summary

If your project in Corte Madera changes a building’s size, height, or visible exterior beyond the thresholds listed in § 18.30.015, or it’s in a commercial/mixed‑use district where exterior changes are discretionary, you will likely need Design Review. The Town evaluates siting, grading, tree removal, bulk, materials, landscaping and impacts to views/privacy against the findings in § 18.30.070; routine cases are handled by the Zoning Administrator, larger/controversial cases by the Planning Commission.

Information Gaps

The uploaded excerpts do not include a single, consolidated table of permitted uses for each district (some district use lists are referenced but not fully present). Verify permitted uses in the full Chapter 18 district tables. Not found in retrieved materials.
The exact municipal code text for some floodplain/elevation exceptions and their section numbers could not be located with certainty in the provided snippets; verify with the Planning Department and Title 16. Not found in retrieved materials.
The zoning map showing parcel‑level zoning (required to determine whether R‑1 vs R‑1‑B/C rules apply) is not included; parcel applicability must be verified with the town. Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

Corte Madera Municipal Code, Chapter 18.30 (Design Review): § 18.30.015, § 18.30.020, § 18.30.030, § 18.30.040, § 18.30.050, § 18.30.060, § 18.30.070, § 18.30.080, § 18.30.090, § 18.30.100, § 18.30.110, § 18.30.120.
Corte Madera Municipal Code, district references: R‑1 standards § 18.08.200 / § 18.08.220 (medium‑density residential).
C‑2 district standards and design review references: § 18.12.200, § 18.12.215, § 18.12.220, § 18.12.230–235, § 18.12.140 (landscape/plan submittal).
MX‑1 mixed‑use provisions (FAR, height, setbacks): § 18.13.140, § 18.13.145, § 18.13.165, § 18.13.170.
FC Flood Control district: § 18.16.100 and § 18.16.055 (design review cross‑reference).
Administration, notice and appeals: Chapter 18.36 (notice procedures) and Chapter 18.34 (appeals), as referenced in the Design Review chapter.

For related municipal topic pages used in prose links: development standards, parking, overlay districts, landscaping and screening, ADUs, Corte Madera Zoning, and the California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
CBC § 3 (Chapter 18.36) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
CBC § 3 (§ 3) High relevance
CFC § 22 (Chapter 18.31A.) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (Chapter 18.26) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Corte Madera code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review for a room addition on a Corte Madera single‑family home?

If the addition exceeds the thresholds listed in § 18.30.015 (for example an addition greater than 15 ft in height or greater than 250 sq ft gross floor area — larger thresholds apply in R‑1‑B/R‑1‑C), Design Review is required; see § 18.30.015. Confirm your parcel’s R‑1 subcategory with Planning staff.

What findings must the Town make to approve Design Review?

Approvals require the findings in § 18.30.070, including conformity with the General Plan, minimal unnecessary tree removal and grading, no significant adverse effects on views/sunlight/privacy, appropriate scale and landscaping, and durable materials/techniques.

Who normally decides Design Review applications in Corte Madera?

The Zoning Administrator may review and decide most design review and sign permit applications; the Planning Commission handles master sign programs, freestanding signs and items referred by the Zoning Administrator that involve significant policy issues or public controversy (see § 18.30.050).

Are landscape plans required as part of Design Review?

Yes — several district rules require a landscape plan, and the ordinance repeatedly requires water‑conserving landscape designs as part of project review (see district provisions such as § 18.12.140 and the Design Review guidance § 18.30.020 / § 18.30.030).

Does Design Review affect parking requirements?

Design Review decisions evaluate site layout and pedestrian/vehicle access and must show compliance with the Town’s off‑street parking ordinance (Chapter 18.20) where required; district sections repeatedly refer applicants to off‑street parking standards (see examples in § 18.12.x and § 18.10.x). Verify parking counts with the Town’s parking standards.

How long does a Design Review approval last?

A design review approval lapses one year after it becomes effective unless, before expiration, a building permit is issued and active, a certificate of occupancy is issued, or (for signs) a sign permit is issued. Extensions and limited longer initial terms are allowed in specific circumstances — see § 18.30.090.

Can I appeal a Design Review decision?

Yes — notices of decisions, appeal timelines and procedures are set out in § 18.30.080, Chapter 18.34 (Appeals) and Chapter 18.36 (Administration). A decision becomes effective after ten days unless appealed or called up as provided in those chapters.

Are there Design Review exceptions for flood‑elevation work?

The code contains references to exceptions for certain flood‑elevation projects in the excerpts, but the full, parcel‑specific criteria and exact section number were not available in the provided snippets. Verify the exact rule and criteria with the Town (see Title 16 flood provisions and consult Planning staff). Not found in retrieved materials.

If I want a FAR or height bonus in MX‑1, does Design Review still apply?

Yes — MX‑1 bonuses and any height/FAR increases require additional MX‑1 findings and the Design Review findings; the Planning Commission will weigh both sets of findings (see § 18.13.040 and related MX‑1 language together with § 18.30.070).

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