Local zoning · Corte Madera

Corte Madera — Signage

Q: If my building is on a corner lot, how is sign area calculated?

Corner lots get a special calculation: one option is 1 sq ft per foot of width of the front and one street‑side elevation (or alternative lot‑frontage‑based calculations). Corner rules are spelled out in the district formulas (for example § 18.22.120(2)(C) for C‑3). Confirm which elevations qualify in your case.

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Town of Corte Madera's zoning ordinance (Title 18) actually requires for signs: who needs a permit or design review, the exemptions, freestanding sign limits, district-by-district sign area formulas, and enforcement. The rules live in Chapter 18.22 (Signs) together with the design review rules in Chapter 18.30 and enforcement in Chapter 18.38 — the key requirements are cited below so you can verify with the town. See the town's rules on zoning and how signage interacts with site standards like development standards, parking, and design review when planning a sign. The town also enforces state construction/safety requirements under the California Building Standards Code where applicable.

Corte Madera zoning overview: Corte Madera zoning & planning overview
Town zoning rules: Corte Madera Zoning
Development standards: Corte Madera Development Standards
Parking requirements: Corte Madera Parking
Design review: Corte Madera Design Review
Overlay rules: Corte Madera Overlay Districts
ADU-specific notes: Corte Madera ADUs
State building-code reference: California Building Standards Code

(Each above link is the first natural mention of that related topic in this page.)

What the ordinance requires (at a glance)

Sign permit + design review is the rule for most signs; a few small signs are exempt from design review. See § 18.22.020 and § 18.22.030.
Sites with more than one tenant or shopping centers must adopt a master sign program before signs are approved; master sign programs can set detailed rules and generally take precedence over district formulas. See § 18.22.020(a).
Freestanding (pole/ground) signs are reviewed by the Planning Commission and have area and height caps (generally max 100 sq ft for master ID signs, 40 sq ft otherwise; max height 15 ft) — § 18.22.060.
District sign-area formulas govern total allowable building sign area for commercial and industrial districts (examples: C-2, C-3, C-4, M, P/SP) — see the district-specific rules below (each entry cites the controlling §).
Illegal or nonconforming/illegal signs on a multi-tenant site block installation or modification of new signs until resolved — § 18.22.160.
Sign approvals lapse after one year unless a sign permit or active building permit/certificate of occupancy is issued — § 18.30.090.
The Planning Director has special abatement authority for sign violations — § 18.38.110.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the districts that have explicit sign rules in Chapter 18.22 (and associated district chapters). Each subsection explains the purpose, typical permitted uses (as context), the sign rules that matter for applicants, and where the rules apply.

C-1 (Local Shopping) — where it applies and purpose

Purpose: local-serving retail centers within walking distance of neighborhoods (Village Square, Paradise Shopping Center, Park Madera Shopping Center). § 18.12.100.
Sign rule: All signage in C-1 must comply with Chapter 18.22 (i.e., the general sign chapter and any district formulas or master sign program). § 18.12.110 / § 18.22.010–.020.
Practical: expect a master sign program for multitenant centers and design-review-level scrutiny that emphasizes neighborhood scale and harmony.

C-2 (Regional Shopping) — where it applies and purpose

Purpose: region-serving retail (The Village, Corte Madera Town Center, The Market Place). § 18.12.200.
Sign rule: signage controlled by Chapter 18.22; multitenant sites are expected to use master sign programs; district development standards (setbacks, front yard widths) also apply to site layout and can affect freestanding sign placement. § 18.12.210, § 18.22.020.
Practical: large centers typically adopt master sign programs; freestanding sign area and height caps and the building frontage formulas in Chapter 18.22 will control tenant signage.

C-3 (Highway Commercial) — key sign standards

Purpose: highway-oriented commercial uses. § 18.12.?? (district purpose appears in district chapter; signs are governed by Chapter 18.22). Noted sign rules specifically in § 18.22.120.
Sign area formula: total sign area for a building is the largest of: (A) 1 sq ft per lineal foot of building frontage, (B) 0.5 sq ft per lineal foot of lot frontage, or corner-lot rules; BUT sign area on any building is capped at 150 sq ft. § 18.22.120(2)(A–D).
Multi-tenant alternative: compute per-tenant as 1 sq ft per front foot, capped at 150 sq ft per tenant. § 18.22.120(3).

C-4 (Commercial Service) — key sign standards

Purpose: service commercial/automotive and related uses. Sign rules are in § 18.22.130.
Sign area formula: similar to C-3 but sign-area cap for buildings is 150 sq ft (or see full subsection for corner/lot frontage options); master identification sign max 10 sq ft per tenant / 100 sq ft max for multi-tenant sites. § 18.22.130(1–2).

M (Light Industrial) — key sign standards

Purpose: light industrial uses — signage rules in § 18.22.140.
Sign area formula: building total sign area is the largest of (A) 1 sq ft per lineal foot building frontage, (B) 0.5 sq ft per lineal foot lot frontage; maximum sign area on any building may be higher in M district (the code text allows up to 200 sq ft per building in some subsections). See § 18.22.140 for the full formula and caps.

P / P‑SP (Public & Semi‑Public Facilities) — key sign standards

Purpose: public buildings, community facilities. § 18.22.150 controls signs in this district.
Permitted signs: identification signs up to 30 sq ft (freestanding up to 6 ft high) in locations set by any use permit; plus any of the exempt signs in § 18.22.030 that are appropriate to the public use. § 18.22.150(1–2).

Residential districts (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3) — what homeowners should know

General rule: "No sign … shall be permitted except as prescribed in Chapter 18.22" for all residential districts; specific design-review requirements for residential projects are in Chapter 18.30 / 18.08.040. § 18.08.040(4) and Chapter 18.22.
Exemptions: small real estate signs, address numbers under certain sizes, holiday displays, directional/parking signs and other limited exemptions are listed in § 18.22.030. Homeowners should review those exemptions before assuming a permit is unnecessary.

Decision‑relevant standards — quick reference table

Topic / Standard	What the code says (short)	Code reference
General sign purposes and controls	Ordinance establishes size, location, height, construction, design, lighting goals to protect safety and town character	§ 18.22.010
Sign permits & master sign programs	Most signs need sign permit + design review; shopping centers/multitenant sites require a master sign program	§ 18.22.020(a–b)
Exempt signs	Small real‑estate signs, address numbers under 1 sq ft, traffic/utility safety signs, limited business info signs, holiday displays (with time limits)	§ 18.22.030
Freestanding signs (area / height)	Max 100 sq ft for master ID freestanding sign; 40 sq ft otherwise; height generally 15 ft; two faces max	§ 18.22.060(1)(A–B)
C‑3 building sign formula	Largest of: 1 sq ft per building frontage ft, 0.5 sq ft per lot frontage ft (corner lot rules); building cap 150 sq ft	§ 18.22.120(2)(A–D)
C‑4 building sign formula	Same options; building cap 150 sq ft; master ID sign 10 sq ft/tenant up to 100 sq ft	§ 18.22.130(1–2)
M district building cap	Formula as for other commercial districts; building cap may be up to 200 sq ft in specific subsections — read § 18.22.140	§ 18.22.140
Prohibition while illegal sign exists	No new sign installations/modifications on a multitenant site with an illegal/nonconforming sign in use	§ 18.22.160
Lapse of approval	Sign/design approval lapses after one year unless building permit/sign permit/CO issued; extensions possible	§ 18.30.090
Enforcement / abatement	Planning Director can immediately abate/remove unlawful signs; sign violations are a nuisance/enforceable	§ 18.38.110 and § 18.22.010 (purposes + safety)

Checklist (applicant must satisfy)

Determine whether the proposed sign is exempt per § 18.22.030 (real‑estate, small business info, address numbers, holiday displays, parking/directional signs).
If the site has multiple tenants or is a shopping center, prepare or confirm an approved master sign program before applying; master program controls unless district rules are stricter (§ 18.22.020(a–c)).
For non‑exempt signs, file a sign permit application and required materials for design review (zoning administrator or planning commission as required). § 18.22.020(b) and Chapter 18.30 application rules.
Confirm district sign‑area formula and maximums (C‑2/C‑3/C‑4/M/P‑SP) and calculate area per § 18.22.120–140, 150.
If proposing a freestanding sign, verify max face area and height limits (generally 40 sq ft non‑master; 100 sq ft master ID; 15 ft height) and expect Planning Commission review per § 18.22.060.
Check for any existing illegal/nonconforming signs on the site — if present, new installations/modifications are prohibited until resolved (§ 18.22.160).
Confirm whether the sign will require any building permits or must comply with the California Building Standards Code for structural/electrical safety (verify with Building Department; code materials referenced in town rules). Not found in retrieved materials: whether town requires separate building permit for every sign — Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Master sign program precedence	Master sign programs can override district formulas for participating sites — unexpected caps or allowances can appear	Confirm whether the site already has an adopted master sign program and read its provisions. § 18.22.020(c)
Freestanding sign height exceptions	Planning Commission may allow freestanding signs up to roof highest point if needed for visibility — could exceed typical 15 ft cap	For any proposed freestanding sign, verify whether the Planning Commission will consider an exception and what findings are required. § 18.22.060(B)
Conflicting district caps	Different districts use different formulas and caps (150 sq ft vs. 200 sq ft), creating confusion at edge/corner parcels	Check the exact district of the parcel on the official zoning map and apply the matching § (verify zoning). § 18.02.040 (Zoning map on file)
Multi‑tenant per‑tenant calculations	Per‑tenant allowances (1 sq ft per front foot, capped at 150 sq ft) depend on leased frontage and which elevation is “primary”	Confirm which building elevation is treated as primary access by the town and whether tenant frontage is eligible under § 18.22.120–130.
Building permit / Title 24 interface	Structural/electrical work for signs may trigger building-code requirements beyond zoning	The ordinance references design and safety but does not set out Title 24 permit triggers here — verify with Building Dept; see California Building Standards Code. Not found in retrieved materials whether town requires separate building permit for each sign — Verify with the jurisdiction.
Unresolved nonconforming signs blocking new approvals	If an illegal sign remains in use, town prohibits new sign installation for that site (§ 18.22.160) — can delay projects	Check site history and any outstanding enforcement or abatement notices before applying. § 18.22.160

Plain‑English summary

Corte Madera requires design review and a sign permit for almost every permanent sign; shopping centers and multitenant properties generally must adopt a master sign program that sets sign sizes and locations; freestanding signs are capped by area and height and need Planning Commission review; a handful of small signs (small real‑estate signs, address numbers under 1 sq ft, limited business‑info signs, etc.) are exempt. See the controlling ordinance sections cited below and verify details with the Planning or Building Department. §§ 18.22.010–.160; 18.30.070; 18.38.110.

Source References

Corte Madera Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 18.22 (Signs): § 18.22.010 – § 18.22.160 (purposes, permit/design review, exempt signs, freestanding signs, C‑3/C‑4/M/P‑SP district rules, prohibition, etc.) — see the ordinance text. § 18.22.010; § 18.22.020; § 18.22.030; § 18.22.060; § 18.22.120; § 18.22.130; § 18.22.140; § 18.22.150; § 18.22.160.
Design review authority and findings (including sign consistency/findings): § 18.30.070 – § 18.30.120.
Lapse/renewal of sign or design approval: § 18.30.090.
Sign abatement/enforcement and Planning Director authority: § 18.38.110.
District references (C‑1, C‑2, etc.) that cross‑reference sign chapter: § 18.12.100–.255 (C‑1, C‑2, etc.) and § 18.12.210 (C‑2 signs reference Chapter 18.22).
Official zoning map and general ordinance purpose (zoning map on file at Planning Dept): § 18.02.040.

If you want the Municode / town online link that hosts the consolidated Title 18 text, consult the Corte Madera municipal code on Municode (town site). Verify any parcel‑specific interpretation with the Planning Department (the Planning Director enforces and interprets the code).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Corte Madera Zoning Code (Section 18.22.030) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (Section 18.22.030.) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
CBC § 3 (Chapter 18.34) High relevance
CBC § 3 (Chapter 18.36) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (Chapter 18.20) Medium relevance
Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Corte Madera code library

Frequently asked questions

What signs are exempt from design review in Corte Madera?

A short list of small or safety signs are exempt from design review: one real‑estate sign (≤ 6 sq ft, ≤ 8 ft above grade), small directional/parking signs (generally ≤ 4 sq ft), address numbers under 1 sq ft, certain business‑information signs (hours, credit cards) with small area limits, holiday displays (time‑limited), and required public notices. See § 18.22.030 for the full list and size/time limits.

Do I need a master sign program for a multitenant shopping center in Corte Madera?

Yes — before signs are approved for a shopping center, any site with more than one building, or any building with more than one tenant, the town requires a master sign program to receive design review approval; the program can specify sign size, location, materials, lighting and more. See § 18.22.020(a).

What are the freestanding sign size and height limits?

Freestanding signs may have no more than two faces; non‑master freestanding signs are typically limited to 40 sq ft face area, master identification freestanding signs to 100 sq ft, and freestanding sign height is generally capped at 15 ft above ground (with limited Planning Commission exceptions). See § 18.22.060.

How is allowable wall/building sign area calculated for businesses in Corte Madera?

For many commercial districts the ordinance uses one of several formulas and then applies a maximum cap. For example, C‑3 and C‑4 allow the largest of: 1 sq ft per lineal foot of building frontage, 0.5 sq ft per lineal foot of lot frontage, or corner‑lot calculations — but the allowed building sign area is capped (commonly 150 sq ft). See § 18.22.120 and § 18.22.130.

Can I get a sign approved if there’s already an illegal sign on site?

No. The code specifically prohibits installation of new signs or modification of existing signs on any multitenant site while an illegal or nonconforming sign remains in use. Resolve the illegal sign first. See § 18.22.160.

How long does a design review or sign approval last?

Design review or sign approval lapses one year after it becomes effective unless a building permit and active work, a certificate of occupancy, or a sign permit is issued for the approved work. Extensions or longer initial approval periods may be granted in some circumstances. See § 18.30.090.

Who enforces sign violations and can signs be removed quickly?

The Planning Director has specific authority to issue notices and abate/remove unlawful signs and may use expedited enforcement for signage issues; sign violations are treated as nuisances under the code. See § 18.38.110 and the enforcement provisions in Chapter 18.38.

Does Corte Madera’s sign ordinance handle electrical/structural safety for signs?

The zoning ordinance addresses size, location and design of signs; it does not replace building/safety code requirements. Structural or electrical sign work may also need permits and must comply with the California Building Standards Code (check with the Building Department). The ordinance does not spell out Title 24 permitting triggers for every sign — Verify with the jurisdiction. § 18.22.010 (purposes) and relevant building code references.

If my building is on a corner lot, how is sign area calculated?

Corner lots get a special calculation: one option is 1 sq ft per foot of width of the front and one street‑side elevation (or alternative lot‑frontage‑based calculations). Corner rules are spelled out in the district formulas (for example § 18.22.120(2)(C) for C‑3). Confirm which elevations qualify in your case.

Who can approve an exception to sign rules?

The Planning Commission reviews master sign programs, freestanding signs and items involving significant policy issues; the Zoning Administrator can handle many sign approvals under design review procedures but may refer controversial matters to the Planning Commission. Variances to sign regulations may also be granted following variance procedures. See § 18.30.050 and Chapter 18.28 (variances).

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