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Local zoning · Corte Madera

Corte Madera — Zoning

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

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Quick answer

In Corte Madera’s R‑1 neighborhoods, front setbacks are 20 ft on lots ≥7,500 sf (or 15 ft if smaller), side yards 6/5 ft, rears 25 ft (conditional uses 35 ft), height 30 ft, and FAR tops out at 0.40–0.60 by formula (§ 18.08.220). C‑2/C‑4 buildings can reach 35 ft (§ 18.12.335; § 18.12.430), while M drops to 30 ft within 500 ft of housing (§ 18.14.110). ADUs get 4‑ft side/rear setbacks with size/height limits (§ 18.31.080).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Corte Madera's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Corte Madera planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Corte Madera’s zoning rules live in Title 18 Zoning and are mapped on the Official Zoning Map on file with the Planning Department. The ordinance establishes base districts, townwide standards, and multiple overlays that can tighten or relax the base rules. If a use is not listed as permitted or conditional in a district, it is prohibited. All numbers are maximums, not entitlements.

The single most important rule: if a use or activity is not listed as permitted or conditionally permitted in Title 18, it is not allowed (§ 18.02.050).

How Title 18 is organized (map, districts, interpretation)

  • The zoning ordinance consists of a map and a set of regulations covering uses, density, height and bulk, setbacks/open space, site dimensions, screening/landscaping, off‑street parking/loading, and signs (§ 18.02.040). The “Official Zoning Map of the Town of Corte Madera” (August 1994) is part of the ordinance and on file in the Planning Department (§ 18.02.040; § 18.06.020).
  • When district boundaries are unclear, the map’s centerlines, property lines, scaled measurements, and finally a determination by the zoning administrator control (§ 18.06.020).
  • Interpretation: standards are maximums/minimums and are not guaranteed; the stricter rule governs where multiple controls apply; unlisted uses are prohibited (§ 18.02.050).

Base and Overlay Districts recognized by the code

Title 18 recognizes the following districts (§ 18.06.010): R-3, R-2, R-1, R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C, O, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, M, FC, POS, P/SP, W and overlays HLC, BRNH, P-D, CTH, H-P, AHE-A, AHE-B, AHMU, AHO. Overlays supplement the base rules and can be decisive; see Corte Madera Overlay Districts.

District-by-district guidance

R-1 — Medium-Density Residential

  • Purpose/where: Standard single‑family neighborhoods; applies where mapped in the Official Zoning Map (§ 18.08.200; § 18.02.040).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials. Residential uses referenced in mixed-use cross‑list (see MX-1 below).
  • Key dimensional standards (§ 18.08.220):
    • Front setback: 20 ft on lots ≥7,500 sf; 15 ft if <7,500 sf.
    • Side setbacks (permitted uses): 6 ft (≥7,500 sf) or 5 ft (<7,500 sf); corner street side 15 ft or 10 ft respectively. Add 1 ft per 2 ft of building height above 12 ft where the site upslope adjoins the side yard (hillside rule).
    • Rear setback: 25 ft (permitted); 35 ft (conditional).
    • Height: 30 ft (§ 18.08.220(f), measured per § 18.24.060).
    • Coverage: On lots >4,500 sf: 40% building coverage + 2% for certain unenclosed structures ≤10 ft high; no coverage cap if ≤4,500 sf (§ 18.08.220(e)).
    • FAR: Formula‑based, max 0.60 (≤4,600 sf lots) down to 0.40 (≥7,700 sf lots); mid‑range via 0.10×lot area + 2,300, divided by lot area (§ 18.08.220(g)). FAR is a ceiling, not a target; design review can approve less.
    • Rear‑yard accessory allowances: capped percentages and 5‑ft min to property lines (§ 18.08.220(d)).
  • Cross‑controls: All R‑1 is also subject to General Provisions and Exceptions in Chapter 18.24 (§ 18.08.230), and may be modified by special overlays (§ 18.08.200; Chapter 18.18 referenced).

R-1-A — Low-Density Residential

  • Purpose/where: Larger-lot single‑family areas; applies where mapped (§ 18.08.300).
  • Key dimensional standards (§ 18.08.320):
    • Min lot for creation: 20,000 sf; min street frontage 30 ft; min width at front setback 70 ft (§ 18.08.310).
    • Front: 25 ft.
    • Side: 10 ft (permitted); corner street side 20 ft. Hillside side‑yard add‑on applies.
    • Rear: 35 ft (permitted); 45 ft (conditional).
    • Height: 30 ft.
    • Coverage: 25% (§ 18.08.320(e)).
    • FAR: Same formula framework as R‑1 (§ 18.08.320(g)).
  • General provisions: Chapter 18.24 applies (§ 18.08.330).

R-1-B — Very-Low-Density Residential

  • Purpose/where: Very low density single‑family areas; applies where mapped (§ 18.06.010).
  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-1-C — Open Residential

  • Purpose/where: Open residential areas; applies where mapped (§ 18.06.010).
  • Key dimensional standards: A standards section at § 18.08.520 specifies very large setbacks — Front 35 ft, Side 25 ft, Rear 100 ft; Height 30 ft; Coverage “determined in design review” — but the section header in source materials does not label the district. Verify with the jurisdiction that § 18.08.520 applies to R‑1‑C.
  • General provisions: Chapter 18.24 applies (§ 18.08.530).

R-2 — Low-Density Multiple-Dwelling

  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials.

R-3 — High-Density Multiple-Dwelling

  • Purpose/where: Higher‑density multifamily; applies where mapped (§ 18.06.010).
  • Key dimensional standards (§ 18.08.120):
    • Density: 1 unit/4,000 sf net lot area (with rounding rule); senior housing may reach 1/2,000 sf with deed restrictions and as approved via design review.
    • Usable open space: 300 sf/unit (with detailed ground‑level/private/common distribution and minimum dimensions).
    • Front 20 ft; Side 6 ft (permitted)/10 ft (conditional) with 15/20 ft on corner street side; Rear 25/35 ft.
    • Coverage: 35%; Height: 30 ft (§ 18.08.120(f)–(g)).
    • Landscape margins in front/side/rear edges and a required landscape plan (§ 18.08.120(h)).
  • General provisions: Chapter 18.24 applies (§ 18.08.130).

MX-1 — Mixed Use 1

  • Purpose/where: Mixed commercial/residential corridors or centers where mapped.
  • Residential: All uses listed as permitted in § 18.08.020 are allowed, except that in MX districts the following are conditional: single‑family dwellings, multiple dwellings, residential care facilities (18.04.650), group homes ≤6 persons (§ 18.13.020(1)).
  • Nonresidential: A broad array of retail, service, office, recreation, schools/studios, and some specialty uses are permitted or conditional in MX‑1 (P/C) — e.g., grocery stores (P), restaurants ≤4,000 sf (P), larger restaurants (C), hotels/motels (C), emergency shelters (P), co‑working and offices (P) — with asterisks noting uses barred from a “Neighborhood Zone” referenced at § 18.13.155 (§ 18.13.020(2)). Verify any asterisked use near residential edges.
  • Required site standards: Street‑adjoining yards may hold landscaping and site furnishings; service/refuse areas must be fully screened; additional details continue in § 18.13.030.

O — Professional and Administrative Office

  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials.

C-1 — Local Shopping

  • Purpose/where: Neighborhood‑serving commercial.
  • Height: A 30 ft maximum appears in the commercial chapter at § 18.12.135 (district not explicitly named in source materials — Verify which district it governs).
  • Required conditions: See commercial conditions below (§ 18.12.030).

C-2 — Regional Shopping

  • Purpose/where: Regional retail centers.
  • Height: 35 ft (§ 18.12.335; height measurement per § 18.24.060).
  • Required conditions: See commercial conditions below (§ 18.12.030).

C-3 — Highway Commercial

  • Applicability: §§ 18.12.305–18.12.360 govern sites in C‑3 (§ 18.12.305).
  • Specific standards/uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Required conditions: See commercial conditions below (§ 18.12.030).

C-4 — Commercial Service

  • Purpose/where: Service‑oriented and limited outdoor storage commercial.
  • Height: 35 ft (§ 18.12.430).
  • Required conditions: Commercial‑wide standards apply (§ 18.12.030), with added C‑4 open storage allowances subject to full screening and location limits (§ 18.12.030(10)).

M — Light Industrial

  • Purpose/where: Light industrial corridors.
  • Height: 35 ft, but within 500 ft of a residential district the max is 30 ft (§ 18.14.110).
  • Required conditions: Strict performance standards and screening; open storage only within screened areas and outside required yards; no objectionable impacts detectable beyond the site (§ 18.14.040). Signs per Chapter 18.22 (§ 18.14.050); see Corte Madera Signage.

FC — Flood Control and Drainage Facilities

  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials.

POS — Parks, Open Space, and Natural Habitat

  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials.

P/SP — Public and Semi-Public Facilities

  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials.

W — Waterbodies/Waterways

  • Standards/uses: Not found in source materials.

Townwide Commercial Conditions (apply in C-1/C-2/C-3; partial in C-4)

  • Screening of service/refuse; interior operation of business activities (with listed exceptions); exterior lighting shielded and contained; pedestrian walkways; performance standards; landscape irrigation and design; special rules for drive‑throughs; and C‑4‑specific screened storage (§ 18.12.030). Use these with the district’s own standards.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — townwide supplemental rules

  • Applicability/purpose: ADUs and JADUs are processed ministerially with standards designed to avoid unreasonable restrictions (§ 18.31.010).
  • When an ADU permit is NOT required: Several pathways (e.g., conversions, small attached ADUs up to 800 sf and 16 ft tall with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks; certain multifamily scenarios) qualify without a separate ADU permit (§ 18.31.030(a)–(e)); these must still submit building permit materials per § 18.31.030 and § 18.31.050.
  • Setbacks: Side/rear ≥4 ft; special reduction for large lots in R‑1‑A/B/C; no setback for conversions in place (§ 18.31.080(d)).
  • Height: Detached ADUs generally 16 ft, up to 18–20 ft with transit or floodplain conditions; attached ADUs up to 25 ft or primary‑height limit, whichever is lower; over‑garage ADUs up to 25 ft (§ 18.31.080(e)).
  • Size: Up to 850 sf (studio/1‑BR) or 1,000 sf (2‑BR); up to 1,200 sf possible with design review (§ 18.31.080(f)(1)–(2)).
  • Zoning conformance: Non‑exempt ADUs must meet underlying district standards unless modified by § 18.31; statewide exemptions may exceed lot coverage/FAR to reach 800 sf (§ 18.31.080(b), (k)). See Corte Madera ADUs.
  • Additional development standards: Dark‑sky lighting, tree replacement if removed, privacy window/door rules within 15 ft of property lines, grading volume cap, and roof‑pitch matching for over‑garage ADUs (§ 18.31.090).

Most decision‑relevant numbers at a glance

Residential dimensional standards

District Front setback Side setback (perm.) Corner street side Rear setback Height Coverage FAR (if applicable) Code Reference
R-1 20 ft (≥7,500 sf) / 15 ft (<7,500 sf) 6 ft (≥7,500 sf) / 5 ft (<7,500 sf); hillside add‑on may apply 15 ft (≥7,500 sf) / 10 ft (<7,500 sf) 25 ft (perm.) / 35 ft (cond.) 30 ft 40% + 2% unenclosed (lots >4,500 sf); none if ≤4,500 sf 0.60 to 0.40 by lot size formula § 18.08.220; § 18.24.060; § 18.24.080
R-1-A 25 ft 10 ft (perm.) 20 ft 35 ft (perm.) / 45 ft (cond.) 30 ft 25% Same framework as R‑1 § 18.08.320
R-3 20 ft 6 ft (perm.) / 10 ft (cond.) 15 ft (perm.) / 20 ft (cond.) 25 ft (perm.) / 35 ft (cond.) 30 ft 35% Density: 1/4,000 sf (senior up to 1/2,000 sf) § 18.08.120
R-1-C (verify) 35 ft 25 ft 25+ ft (by rule) 100 ft 30 ft By design review Not specified § 18.08.520 (district label not shown in source)

Commercial/industrial height and core site conditions

District/Topic Standard Code Reference
C-1 (verify) 30 ft height (commercial chapter) § 18.12.135 (district not named in source)
C-2 35 ft height § 18.12.335
C-4 35 ft height § 18.12.430
M 35 ft; 30 ft if within 500 ft of a residential district § 18.14.110
Commercial site conditions (C‑1/C‑2/C‑3; C‑4 has added storage rules) Enclosed operations (with listed exceptions), screened service/refuse, shielded lighting, pedestrian links, landscape/irrigation, performance standards; plus screened outdoor storage in C‑4 § 18.12.030

Note: All districts are also subject to General Provisions and Exceptions in Chapter 18.24 (as cross‑referenced in multiple sections).

Practical cross‑checks and related topics

Checklist

  • Identify your base district and any overlays on the Official Zoning Map (§ 18.02.040; § 18.06.020).
  • Confirm your use is permitted or conditional in your district; if unlisted, it is not allowed (§ 18.02.050). For MX‑1, verify P/C status in § 18.13.020.
  • Compute setbacks, height, lot coverage, and FAR exactly as defined for your district (e.g., R‑1 and R‑1‑A formulas and caps) (§ 18.08.220; § 18.08.320; § 18.24.060; § 18.24.080).
  • For multifamily in R‑3, confirm density (1/4,000 sf) and open space (300 sf/unit) and landscape plan needs (§ 18.08.120).
  • For commercial/industrial, apply district height and the commercial site conditions (screening, lighting, enclosed operations) (§ 18.12.030; § 18.12.335; § 18.12.430; § 18.14.040; § 18.14.110).
  • If adding an ADU, pick the correct compliance path (e.g., conversion, 800‑sf ministerial, multifamily), and meet the 4‑ft side/rear setbacks and height limits (§ 18.31.030; § 18.31.080).
  • If near a residential district in M, verify the 500‑ft buffer for the reduced 30‑ft height (§ 18.14.110).
  • Resolve any boundary ambiguity per the map rules or request a zoning administrator determination (§ 18.06.020).
  • Confirm whether Design Review, Parking, or Signage standards apply to your proposal.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
District labeling for § 18.08.520 The section sets unusually large setbacks; district label not shown in source materials Confirm that § 18.08.520 applies to R‑1‑C (Open Residential) and not R‑1‑B
Commercial 30‑ft height at § 18.12.135 Height affects massing; district not named in the provided text Which commercial district(s) § 18.12.135 governs (likely C‑1); apply correct height
MX‑1 asterisked uses and “Neighborhood Zone” Some uses listed as not allowed in Neighborhood Zone Details of § 18.13.155 (not provided); whether your site lies in that Neighborhood Zone
Permitted uses in many base districts Use authorization is binary under § 18.02.050 The permitted/conditional use list for your specific district (R‑1, R‑2, C‑3, etc.)
FAR “net area of land” definition FAR sensitivity to how net lot area is measured The exact method in § 18.04.530 (not provided); ask staff to confirm net area for your parcel
Overlay controls Overlays can override base standards Whether HLC, BRNH, CTH, P‑D, AHE/AHMU/AHO apply on your parcel and their standards
Industrial within 500 ft of residential Triggers a stricter height cap Measure the 500‑ft radius from residential districts in M (§ 18.14.110)
ADU “statewide exemption” vs. local limits Dictates setbacks, size, height, and ministerial status Which ADU path your plan fits under § 18.31.030 and § 18.31.080; privacy window rules (§ 18.31.090)

Plain-English Summary

Corte Madera assigns every property a base zone and sometimes an overlay. In typical R‑1 neighborhoods, front setbacks are 15–20 ft, side yards 5–6 ft (more on hillsides), rears 25–35 ft, height 30 ft, and FAR tops out around 0.4–0.6 depending on lot size. Multifamily areas have density and open‑space minimums, while commercial/industrial zones focus on height caps and strong screening/lighting rules. ADUs get townwide 4‑ft side/rear setbacks with size/height guardrails.

Source References

  • § 18.02.040 (Zoning ordinance contents; Official Zoning Map) — Municode: https://library.municode.com/ca/corte_madera/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT18ZO
  • § 18.06.010 (Districts designated)
  • § 18.06.020 (District boundaries; boundary interpretation)
  • § 18.02.050 (Interpretation; unlisted uses prohibited; stricter rule governs)
  • § 18.08.200; § 18.08.220; § 18.08.230 (R‑1 applicability and standards; general provisions link)
  • § 18.08.300; § 18.08.310; § 18.08.320; § 18.08.330 (R‑1‑A applicability, lot creation, standards; general provisions link)
  • § 18.08.520; § 18.08.530 (Standards for development of all lots; general provisions — district label not shown in source)
  • § 18.08.120; § 18.08.130 (R‑3 standards; general provisions link)
  • § 18.12.030 (Required standards in commercial districts)
  • § 18.12.135 (30‑ft height in commercial chapter — district not named in source)
  • § 18.12.305 (C‑3 applicability)
  • § 18.12.335 (C‑2 height 35 ft)
  • § 18.12.405; § 18.12.430 (C‑4 applicability; height 35 ft)
  • § 18.14.040; § 18.14.050 (M district required conditions; signs by Chapter 18.22)
  • § 18.14.110 (M height 35 ft; 30 ft within 500 ft of residential)
  • § 18.30.030 (Design review guidance; overlays reference)
  • § 18.13.020; § 18.13.030 (Mixed Use permitted/conditional uses; required standards)
  • § 18.31.010; § 18.31.020; § 18.31.030; § 18.31.035; § 18.31.080; § 18.31.090 (ADU purpose, definitions, permit pathways, development standards)

Sources

Source passages

  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.02.040) High relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.13.020) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.12.335) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.30.030) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.31.080) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.06.020) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.08.220) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.08.230) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.12.360) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.12.430) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.14.110) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.31.010) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.08.200) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.12.135) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.08.520) Medium relevance
  • Corte Madera Zoning Code (§ 18.08.120) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Corte Madera?

R‑1 lots must observe front setbacks of 15–20 ft (lot size dependent), side yards of 5–6 ft (with hillside add‑ons in some cases), a 25‑ft minimum rear setback (35 ft if the use is conditional), a 30‑ft height cap, coverage limits, and a formula‑based FAR ceiling between 0.40 and 0.60 (§ 18.08.220). Uses not listed as permitted/conditional are not allowed (§ 18.02.050).

How is FAR calculated for single-family homes in Corte Madera?

In R‑1 and R‑1‑A, FAR equals the gross floor area (as itemized in the code) divided by the net lot area; the maximum ranges from 0.60 on the smallest lots to 0.40 on larger lots, with a formula for mid‑sized parcels (§ 18.08.220(g); § 18.08.320(g)). FAR is a cap, not an entitlement, and [design review] can approve less.

What are the R-3 multifamily standards?

R‑3 allows one dwelling unit per 4,000 sf of net lot area (senior housing can go to one per 2,000 sf with deed restrictions), requires 300 sf of usable open space per unit, and sets 20‑ft front, 6/10‑ft side, and 25/35‑ft rear setbacks, 35% lot coverage, and a 30‑ft height limit (§ 18.08.120).

What is the height limit in Corte Madera’s commercial and industrial zones?

C‑2 and C‑4 cap height at 35 ft (§ 18.12.335; § 18.12.430). The M district allows 35 ft generally but only 30 ft if within 500 ft of a residential district (§ 18.14.110). A 30‑ft cap appears elsewhere in the commercial chapter (§ 18.12.135), but the district is not named in the source materials; verify applicability.

Are ADUs allowed and what are their setbacks?

Yes. Many ADUs are ministerially allowed. Side and rear setbacks are at least 4 ft, with special allowances for conversions and small attached units; heights range from 16–25 ft depending on configuration and context (§ 18.31.030; § 18.31.080). Some ADUs can exceed local lot coverage/FAR to reach 800 sf (§ 18.31.080(k)).

What screening and lighting rules apply to commercial projects?

Commercial districts require screening of service/refuse areas, enclosed operations (with specific exceptions), and fully shielded lighting contained on‑site; pedestrian linkages and landscape/irrigation are also required (§ 18.12.030). In C‑4, open storage is allowed only in fully screened areas and outside required yards (§ 18.12.030(10)).

How do I resolve a disputed zoning boundary on my property?

Use the rules in § 18.06.020: centerlines control along streets; property lines control where lines coincide; otherwise, scale the Official Zoning Map. If uncertainty remains, the zoning administrator determines the boundary considering the map and Title 18’s objectives (§ 18.06.020).

Do hillside conditions change my side yard setbacks?

Yes. In R‑1 and R‑1‑A, if the site has ≥10% side slope adjacent to the structure and the lot sits higher than the neighbor, add 1 ft to the interior side yard for each 2 ft of building height above the lowest 12 ft on that elevation (§ 18.08.220(b)(3); § 18.08.320(b)(2)).

What rules apply in the Mixed Use district (MX-1)?

MX‑1 allows a broad list of retail/service/office uses (many by right), and treats residential uses as conditional in several cases (e.g., single‑family, multifamily, small group homes) (§ 18.13.020). Some uses marked with an asterisk are barred from a Neighborhood Zone referenced at § 18.13.155; verify whether your site is in that sub‑area.

Where can I find the official zoning for my parcel?

On the “Official Zoning Map of the Town of Corte Madera” (August 1994), which is incorporated into the code and on file with the Planning Department (§ 18.02.040; § 18.06.020).

General information, not legal advice.

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