The Corte Madera Town Council has approved updates to its housing ordinance to facilitate the development of new accessory dwelling units.
The revisions are intended to align the municipal code with state laws that have either taken effect or will take effect by 2025. The move implements a large increase in the allowable number of detached ADUs on properties with multifamily dwellings.
The vote was 3-0. Councilmember Eli Beckman recused himself on the grounds that his business builds accessory dwelling units. Mayor Pat Ravasio recused herself on the grounds that she is building an ADU on her property.
The item will return for a second reading and go into effect 30 days later.
Officials said the actions were required for the town to remain in conformance with state law, but urged potential developers to plan new ADUs carefully.
“I think there are a lot of factors in this. By approving it it doesn’t guarantee that risky construction will take place,” said Vice Mayor Rosa Thomas.
The key change increases the number of ADUs allowed on a property with multifamily housing from two to eight. The number of ADUs cannot be more than the number of apartments on the lot, and they must comply with specific development standards.
“This is really a key for housing production, not just for Corte Madera, but for the state,” said Amy Lyle, the town’s community development director.
The changes will also increase the height allowance of ADUs when they meet certain conditions, such as being above a garage or a half-mile from a major transit stop. The changes will also limit restrictions on front setbacks.
The new ordinance will expedite approvals. State law directs municipalities to ministerially approve proposed ADUs that meet the standards of 800 square feet and 16 feet tall with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
“We do want to adopt the state law changes to preserve what local control we have in this area,” said Amy Ackerman, the town attorney.
The revised ADU rules also remove the limit on a maximum number of bedrooms and allow a junior accessory dwelling unit to be created from a covered garage.
The town has permitted 63 accessory dwelling units since 2020, according to a staff report. Four remain under review.
The ADUs that have been approved range from 182 square feet to 1,200 square feet. Approved junior ADUs range from 162 square feet to 497 square feet.
Town staff has identified ADUs as a key strategy to hit housing target numbers for moderate- and low-income households. The town anticipates that 100 ADUs will be developed over the eight-year planning cycle that ends in 2031.
The state has mandated that Corte Madera allow 725 new residences during the planning period while also “affirmatively furthering fair housing.” Of those, 213 residences must be designated for very-low-income households and 123 must be offered at low-income rates. Another 108 homes need to be for moderate-income households, and 281 need to be for above-moderate-income residents.
