Home > Local Rules > Corte Madera

Local ADU Rules

Corte Madera

Last Updated May 21, 2025

ADU Contact:

Martha Battaglia mbattaglia@cortemadera.gov

Standards	Details
Zones allowed	All residential and mixed-use zones with limited exceptions.
Lot Restrictions	Lot Coverage: An ADU may exceed standards for lot coverage, but the ADU is limited to a maximum size of 800 square feet Restrictions: Number of ADUs is limited in Christmas Tree Hill Overlay district.
Minimum Lot Size	None.
Min/Max ADU Size	Minimum: 150 square feet (minimum permitted by building code at time of application) Maximum: 800 square feet if the ADU exceeds standards related to lot coverage, floor area ratio, or reduces side or rear yard setbacks 850 square feet for studio/one bedroom 1000 square feet for more than one bedroom (may exceed up to 1200 square feet if approved through Design Review process) JADUs Maximum: 500 square feet. One detached ADU and one JADU allowed on each single-family property. Also allowed on multifamily properties under state law. Maximum of 2 bedrooms.
ADU Building Height	Up to 16 feet and one story. If 50% or more of ADU is above an existing or proposed garage, the total combined structure up to 25 feet.
Setbacks	None for conversions of existing living area or structure. 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new construction. When a side yard or rear yard setback is reduced, the ADU is limited to a maximum size of 800 sf. Side and rear setbacks must meet fire safety requirements.
Parking Requirements	One parking space per ADU unless 1) within ½ mile of transit, historic district or car share, 2) located within an existing structure, or 3) created by converting or demolishing garage or carport, then none required. Tandem parking and parking in setbacks are both allowed.
Owner Occupancy	Not required for ADU or primary residence. Required for JADU.
Sample fees from recent permits	Example 1: 1,186 sf detached ADU New construction Total: $13,690 (does not include water or school district fees) Example 2: 484 sf detached ADU Conversion of existing living space over garage Total: $3,658 (does not include water or school district fees) *Fees are specific to each project and will vary. Fees change regularly. These are provided as examples only.
Other requirements	Exterior Lighting: must be dark sky compliant and/or have a BUG rating of B5, U0 and G5 or less, with a color temp of 3500K or lower (warm not cool). Filaments, light sources or lenses must be shielded with opaque materials and not visible at property lines. Fire Sprinklers: needed if required for primary residence. Grading: not to exceed 50% of the volume of the structure, not including areas above the height of the perimeter walls, such attic spaces of a pitch roof. Landscaping: any tree removed over 30 inches in circumference must be replaced by a box tree at least 24 inches, unless the Fire Marshal determines not consistent with vegetation management standards. Windows: must be at least 6.5 feet above floor height if facing adjoining property and located within 15 feet of the shared property line. Rental restriction: an ADU shall not be rented for less than 30 consecutive days.
Process	ADU Permit not required for JADUs, ADUs within existing structures, or detached ADUs 800 sf or less; only a Building Permit needed. Attached ADUs or detached ADU more than 800 sf are processed through a ministerial approval process with an application fee of $850. Disclaimer: standards and process may vary. Consultation with the contact is recommended before starting any project.
Exceptions	No setback is required for: An existing living area or accessory structure that is fully or partially converted to an ADU. A structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing living area or accessory structure that is fully or partially converted to an ADU.

Wondering what you can build?

Make sure you check out our Learning the Rules page for more step-by-step details