Corte Madera · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Corte Madera?
In Corte Madera, a child care center is needs a conditional use permit (chapter 18.26) in 3 (R-2, R-3 and P/SP) (Corte Madera use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-2, R-3 and P/SP
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Corte Madera Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a child care center can go
Corte Madera's code calls this use “(5) Day care center (residential); public or private day care centers (P/SP)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-2 Multiple Dwelling (table column 'R-3 and R-2') | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 18.26) | § 18.08.020 |
| R-3 Multiple Dwelling (table column 'R-3 and R-2') | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 18.26) | § 18.08.020 |
| P/SP Public and Semipublic Facilities | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 18.26) | § 18.16.310 |
What else applies
- MX-1 left out: the row 'Schools - private for children (i.e. nursery, preschools, day or after school care ...)' is P, while 18.13.020(1)(b) makes the residential conditional 'Day care center' conditional in MX-1; the two conflict. Small and large family day care homes are a separate residential use.
- State law: A licensed family child care home in a house is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1597.45); this page covers child care centers only.
- Not covered here: Zones whose chapter is not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Corte Madera
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the R-2 zone in Corte Madera?
Only with a conditional use permit (chapter 18.26). Corte Madera's use table lists it that way in R-2 (Multiple Dwelling (table column 'R-3 and R-2')) (§ 18.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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