Corte Madera · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Corte Madera?
In Corte Madera, a single-family home is allowed in 6 base zones (R-2, R-3, R-1, R-1-A, R-1-B and 1 more) and needs a conditional use in 1 (MX-1, it with a condition) (Corte Madera use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-3, R-1, R-1-A, R-1-B and R-1-C
- Needs a permit: MX-1
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 single-family home can go
Corte Madera's code calls this use “(1) Single-family dwellings”. 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') | Allowed | § 18.08.020 |
| R-3 Multiple Dwelling (table column 'R-3 and R-2') | Allowed | § 18.08.020 |
| R-1 Medium Density | Allowed | § 18.08.020 |
| R-1-A Low Density | Allowed | § 18.08.020 |
| R-1-B Very Low Density | Allowed | § 18.08.020 |
| R-1-C Open Residential | Allowed | § 18.08.020 |
| MX-1 Mixed Use 1 | Needs a conditional use — see note Note text: All uses in Section 18.08.020 listed in the Permitted Uses Tables shall be permitted, except that the following uses shall be conditionally permitted: Single-family dwellings ... | § 18.13.020 |
What else applies
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- 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 single-family home in the MX-1 zone in Corte Madera?
Only with a conditional use. Corte Madera's use table lists it that way in MX-1 (Mixed Use 1) (§ 18.13.020). The code adds a condition: “All uses in Section 18.08.020 listed in the Permitted Uses Tables shall be permitted, except that the following uses shall be conditionally permitted: Single-family dwellings ...”
Can I have a single-family home in the R-2 zone in Corte Madera?
Yes. Corte Madera's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (Multiple Dwelling (table column 'R-3 and R-2')) (§ 18.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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