Corte Madera · Zoning · C-1
Corte Madera C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Corte Madera's C-1 zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft tall and the front setback is 10 ft (Corte Madera code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (Except as set by Section 18.12.040, subsection (1).)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (Except as set by Section 18.12.040, subsection (2).)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 34% (Of net site area; floor area for required parking is not counted.)
C-1 (Local Shopping District) is a zoning district in Corte Madera. Every value below was read from the Corte Madera Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in C-1
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 30 ft § 18.12.135 · code textNo structure shall exceed thirty feet in height, as defined in Section 18.24.060. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 18.12.115 · code textThe minimum front yard shall be ten feet, with the following exceptions: |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Except as set by Section 18.12.040, subsection (1). § 18.12.120 · code textNo side yards shall be required except as prescribed in subsection (1) of Section 18.12.040. |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: Except as set by Section 18.12.040, subsection (2). § 18.12.125 · code textNo rear yard shall be required except as prescribed in subsection (2) of Section 18.12.040. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 34% Applies: Of net site area; floor area for required parking is not counted. § 18.12.130 · code textGross floor area shall not exceed thirty-four percent of the net site area, exclusive of the floor area devoted to required parking. |
Uses in C-1
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 18.26)
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-1:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Site abutting property in a residential district with frontage on the same street § 18.12.115
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Front property line across a street from property in a residential district § 18.12.115
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, density limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Corte Madera Municipal Code.
Other Corte Madera zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Corte Madera's C-1 zone?
30 ft — Corte Madera Municipal Code § 18.12.135.
What is the minimum front setback in Corte Madera's C-1 zone?
10 ft — Corte Madera Municipal Code § 18.12.115.
What is the minimum side setback in Corte Madera's C-1 zone?
None required (except as set by Section 18.12.040, subsection (1)) — Corte Madera Municipal Code § 18.12.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Corte Madera's C-1 zone?
None required (except as set by Section 18.12.040, subsection (2)) — Corte Madera Municipal Code § 18.12.125.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Corte Madera's C-1 zone?
34% (of net site area; floor area for required parking is not counted) — Corte Madera Municipal Code § 18.12.130.
General information, not legal advice.
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