On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 5:30pm, Corte Madera Planning staff held a public workshop for residents in neighborhoods located in the FEMA Special Hazard Flood Zone (Marina Village, Mariner Cove, portions of Marin Estates, and Madera Gardens) to review and discuss possible changes to the Design Review regulations for residential projects that raise the finished floor of the home above Base Flood Elevation in compliance with FEMA regulations (ie, a “FEMA Lift project”).
The recording of the workshop can be accessed HERE.
Town staff and the Planning Commission are in the process of reviewing and updating the Town’s Design Review regulations to improve their clarity and user-friendliness. One regulation that staff is examining relates to FEMA Lift projects. Existing Design Review regulations often require that a FEMA Lift project obtain Design Review approval prior to building permit. Design Review can introduce additional time, cost, and a level of uncertainty for property owners. Town staff is in the process of modifying this regulation to exempt a FEMA Lift project from Design Review. Additional objective design standards would also be implemented to minimize potential privacy impacts of a FEMA Lift project on neighboring properties and to ensure appropriate exterior design for a taller home.
Engaging the residents in all of the Town’s flood zone neighborhoods in this process is crucial for gathering input, addressing concerns, and ensuring that any proposed changes or updates to the regulations reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to staff related to potential changes to Design Review regulations. The feedback received at the workshop will be taken into consideration in preparation of a zoning ordinance amendment application. There will be additional meetings in the coming months at the Planning Commission and Town Council. No formal action is being taken at this workshop.
How to attend, participate and provide comment at the Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Flood Zone Neighborhood workshop:
The workshop will be held via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88979560028
If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Division at (415) 927-5064. More information can also be found at the Design Review project webpage.
Please note that this event is being held through Corte Madera’s Planning Department.