Restaurants, fitness studios, and food trucks could all find it easier to set up shop in Corte Madera under a broad commercial zoning rewrite that the Planning Commission reviewed for a second time on Tuesday, July 14.

The commission held its second study session on the Commercial Code Modernization project at Town Hall, 300 Tamalpais Drive, reviewing a draft that would simplify land-use rules across the town's four commercial districts (C-1 through C-4) and its mixed-use district (MX-1). Martha Battaglia, the town's principal planner, is leading the project alongside consultant Martha Miller of Miller Planning Associates.

The overhaul has five main pieces, according to the town's July 14 presentation:

Fewer permits for common businesses. Restaurants, banks, and hotels would be allowed by right in all commercial and mixed-use districts, eliminating the need for a Conditional Use Permit. Indoor fitness studios would be permitted by right in the C-1 district, and cinemas in C-1, C-2, C-3, and MX zones.

Outdoor uses get a framework. Outdoor dining, fitness classes, and produce displays would be formally allowed with standards governing noise, hours, and access. A Conditional Use Permit would still apply if outdoor dining sits within 50 feet of a residential district, and parking would be required for outdoor dining areas larger than 500 square feet.

Parking rules loosened. The draft would allow shared parking and reduce minimum requirements, though specific ratios were not detailed in the presentation.

Temporary events on private property. New regulations would govern special events like pop-ups and fundraisers on commercial lots.

Food trucks on public land. Mobile vendors would be allowed in town parks and the public right-of-way, subject to requirements including $1 million in liability insurance, a current town business license, and responsibility for trash removal. Sales of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis would be prohibited.

Community feedback gathered at two public workshops on June 24 and June 25 surfaced concerns that food truck locations could hurt brick-and-mortar businesses, that outdoor music could create noise problems, and that a proposed 10% motorcycle parking requirement seemed too high, according to the July 14 presentation.

The presentation described the current code as "outdated, inflexible, and complex," noting that "vague, confusing procedures frustrate investors and community members."

The code rewrite is part of a broader push to strengthen Corte Madera's commercial base. On June 17, the Town Council voted unanimously to spend up to $145,000 on a separate economic development plan. Amy Lyle, the town's director of community development, said at that meeting that the plan focuses on "urban design and place-making as a strategy for economic development."

The tentative timeline calls for a Planning Commission public hearing on Tuesday, August 11; Town Council hearings on September 1 and September 15; and an ordinance effective date of October 15. All dates are listed as tentative. Residents can sign up for project updates or submit comments at cortemadera.gov/1360 or by contacting the Planning Division at [email protected].