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1. What are the allowed construction hours?

Corte Madera Construction Hours Per CMMC 9.36.030(c) 

• Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm 
• Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm 

Design Review restrictions may supersede (If the project underwent a Design Review, hours of construction are likely further limited.) 

CMMC 9.36.030 - Specific maximum noise levels. (c) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to construction or demolition work performed during the following times: Monday through Fridays from seven a.m. to five p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from ten a.m. to five p.m.; provided, that all powered construction equipment is equipped with intake and exhaust mufflers recommended by the manufacturers thereof; and provided, further, pavement breakers and jackhammers shall also be equipped with acoustical attenuating shields or shrouds recommended by the manufacturers thereof. In lieu of or in the absence of manufacturer's recommendations, the town engineer shall have the authority to prescribe such means of accomplishing maximum noise attenuation as he deems to be in the public interest, considering the available technology and economic feasibility.

2. Can I access information about approved construction projects?

Links to each of the Town of Corte Madera's current approved projects (private development projects and Town-wide projects) are on the Town’s website. Simply go to https://www.townofcortemadera.org/657/Approved-Projects and the links on that page will take you to a detailed archive of public hearings, agenda items and project submittals received to date for each project.  For more information or questions regarding any of these items, please contact the Planning Division of the Department of Community Development via phone at 415-927-5064, via email at PLCounter@tcmmail.org or via mail to Town Hall, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925.  

3. How do I get a building permit?

The Building Department reviews building permit applications and plans for compliance with State and local building codes including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency. The department also provides inspection and code enforcement services for all building-related construction.

• Please contact the office at buildingpermit@tcmmail.org to determine whether or not your project qualifies for an over-the-counter review. (An example of a residential kitchen or bathroom remodel project that does not qualify for an over-the-counter review would be if the property is located in a Flood Zone)
• To get a general overview of the building permit application plan review process, please click here.  
• To download an application for a building permit, click here.

4. When is the design review process required?

Planning and Building Staff will determine if the project is considered a major or minor design review based on the following:

• A Major Design Review will be considered if the Zoning Administrator refers to a Planning Commission any Minor Design Review project that involves a significant policy question or substantial public controversy. New residential or commercial structures, additions, second story additions, and changes to the Master Sign Program are all examples of potential projects that may be considered for Major Design Review. To view the Major Design Review checklist, please click here. 
• A Minor Design Review will be considered if the project is a project that typically does not involve a public controversy or a significant policy question. Examples of these projects include, but are not exclusive, smaller additions to a main structure equal to or greater than 250 square feet and equal to or greater than 15 feet in height, fences, walls, hedges, signs, and specific swimming pool requirements. To view the Minor Design Review checklist, please click here.
• Examples of certain uses that have no Design Review: If an addition to a structure is less than 250 square feet and under 15 feet in height, no Design Review is necessary. For an Accessory Dwelling Unit less than 120 square feet and under 10 feet in height it will not require Design Review. No Design Review is also applicable for fences, walls and hedges under 4 feet in height along the front setback and under 6 feet in height along the rear and side setbacks. Signs conforming to a Master Sign Program and signs exempted in Section 18.22.030 do not need Design Review.

5. What are the department hours?

General Public Hours
Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM 
Fridays from  8:30 AM to 12 PM

One Stop Shop 
Thursday morning walk-ins should be for over the counter building permits and over the counter plan review with the Building Department. 

6. Do I need a permit for this?

The Building Department reviews building permit applications and plans for compliance with State and local building codes including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency. The department also provides inspection and code enforcement services for all building related construction.

• Please contact the Building Department to determine whether or not your project qualifies for an over-the-counter review. (An example of a residential kitchen or bathroom remodel project that does not qualify for an over-the-counter review would be if the property is located in a Flood Zone)

7. How can I schedule an inspection?

• Inspections must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Please call (415) 927-5062 to schedule an inspection.
• Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday in the mornings from 9 a.m. to Noon and in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Inspections are not offered on Fridays, or outside of the above hours.
• Inspections are limited to first come, first served. Please call with advance notice to make the schedule.