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Council introduces ordinance easing deck and lot‑coverage rules for elevated homes along Golden Hind Passage
Summary
The town council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance that would let homeowners who raise homes above base flood elevation increase lot coverage for uncovered decks and treat 3–5‑foot rear decks like lower decks along Golden Hind Passage; staff and the applicant said the change responds to frequent tidal flooding.
The Corte Madera Town Council on June 3 introduced an ordinance to ease zoning limits on rear‑yard decks for homeowners who raise homes above base flood elevation, and to increase lot‑coverage allowances for elevated homes in the flood zone.
Planning staff said the amendment responds to recurring tidal flooding on Golden Hind Passage and other low‑lying bayfront lots. Tracy (planning staff) told the council that raising a finished floor often forces homeowners to build decks or stairs more than 3 feet above grade, which currently counts toward lot coverage and triggers stricter setback limits. "Raising a home above base flood elevation often elevates the home somewhere between 2 and 5 feet, and new stairs and decks are often more than 3 feet in height," Tracy said.
Under the draft…
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