Corte Madera planners review preliminary designs for two hillside homes and ADUs on Metasuite Drive

The Corte Madera Planning Commission held a study session to review preliminary plans for two single‑family residences and associated accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on Lots 2 and 3 near the intersection of Metasuite Drive and Casa Buena Drive. Planning staff emphasized that the meeting was for feedback only and that no formal action would be taken.

Tracy (planning staff) told the commission, “This study session is for preliminary guidance to the applicant as they further refine their plans and prior to any formal hearing,” and summarized the project and zoning basics. The parcels are zoned R1A (low‑density residential); Lot 2 has a reported net area of 21,825 square feet and Lot 3 just over 20,000 square feet after excluding roadway easements. The applicants propose a three‑story main house and a detached 1,200‑square‑foot ADU on Lot 2 and a four‑level house with a 500‑square‑foot junior ADU on Lot 3. Proposed maximum building heights are listed at 29 feet 9 inches (Lot 2) and 28 feet 11 inches (Lot 3), under the town maximum of 30 feet.

The staff presentation and applicant materials included development standards and floor‑area numbers: Lot 2 total floor area (including the 1,200‑ft2 detached ADU) was shown as 6,431 square feet (5,231 ft2 excluding the ADU); Lot 3’s calculated floor area that counts toward FAR was described as 3,891 square feet with…