Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Planning staff seeks input on draft enhanced public‑noticing policy; commission requests clearer signs and wider outreach
Summary
Planning staff proposed a draft enhanced public‑noticing policy on July 8 that would add on‑site signage for many larger projects; the Planning Commission provided detailed feedback and asked staff to return with a revised policy.
Planning staff presented a draft enhanced public‑noticing policy to the Corte Madera Planning Commission on July 8, seeking commission feedback. No formal action was taken; staff said it will incorporate the feedback and return a revised policy at a future meeting.
The draft policy establishes a five‑tier matrix of projects and corresponding notice practices. Key proposals discussed include:
- Tier 2 (major design review: new commercial buildings or residential developments of five or more units): require a large on‑site sign posted within 30 days of application submission. The draft specifies a large sign ranging from 4 feet by 6 feet up to 6 feet by 8 feet and a durable material (DIABOND) to withstand weather and long posting durations.
- Tier 3 (major design review for smaller projects: new single‑family residences, residential developments of four or fewer units, or substantial alterations): require a small on‑site sign (draft 11"x17") posted at the time story poles are installed (14 days prior to public hearing). Mail notices to properties within 300 feet and required town posting would continue.
Staff noted the approach mirrors elements used by neighboring jurisdictions such as Novato and San Rafael; staff also tested a 4'x6' prototype sign during the 240 Tamal Vista project and found tradeoffs between durability, readability and cost.
Commissioners gave detailed feedback. Common themes included increasing sign readability (larger fonts, simpler graphics, larger QR codes), adding renderings or clear street‑level images where feasible, placing multiple signs where projects have multiple frontages, and using additional town channels (town hall displays, dedicated web links, social media, Nextdoor and periodic newsletter posts) to reach residents. Several commissioners suggested staff consider a larger mailing radius (for major projects staff noted they have previously used a 500‑foot radius even when code requires 300 feet). Commissioners also suggested translation of notices if census or school‑district data indicate a high proportion of non‑English speakers; staff noted translation thresholds and the current local language breakdown do not yet trigger broad translation requirements.
Claire Smith and planner Martha led the staff presentation and requested input on sign sizes, applicable project types, sign content and additional public engagement strategies. They said the draft policy is intended to be a flexible staff guideline (not a code amendment) so it can be adjusted as the town’s experience grows. Staff will use the commission’s feedback to prepare a revised policy for a future hearing.
