Commission recommends sweeping commercial code updates, including sidewalk‑vending and microbusiness rules

The Corte Madera Planning Commission on Aug. 11 recommended that the town council adopt broad amendments to Title 18 (zoning) and Title 12 (streets and sidewalks) to modernize commercial regulations, add explicit rules for sidewalk vending and microbusinesses, and implement several housing‑element programs.

Principal Planner Martha Pataglia and consultant Martha Miller told commissioners the package reorganizes land‑use classifications, clarifies permitted and conditional uses in commercial districts, and adds tailored provisions for outdoor dining, outdoor display and outdoor fitness. "The project is intended to create a more effective, flexible, and user‑friendly regulatory framework that reflects contemporary business types and development practices," staff said. The draft also includes temporary‑use tiers, updated parking ratios (standardizing to roughly 1 space per 250 sq ft for many nonresidential uses), allowances for shared parking and a two‑wheel substitution of up to 10% of required automobile parking. Staff said the ordinance is exempt from CEQA and that the draft implements certain housing element programs including an SRO definition and selective rezones such as 2 Tamalpais Drive from R‑2 to C‑1.

After substantial public comment—ranging from local restaurateurs who called food trucks "unfair competition" to entrepreneurs and neighborhood supporters who urged microbusiness opportunities—the commission included two explicit edits before forwarding the package: add one canopy tree per 10 parking spaces (15‑gallon minimum) and require a conditional‑use permit for any microbusiness at Menke Park to allow public notice and a closer review of compatibility. The commission's recommendation now goes to the town council for final action.