Corte Madera extends outdoor commerce program

Corte Madera has again extended its outdoor dining and business program as town leaders consider a longer-term ordinance.

The Town Council voted unanimously on Nov. 15 to keep its outdoor dining and business ordinance in place through March 31.

The town hopes to adopt longer-term regulations in the next year, said Adam Wolff, the town manager. The extension will allow town staff to solicit further guidance from the public and the council.

"The interest in eating outdoors, exercising outdoors, is something that continues to be present with the preference of the customers," Wolff said.

The town staff originally proposed a one-year extension from the current urgency ordinance. Due to concerns brought up by residents, the town limited the extension to make modifications to another urgency ordinance expected to be approved before March 31. The town still plans to come with a new, longer-term plan before the end of the year.

The town initially adopted an urgency ordinance on June 9, 2020, establishing a temporary permit and approval process to allow outdoor use of public and private areas. It was set to end Nov. 16, 2020.

The ordinance was extended to Nov. 16, 2021, and again until Dec. 31, 2022.

The town initially had temporary parklet permits for six businesses and temporary outdoor use permits for businesses expanding on their property for five businesses. Only four businesses are using the permits now, Wolff said.

Martha Battaglia, a town planner, said the staff is soliciting guidance from the council in order to frame the process for establishing a longer-term program. The issues include eligibility and location, size requirements and design standards.

The town is seeking to limit the plan to the downtown area known as Old Corte Madera Square. The size of the outdoor offerings might be limited to two parking spaces or the length of business frontage, Battaglia said.

The town also will have design standards as well as a possible agreement term of two years with fees. Officials are also considering prohibitions related to certain parking spots, amenities and advertising.

The town also might consider amendments to its zoning code to allow special rules for the outdoor use of gyms. There are concerns regulated to noise and lighting impacts, Wolff said.

Public commenters largely voiced their support for the program.

"I'm spending a lot of money just going to one establishment after the other," said Cecilia Nunez of Greenbrae.

Some expressed concerns.

Megera Becucci, owner of the Megera De Soleil tanning salon, said her business was closed for 11 months during the pandemic. She had concerns about parking and the location of parklets.

"In particular, my business, my customers have conveyed a lack of privacy now," she said.

Town Council members acknowledged the concerns and said they hope to address them.

"There are businesses in Corte Madera that have competing needs," said Councilmember Eli Beckman. "There are some businesses that are harmed to some extent by extending it and there are businesses that are harmed to some extent by not extending it."

Councilmembers noted that the time period would allow them to address public concerns.

Ultimately, Wolff said, the town could find a "reasonable compromise."

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