Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The County of Marin has met its obligation regarding recent amendments to the primary planning document for Marin County’s unincorporated areas, according to a May 21 ruling by Marin County Superior Court in Corcoran vs. County of Marin.
To do so, the County successfully amended language in its housing plans concerning the interplay between differing provisions within the Marin Countywide Plan (CWP) and a chapter known as the Housing Element.
Prompted by the legal challenge, the Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution March 4 to clarify language and accept amendments to the CWP’s Housing Element. Court-ordered clarifications came after staff from the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) worked with petitioner Bruce Corcoran to suggest replacement language for the disputed sections of the Housing Element. The Planning Commission then crafted amendments that complied with the court order, recognized the value of existing community plans, and reflected the requirements of state housing law.
Initially, CWP updates were approved by the Board in January 2023 and by the State Department of Housing and Community Development in June 2023, but the petitioner filed a lawsuit to force the County to revise a handful of clauses in the 764-page document. The court required removal of specific language in the Housing Element and other parts of the CWP.
Unless the petitioner appeals, the May 21 Court ruling will conclude the case.
Learn more on CDA’s webpage about plans, policies, and regulations on land development.