Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Court-ordered clarifications were finalized March 4 to the primary planning document for the Marin County’s unincorporated areas.
Updates to the Marin Countywide Plan (CWP) were approved by the Board of Supervisors in January 2023 and by the State Department of Housing and Community Development in June 2023, but a lawsuit was filed in Marin County Superior Court that requires the County to revise a handful of clauses in the 764-page document no later than March 12.
The March 4 updates, authored by the Marin County Planning Commission, comply with the court’s order. At issue was CWP language that superseded language in the community plans for some established unincorporated neighborhoods.
The court required removal of specific language in the Housing Element and other parts of the CWP, but to stay legally compliant the amendments need to include replacement language indicating how the County will promote expansion of housing options in all unincorporated communities.
The County will now submit the changes to the Marin County Superior Court, and the revised language will be provided to HCD for final review of Housing Element compliance. An approved Housing Element is needed for the County to maintain local control over development approvals and to be eligible for many forms of funding from the state.
In October 2024, the Board heard public comment on the matter and asked for an extension on a court deadline to make CWP amendments. The court granted extra time, and over the past few months, CDA staff coordinated with petitioner Bruce Corcoran to develop alternative replacement language for the disputed sections. The Planning Commission considered the options before them and crafted recommended amendments that aim to comply with the court order, recognize the value of existing community plans, and reflect the requirements of state housing law.
Board of Supervisors President Mary Sackett thanked the public for its comments and the Planning Commission for its hard work and dedication in drafting an option that aligned with Board goals to:
- satisfy the court order;
- acknowledge the value of community plans, and;
- maintain Housing Element certification.
Learn more on CDA’s webpage about plans, policies, and regulations on land development.