Belvedere is taking big steps to tackle California’s housing crisis by changing zoning rules. Homeowners will find it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) now.
The Belvedere Planning Commission just approved updates to the city’s zoning code. These changes meet state mandates that require Belvedere to make room for 160 more residences by 2031.
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It feels like a practical way to boost housing density in one of Marin County‘s most exclusive communities. At the same time, the city aims to protect its character and help residents with different housing needs.
Why ADUs Matter in Marin County’s Housing Landscape
All over Marin County, from Mill Valley to San Rafael, people are wrestling with how to add more housing without losing what makes their towns special. In Belvedere, ADUs have started to look like a really appealing answer.
Commissioner Jena Watson pointed out that these secondary units have become a regular part of major home renovations. It’s not just a trend—it’s a shift in how people think about their homes.
“ADUs represent an easy opportunity for residents to add square footage while simultaneously contributing to the city’s housing requirements,” Watson said at the meeting. That matches what’s happening in places like Tiburon and Sausalito, where more homeowners see ADUs as a smart investment.
Benefits Beyond Basic Housing Numbers
Belvedere’s 2025 housing element points out a few big upsides of ADUs besides just meeting state targets. These units help seniors stay in the community they love, even if they’re ready to downsize.
Plenty of Belvedere and Corte Madera residents use ADUs to house extended family, caregivers, or staff. It’s a flexible option that seems to work for a lot of people.
The city has already approved 30 ADUs since 2018. They expect to approve 32 more by 2031, so momentum is definitely building.
Key Changes to Belvedere’s ADU Regulations
Planning Director Rebecca Markwick laid out a full rewrite of the zoning code’s ADU section. The new rules mostly follow state language, but there are two big exceptions made for Belvedere’s unique landscape:
These exceptions make sense given Belvedere’s steep hills and crowded lots. By removing some barriers, the city hopes more homeowners will actually build ADUs.
Other hillside communities, like Novato and parts of San Anselmo, have seen success with similar strategies. Maybe Belvedere will too.
Balancing Concerns with Compliance
Not all commissioners felt entirely comfortable with every part of the new regulations. Some voiced concerns about how the changes might affect neighbors’ views and privacy—definitely a big deal in a place like Belvedere, where million-dollar views are kind of the norm.
Others wondered if developers would start building small housing complexes by adding ADUs. That possibility left a few folks uneasy.
Even with these worries, the commission approved the zoning changes without making any amendments. Commissioner Don Schinske called it an “overriding consideration” to comply with state requirements, a feeling that planning officials across Marin County—from Ross to Kentfield—seem to share.
Here is the source article for this story: Belvedere commission approves ADU-friendly zoning changes
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