Corte Madera, Cal., Code of Ordinances ch. 5.30 § 5.30.040
Redress
Operative Text
(a) A person whose rights have been violated under this chapter may not commence a civil action to enforce those rights unless he or she has first offered to mediate the controversy. The complainant's obligations under this section shall be met if the complainant (1) offers to mediate the controversy under the auspices of Marin County Mediation Services, Fair Housing of Marin, or any free mediation service that the town may establish for this purpose in the future, and (2) mediates in good faith. The complainant's obligations under this section shall be deemed satisfied if the opposing party does not agree to mediation within fourteen days after being requested to mediate, or if no mediated resolution is reached within thirty days after being requested to mediate, despite the complainant's good faith efforts. (b) If a complaint of discrimination under this chapter is not resolved through mediation, and the complainant has complied with his or her responsibilities under subsection A of this section, the complainant has the right to initiate a civil action for damages and injunctive relief. The litigating complainant shall file a courtesy copy of the lawsuit with the town's director of environmental services.
Corte Madera Code of Ordinances ch. 5.30 § 5.30.040 establishes a two-step process for addressing housing discrimination complaints under Chapter 5.30. Before filing a civil lawsuit, the person alleging a violation must first offer to mediate through an approved free mediation service, such as Marin County Mediation Services or Fair Housing of Marin, and participate in that process in good faith. If the other party refuses to mediate within 14 days, or if no resolution is reached within 30 days despite good-faith efforts, the mediation requirement is considered satisfied and the complainant may then pursue a civil action for damages and injunctive relief.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Corte Madera Code of Ordinances ch. 5.30 § 5.30.040, property owners and managers who receive a mediation request related to a discrimination complaint generally respond within the 14-day window to avoid being deemed to have waived the mediation step. Operators who engage in good-faith mediation through an approved service like Marin County Mediation Services or Fair Housing of Marin demonstrate a willingness to resolve disputes before litigation. Familiarity with this pre-litigation requirement helps operators understand the procedural timeline that precedes any civil action under Chapter 5.30.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Corte Madera Code of Ordinances ch. 5.30 § 5.30.040 gives tenants who believe their rights under Chapter 5.30 have been violated a path to civil court, but only after first offering to mediate through an approved free service such as Marin County Mediation Services or Fair Housing of Marin. If the other party does not agree to mediate within 14 days, or if mediation does not produce a resolution within 30 days despite good-faith participation, the mediation obligation is considered fulfilled. Tenants who proceed to a civil action are also required to file a courtesy copy of the lawsuit with the town's director of environmental services, and tenant-rights organizations familiar with Marin County housing law can help explain what these steps generally involve.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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