38 Shell Rd
Mill Valley 94941 · Alto · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.90648, -122.51947
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned RA-B2 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ministerial ADU eligibility and zero mapped flood, fire, or fault hazard overlaps; benchmark value $2,204,000 ($1,940,000–$2,468,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Ministerial ADU / JADU pathway likely eligible
Zone RA-B2 allows residential use qualifying for ministerial ADU review under state law (10 ADU permits permitted within ¼ mile in 36 months).
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ 1 documented municipal building permit on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Feb 26, 2014, letting you verify roof, HVAC, electrical, or structural work against seller disclosures.
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (parcel APN)
Watchouts & Due Diligence
- ! Mapped flood awareness zone (Zone X: minimal flood hazard)
all of the lot of the parcel intersects Zone X: minimal flood hazard. Outside mandatory federal SFHA insurance rules, but check local drainage and finished-floor requirements.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (parcel polygon)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home at 55 Thomas Dr (0.4 mi E, applied). Inspect timeline history before assuming near-term completion.
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) · HCD APR (½-mile radius)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$25,796/yr at $2,204,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$2,150/mo). Confirm exact Mello-Roos / CFD special assessments on the county tax bill.
Source: CA Const. Art. XIIIA (Prop 13) · County Tax Collector
Parcel & Assessor
- Lot size:
- 13,329 sq ft (0.31 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 38 SHELL RD
Zoning & Land Use
RA-B2 — Residential Agriculture (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned RA-B2 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotCan't tell
Zoned RA-B2 (single-family residential): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Residential agriculture, estate and restricted: large-lot residential; confirm SB 9 with the county.
- SB 9: split into two lotsCan't tell
Zoned RA-B2 (single-family residential): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Residential agriculture, estate and restricted: large-lot residential; confirm SB 9 with the county.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- Not in a State-mapped fire hazard severity zone
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: minimal flood hazard (all of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0467F, effective March 16, 2016
- CGS Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
- Not in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Surrounding Rent & Value Benchmarks (Public Records)
Range: $1,940,000 – $2,468,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94941) · FY 2026
Studio $2,730 · 1BR $3,270 · 2BR $3,960 · 3BR $5,060 · 4BR $5,240
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- New home at 55 Thomas Dr (Applied)0.4 mi E
In "Applied" for 6.2 yr (since Sep 1, 2020), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,000,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 30 Shell Rd (Issued)250 ft E
Active in "Issued" for 2.4 yr (first record Jul 5, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 22 mo. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $2,800,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 55 Plaza Dr (adu 55a) (Issued)0.17 mi SE
Active in "Issued" for 2.6 yr (first record Apr 17, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 19 mo. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $790,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 39 Lomita Dr (Applied)370 ft NE
In "Applied" for 2.7 yr (since Mar 4, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: A1 Solar Power (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Owner Builder (33 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (19 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Drosihn Construction (5 in ½ mi · New single-family home); Kurt Jehling Construction (4 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (1 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141691 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Feb 26, 2014 | $11,475 | Photovoltaic Panels-Express Final Approved With 2 Final Holds |