304 Richardson Way
Mill Valley 94941 · Tamalpais · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.87638, -122.53025
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $2,137,000 ($1,881,000–$2,393,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 7,971 sq ft lot. Local precedent is active with 5 ADU permits within ¼ mile over the last 36 months.
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314 & 65852.21
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$22,000 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (4 total permits, latest Jul 8, 2026).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (parcel APN)
- ✓ Above-average reinvestment in Tamalpais
50 substantial renovation & housing permits over 24 months (20.5 per 1,000 parcels vs. 16.4 citywide baseline) (#3 of 22 neighborhoods).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (Tamalpais)
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)
- ! CAL FIRE High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (State Responsibility Area) (all of the lot of lot)
Located in a mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Expect Chapter 7A ignition-resistant building standards, defensible-space inspections, and stricter property insurance underwriting.
Source: CAL FIRE FHSZ (map Apr 1, 2024)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Remodel / interior alteration (181615): Issued after 5 mo (1.8× the 83d median) — above the 75th percentile for remodel / interior alteration permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 75th pct 148d, n=1,054).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 5 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Accessory dwelling unit at 403 Marin Ave (adu 403a) (0.32 mi W, issued). Inspect timeline history before assuming near-term completion.
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) · HCD APR (½-mile radius)
Parcel & Assessor
- Lot size:
- 7,971 sq ft (0.18 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 304 RICHARDSON WAY
Zoning & Land Use
R1 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 7,971 sq ft by the assessor, room for two lots of at least 1,200 sq ft, each at least 40% of the original.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (State Responsibility Area) (all of the lot, map Apr 1, 2024)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: minimal flood hazard (all of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0469F, 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: $1,881,000 – $2,393,000 · 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
- Accessory dwelling unit at 403 Marin Ave (adu 403a) (Issued)0.32 mi W
Active in "Issued" for 2.9 yr (first record Dec 21, 2023) with no new permit activity recorded in 19 mo. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,000,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 334 Dolan Ave (Issued)0.32 mi N
Active in "Issued" for 8.2 yr (first record Sep 5, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 8 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $759,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 535 Tennessee Valley Rd (adu 531) (Issued)0.36 mi SE
Active in "Issued" for 6 yr (first record Oct 29, 2020) with no new permit activity recorded in 4 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $800,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 407 Spruce St (Issued)0.37 mi NW
Active in "Issued" for 7.7 yr (first record Mar 14, 2019) with no new permit activity recorded in 7.5 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $750,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Rgc Construction (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Joe The Roofer (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Thompson Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Owner Builder (64 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (41 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (4 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B47428 | Windows / doors / siding | Issued | Iss. Jul 8, 2026 | $7,000 | Non-structural Door/Window Replacement |
| 181615 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued | Iss. May 4, 2026 | $40,000 | Adding (N) Bathroom, Renovating (E) Bathroom |
| B44355 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Oct 14, 2025 | $17,784 | Tear off existing composition roof down to wood sheeting. Install CertainTeed Landmark Pro Lifetime shingles with 15 pou… |
| B43699 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Sep 2, 2025 | $3,500 | Replace electric service with new 200Amp service. New panel to be installed on the existing location. — Service Upgrade |