45 Vista Dr
Kentfield 94904 · Kentfield · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.96211, -122.53915
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned RR-B3 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ministerial ADU eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $2,469,000 ($2,173,000–$2,765,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Ministerial ADU / JADU pathway likely eligible
Zone RR-B3 allows residential use qualifying for ministerial ADU review under state law (1 ADU permit permitted within ¼ mile in 36 months).
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Nov 9, 2026, 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)
- ✓ Above-average reinvestment in Kentfield
104 substantial renovation & housing permits over 24 months (41.3 per 1,000 parcels vs. 16.4 citywide baseline) (#7 of 22 neighborhoods).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (Kentfield)
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 Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Local 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 Mar 24, 2025)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: 71 new homes (0.47 mi N, entitled). 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 (~$28,844/yr at $2,469,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$2,404/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:
- 33,018 sq ft (0.76 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 45 VISTA DR
Zoning & Land Use
RR-B3 — Residential Restricted (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned RR-B3 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotCan't tell
Zoned RR-B3 (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 RR-B3 (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
- Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Local Responsibility Area) (all of the lot, map Mar 24, 2025)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: minimal flood hazard (all of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0458F, 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: $2,173,000 – $2,765,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94904) · FY 2026
Studio $2,260 · 1BR $2,710 · 2BR $3,280 · 3BR $4,190 · 4BR $4,340
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- 71 new homes (Entitled)0.47 mi N
In "Entitled" for 11 mo (since Dec 23, 2025), exceeding the 292d median and 313d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=21). High-impact scale (71 housing units across 0 permits).
- New home at 138 Cypress Ave (Issued)0.21 mi SE
Active in "Issued" for 8.6 yr (first record Apr 23, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 8.2 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,020,000 declared valuation across 2 permits).
- Demolition at 221 Poplar Dr (Applied)0.24 mi SW
In "Applied" for 4.6 yr (since Apr 4, 2022), exceeding the 55d median and 261d 90th percentile for demolition permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=130).
- 313 Upper Toyon (Entitled)0.25 mi NW
In "Entitled" for 2.5 yr (since Apr 25, 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: Redhorse Constructors (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · General repair); One Touch Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Owner Builder (25 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (13 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Floyd Construction (6 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182925 | General repair | Issued | Iss. Nov 9, 2026 | $500,000 | E M E R G E N C Y!! Remove & Replace (E) Retaining Wall At Driveway; Add Addtnl Ret Wall On Opposite Side Of Driveway; W… |
| 94506 | General repair | Applied | App. Sep 4, 2026 | $500,000 | E M E R G E N C Y!! Remove & Replace (E) Retaining Wall At Driveway; Add Addtnl Ret Wall On Opposite Side Of Driveway; W… |
| B35388 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Sep 13, 2023 | $5,500 | Replace electrical meter main panel due to corrosion — Service Upgrade |