212 Poplar Dr
Kentfield 94904 · Kentfield · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.96045, -122.54187
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 (4 ADU permits permitted within ¼ mile in 36 months).
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ 4 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through May 8, 2024, 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
103 substantial renovation & housing permits over 24 months (40.9 per 1,000 parcels vs. 16.3 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)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Addition (adds square footage) (145654): Issued after 3 yr (6.9× the 160d median) — slower than 90% of addition (adds square footage) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 160d, 90th pct 440d, n=316).
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: New home at 138 Cypress Ave (0.27 mi E, 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:
- 27,007 sq ft (0.62 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 212 POPLAR 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
- Addition (adds square footage) (145654) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 3 yr (6.9× the 160d median) — slower than 90% of addition (adds square footage) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 160d, 90th pct 440d, n=316).
- New home at 138 Cypress Ave (Issued)0.27 mi E
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).
- New home at 29 Mann Dr (Issued)0.27 mi SE
Active in "Issued" for 12.7 yr (first record Mar 6, 2014) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.4 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,030,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 49 Laurel Grove Ave (Issued)0.29 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 9.3 yr (first record Jul 18, 2017) with no new permit activity recorded in 9.1 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,200,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Juan Calmell (1 on parcel, 4 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); John Owens Services (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Donald T Larwood (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Windows / doors / siding); Ernest Ongaro And Sons (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Owner Builder (31 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (4 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B37982 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. May 8, 2024 | $60,734 | Install two new mini-split heat pump systems and replace water heater with 40 gallon electric water heater. — Replace Pl… |
| B17465 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Apr 10, 2019 | $1,800 | Replace old ducting with new ducting - 4 runs R6 Wire Flex. — Replace Ductwork |
| 145654 | Addition (adds square footage) | Issued | Iss. Jan 29, 2015 | $150,000 | Detached Pool House ***Expired T.D. 3/21/11 (Refund Prepared 4/27/18 Bc |
| 141103 | Windows / doors / siding | Issued | Iss. Jan 7, 2014 | $15,000 | Replace Siding |