137 Poplar Dr
Kentfield 94904 · Kentfield · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.95989, -122.54014
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 $2,486,000 ($2,188,000–$2,784,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Ministerial ADU / JADU pathway likely eligible
Zone RR-B3 allows residential use qualifying for ministerial ADU review under state law (3 ADU permits permitted within ¼ mile in 36 months).
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$17,280 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (2 total permits, latest Nov 19, 2025).
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)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Accessory dwelling unit at 34 Wolfe Grade (0.42 mi SE, 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 (~$29,039/yr at $2,486,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$2,420/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:
- 41,861 sq ft (0.96 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 137 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: $2,188,000 – $2,784,000 · 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
- Accessory dwelling unit at 34 Wolfe Grade (Applied)0.42 mi SE
In "Applied" for 2.8 yr (since Jan 17, 2024), 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, $750,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 138 Cypress Ave (Issued)0.17 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)0.19 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)0.27 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: Earl Adams Tile Coping And Plastering Adams Pool Solutions (1 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Bright Planet Solar (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Owner Builder (35 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (29 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Hendrickson Pools (12 in ½ mi · Pool / spa).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B44837 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Nov 19, 2025 | $82,821 | Residential roof mount PV solar system; 26 modules; 10.53kw; with (2) ESS. |
| 156812 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Oct 19, 2017 | $42,250 | Add Bonding Grid, Auto Cover Vault And Cover, Replumb Pool.Coping Tile And Plaster And Light.***Expired |