15 Poplar Dr
Kentfield 94904 · Kentfield · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.95902, -122.53490
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1-B3 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $2,630,000 ($2,314,000–$2,946,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1-B3 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 59,764 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 (+$161,400 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (5 total permits, latest May 20, 2024).
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
Pool / spa (176673): Issued after 23 mo (5.2× the 136d median) — slower than 90% of pool / spa permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 136d, 90th pct 393d, n=162).
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 34 Wolfe Grade (0.29 mi S, 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)
Parcel & Assessor
- Lot size:
- 59,764 sq ft (1.37 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 15 POPLAR DR
Zoning & Land Use
R1-B3 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1-B3 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B3, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B3, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 59,764 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
- 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: $2,314,000 – $2,946,000 · 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)0.29 mi S
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).
- Pool / spa (176673) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 23 mo (5.2× the 136d median) — slower than 90% of pool / spa permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 136d, 90th pct 393d, n=162).
- New home at 138 Cypress Ave (Issued)0.12 mi W
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)0.24 mi SW
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).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Owner Builder (1 on parcel, 40 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Cook General Contractor (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Urban Energy (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Owner (26 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Hendrickson Pools (12 in ½ mi · Pool / spa).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (5 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176673 | Pool / spa | Issued | Iss. May 20, 2024 | $165,000 | Pool; Spa; Decks; Retaining Walls; Fire Pit; Outdoor Kitchen; Pickleball Court |
| B34722 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Jul 14, 2023 | $18,000 | 4 subpanel replacement. Like for like swap with Span Panel. Same Locations — Replace Circuits / Outlets |
| B30331 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Jul 11, 2022 | $18,000 | 4 subpanel replacement. Like for like swap with Span Panel. Same Locations — Replace Circuits / Outlets |
| 168760 | New garage / accessory structure | Issued | Iss. Jul 13, 2021 | $100,000 | Detached Garage |
| 168759 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued |