89 Wolfe Grade
Kentfield 94904 · Kentfield · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.95626, -122.53662
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 $2,430,000 ($2,138,000–$2,722,000).
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 20,081 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
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jul 25, 2025, 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) (about 91% 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 (0.1 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)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$28,395/yr at $2,430,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$2,366/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:
- 20,081 sq ft (0.46 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 89 WOLFE GRADE
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 20,081 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) (about 91% 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: $2,138,000 – $2,722,000 · 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)0.1 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).
- New home at 29 Mann Dr (Issued)0.14 mi NW
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 138 Cypress Ave (Issued)0.23 mi N
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 49 Laurel Grove Ave (Issued)0.28 mi W
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: Jc Heating And Air (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Ernest Ongaro And Sons (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Sears Home Improvement Products (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Owner Builder (54 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (44 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B43231 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Jul 25, 2025 | $1,450 | Remove (E) Natural Gas Tanked Water Heater located in the garage. Install (N) 40G Natural Gas Tanked Water Heater in sam… |
| B18264 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Jul 11, 2019 | $500 | New circuit 220v 30/40 amp average of 30 feet. Furnace electrical hook-up - new pigtail & GFI outlet. — New Circuits / O… |
| B18263 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Jul 11, 2019 | $14,000 | FAU C/O w/ AC/coil add on & 3 new ducts connecting to existing. FAU/coil - indoor closet, 80% AFUE, 70k BTU. AC - pendin… |