54 Berens Dr
Kentfield 94904 · Kentfield · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.94889, -122.54311
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1-B1 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and zero mapped flood, fire, or fault hazard overlaps; benchmark value $2,270,000 ($1,998,000–$2,542,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1-B1 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 7,754 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 (+$8,266 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (6 total permits, latest Sep 19, 2025).
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: 0.2% annual chance flood hazard (shaded X))
all of the lot of the parcel intersects Zone X: 0.2% annual chance flood hazard (shaded X). Outside mandatory federal SFHA insurance rules, but check local drainage and finished-floor requirements.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (parcel polygon)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Magnolia Village (0.23 mi S, 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 (~$26,555/yr at $2,270,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$2,213/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:
- 7,754 sq ft (0.18 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 54 BERENS DR
Zoning & Land Use
R1-B1 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1-B1 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B1, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B1, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 7,754 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
- Not in a State-mapped fire hazard severity zone
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: 0.2% annual chance flood hazard (shaded X) (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: $1,998,000 – $2,542,000 · 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
- Magnolia Village (Entitled)0.23 mi S
In "Entitled" for 3.8 yr (since Feb 1, 2023), exceeding the 292d median and 313d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=21). High-impact scale (20 housing units, 4 deed-restricted affordable across 0 permits).
- New commercial building at 675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd (Issued)0.36 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 12.7 yr (first record Mar 6, 2014) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.5 yr. High-impact scale ($2,400,000 declared valuation across 2 permits).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 625 College Ave (a D U 627) (Issued)0.39 mi W
Active in "Issued" for 3.9 yr (first record Dec 7, 2022) with no new permit activity recorded in 3 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $4,500,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 617 College Ave (Issued)0.39 mi W
Active in "Issued" for 13 yr (first record Nov 12, 2013) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.7 yr. High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,000,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Tesla Energy Operations (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Reyes Heating And Air (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Acco Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Bob Moritzs Reliable Plumbing Service (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Kelly Plumbing And Heating (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (6 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B43966 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Sep 19, 2025 | $19,135 | Install roof mount solar panels at 8.2 kW and 1 battery |
| B36892 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Feb 1, 2024 | $4,000 | Install PVC conduit from house to new BBQ are. Wire new dedicated 20 amp circuit to BBQ and install 3 GFCI outlets at BB… |
| B36801 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Jan 24, 2024 | $3,830 | Starting at the existing gas meter a tee and shut off will be installed on the existing meter for the new gas to the bac… |
| B25567 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Apr 24, 2021 | $3,000 | Upgrade Electrical service from 100amps up to 200amps. Meter section/ conduits and conductors Same location Proper groun… |
| B25186 |