525 H Ranch Rd
Novato 94947 · South Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.08739, -122.63231
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned A60 in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,239,000 ($1,090,000–$1,388,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 2 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jul 31, 2018, 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)
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 High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (State 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 Apr 1, 2024)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Electrical / panel (159184): Issued after 14 mo — slower than 90% of electrical / panel permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 2d, n=3,019).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 1 slow or stalled nearby project within ½ mile
Closest lead: Demolition at 625 H Ranch Rd (450 ft SE, 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:
- 11,142,561 sq ft (255.80 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Open Space - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 525 H RANCH RD
Zoning & Land Use
A60 — Agriculture and Conservation (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned A60 (agricultural): ADUs are allowed if the zone allows a home, which depends on the zone's rules. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotUnlikely
Zoned A60 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsUnlikely
Zoned A60 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (State Responsibility Area) (all of the lot, map Apr 1, 2024)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: minimal flood hazard (all of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0275D, effective May 4, 2009
- CGS Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
- Not in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Surrounding Rent & Value Benchmarks (Public Records)
Range: $1,090,000 – $1,388,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94947) · FY 2026
Studio $2,250 · 1BR $2,690 · 2BR $3,260 · 3BR $4,160 · 4BR $4,320
Nearby Activity (½ mile radius, since —)
0 active or recent development projects and 0 total building permits recorded within ½ mile.
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Electrical / panel (159184) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 14 mo — slower than 90% of electrical / panel permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 2d, n=3,019).
- Demolition at 625 H Ranch Rd (Issued)450 ft SE
Active in "Issued" for 3.1 yr (first record Oct 13, 2023) with no new permit activity recorded in 2.9 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Overland Contracting (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Redwood Builders (1 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 159184 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Jul 31, 2018 | $15,000 | Add 3 Antennae, 3 R R Us, 1 String Of 4 Batteries - Sprint T.D. 7/13/17 |
| 143179 | Addition (adds square footage) | Issued | Iss. Jul 1, 2014 | $40,000 | Repl 3 Antennae On Existing Tower; Add 2 Equipment Cabinets 5 New Microwave Dishes - Sprint Ext To 7/1/16 T.D. 6/17/14 |