20 Taurus Dr
Novato 94947 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11215, -122.62309
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,144,000 ($1,007,000–$1,281,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 8,102 sq ft lot. Local precedent is active with 2 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 Nov 21, 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)
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)
- ! 4 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Accessory dwelling unit at 138 Trish Dr (510 ft E, 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 (~$13,606/yr at $1,144,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,134/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:
- 8,102 sq ft (0.19 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 20 TAURUS DR
Zoning & Land Use
R1 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated. The lot is 8,102 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
- 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 06041C0276D, 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: $1,007,000 – $1,281,000 · 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
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Accessory dwelling unit at 138 Trish Dr (Applied)510 ft E
In "Applied" for 2.1 yr (since Sep 19, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 138 Trish Dr (adu 138 A) (Issued)510 ft E
Active in "Issued" for 2.1 yr (first record Sep 20, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 17 mo.
- New home at 37 Oak Valley Dr (adu 37a) (Issued)0.43 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 3.1 yr (first record Sep 22, 2023) with no new permit activity recorded in 2.2 yr.
- Jr Accessory Dwelling (Issued)0.48 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 4.5 yr (first record May 16, 2022) with no new permit activity recorded in 4.5 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Rr Innovation Home Improvement (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Donald J Calegari Enterprises (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Tomtech (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · EV charger); Owner Builder (5 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Marco Design Group (3 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B44873 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Nov 21, 2025 | $20,000 | Remodel 2 bathrooms like for like, replacing tile, fixtures, all plumbing and electrical will remain at same location on… |
| B34748 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Jul 20, 2023 | $3,000 | Replacement of water service from meter to house — New Plumbing Fixture(s) |
| B31386 | EV charger | Issued | Iss. Oct 13, 2022 | $500 | Install dedicated line for EV charger — EV Charging Station; With Electronic Inspection |