2780 Center Rd
Novato 94947 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11248, -122.62951
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 $1,164,000 ($1,024,000–$1,304,000).
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 9,060 sq ft lot.
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314 & 65852.21
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$10,660 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (4 total permits, latest Jun 15, 2022).
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)
- ! 2 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Accessory dwelling unit at 138 Trish Dr (0.45 mi 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 (~$13,836/yr at $1,164,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,153/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:
- 9,060 sq ft (0.21 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 2780 CENTER RD
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 9,060 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 06041C0257D, 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: $1,024,000 – $1,304,000 · 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)0.45 mi 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)0.45 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 2.1 yr (first record Sep 20, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 17 mo.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Tesla Energy Operations (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Ken Cooper Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Kelly Plumbing And Heating (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Earth Star Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Owner Builder (4 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (4 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B30053 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Jun 15, 2022 | $10,500 | Replace furnace with air handler and add heat pump on left side of house. — Mechanical Appliance, Replace Mechanical App… |
| B29321 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Apr 6, 2022 | $5,300 | Electrical service upgrade 200A — Service Upgrade |
| B28778 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Feb 17, 2022 | $28,200 | Install roof mount solar panels at 9.6 kW and batteries |
| 141780 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Mar 6, 2014 | $12,722 | Reroof |