20 Sanchez Way
Novato 94947 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11080, -122.62770
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned Undesignated in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,191,000 ($1,048,000–$1,334,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$34,640 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (4 total permits, latest Sep 9, 2019).
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)
- ! 3 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Accessory dwelling unit at 138 Trish Dr (0.35 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 (~$14,147/yr at $1,191,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,179/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:
- 9,322 sq ft (0.21 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 20 SANCHEZ WAY
Zoning & Land Use
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
RSP-0.33 — Residential Single Family Planned (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned Undesignated (other): ADUs are allowed if the zone allows a home, which depends on the zone's rules. The parcel point also falls in RSP-0.33.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotCan't tell
Zoned Undesignated (other): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Undesignated. The parcel point also falls in RSP-0.33.
- SB 9: split into two lotsCan't tell
Zoned Undesignated (other): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Undesignated. The parcel point also falls in RSP-0.33.
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: $1,048,000 – $1,334,000 · 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)0.35 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)0.35 mi 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)0.5 mi SE
Active in "Issued" for 3.1 yr (first record Sep 22, 2023) with no new permit activity recorded in 2.2 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Tesla Energy (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Diego Bros (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Murphy Roofing Consulting (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); 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 (4 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 162539 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued | Iss. Sep 9, 2019 | $60,000 | Remodel 2 Baths |
| 160049 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Nov 5, 2018 | $7,000 | Battery Back-Up - Express***Express Pv Permit #159514 |
| 159514 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Sep 6, 2018 | $11,060 | Pv 6.5 Kw Express |
| 147985 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Jul 14, 2015 | $10,700 | Reroof |