875 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11466, -122.56146
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned Undesignated in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,152,000 ($1,014,000–$1,290,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Mar 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 Moderate 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)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Village at Novato (0.39 mi W, 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 (~$13,698/yr at $1,152,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,142/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:
- 130,332 sq ft (2.99 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 875 ATHERTON AVE
Zoning & Land Use
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
A2-B4 — Agriculture Limited (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 A2-B4.
- 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 A2-B4.
- 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 A2-B4.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- Moderate 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 06041C0281E, 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: $1,014,000 – $1,290,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94945) · FY 2026
Studio $2,050 · 1BR $2,510 · 2BR $2,990 · 3BR $3,770 · 4BR $3,960
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Village at Novato (Entitled)0.39 mi W
In "Entitled" for 2.8 yr (since Jan 23, 2024), exceeding the 292d median and 313d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=21). High-impact scale (178 housing units, 25 deed-restricted affordable across 0 permits).
- Atherton Place (Entitled)0.4 mi W
In "Entitled" for 7.1 yr (since Oct 6, 2019), exceeding the 292d median and 313d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=21). High-impact scale (50 housing units across 0 permits).
- New home (Entitled)0.22 mi S
In "Entitled" for 6 yr (since Oct 26, 2020), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 2 Equestrian Ct (Applied)0.23 mi NE
In "Applied" for 5.6 yr (since Mar 23, 2021), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: All Phase Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Owner (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Windows / doors / siding); Plumber By Trade Whitfield (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Owner Builder (5 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Anello Painting And Construction (2 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B41714 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Mar 21, 2025 | $1,070 | replaced 50gal gas water heater located in garage — New Gas Service |
| B35324 | Windows / doors / siding | Issued | Iss. Sep 8, 2023 | $12,400 | Replace 3 sliding glass doors which have deteriorated (poorly functioning and dual pane glass windows show gas leakage) … |
| B12536 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Jun 6, 2017 | $30,393 | Tear off existing roof and dispose of properly, make any needed repairs to roof structure due to water damage or dry rot… |