787 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11765, -122.55513
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned A2-B4 in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,250,000 ($1,100,000–$1,400,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$56,100 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (3 total permits, latest Sep 17, 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 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)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Remodel / interior alteration (157521): Issued after 9 mo (3.4× the 83d median) — slower than 90% of remodel / interior alteration permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 90th pct 266d, n=1,054).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 5 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home at 675 Atherton Ave (0.4 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)
Parcel & Assessor
- Lot size:
- 9,453 sq ft (0.22 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 787 ATHERTON AVE
Zoning & Land Use
A2-B4 — Agriculture Limited (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned A2-B4 (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 A2-B4 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsUnlikely
Zoned A2-B4 (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
- 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: $1,100,000 – $1,400,000 · 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
- New home at 675 Atherton Ave (Applied)0.4 mi E
In "Applied" for 5.5 yr (since May 18, 2021), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $1,500,000 declared valuation across 3 permits).
- Remodel / interior alteration (157521) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 9 mo (3.4× the 83d median) — slower than 90% of remodel / interior alteration permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 90th pct 266d, n=1,054).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 2 Equestrian Ct (Applied)0.17 mi W
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).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 162 Churchill Ln (aka 160) (Issued)520 ft SE
Active in "Issued" for 4.8 yr (first record Jan 12, 2022) with no new permit activity recorded in 4.5 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Aaero Heating And Sheet Metal (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Rc Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Owner Builder (14 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Rjdj (4 in ½ mi · Pool / spa); Owner (3 in ½ mi · New single-family home).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B19881 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Sep 17, 2019 | $10,199 | Remove and replace Bryant Air Conditioner 16 Seer Model# 126CNA036 and Bryant 96% AFUE Furnace Model# 925503660 complete… |
| B15953 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Sep 18, 2018 | $5,400 | REROOF, NO RESHEET — ReRoofing |
| 157521 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued | Iss. Jan 23, 2018 | $150,000 | Struct Rmdl; Main Panel Upgrade T.D. 6/14/17 |