541 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · Green Point · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11167, -122.54185
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 $1,200,000 ($1,056,000–$1,344,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jun 5, 2024, 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: New home at 569 Atherton Ave (310 ft NW, 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 (~$14,250/yr at $1,200,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,188/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:
- 315,810 sq ft (7.25 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 541 ATHERTON AVE
Zoning & Land Use
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
ARP-2 — Agriculture Residential 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 ARP-2.
- 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 ARP-2.
- 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 ARP-2.
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: $1,056,000 – $1,344,000 · 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 569 Atherton Ave (Applied)310 ft NW
In "Applied" for 9.9 yr (since Dec 20, 2016), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 11 H Ln (aka 15) (Issued)0.29 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 4.4 yr (first record Jun 9, 2022) with no new permit activity recorded in 4 yr.
- New home at 50 H Ln (Issued)0.37 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 12 yr (first record Nov 18, 2014) with no new permit activity recorded in 7.5 yr.
- New home at 689 Atherton Ave (Issued)0.42 mi NW
Active in "Issued" for 16.5 yr (first record May 21, 2010) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.4 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: John Owens Services (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Johnson Morier And (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Thompson Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Owner Builder (12 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Owner (6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B38297 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Jun 5, 2024 | $2,500 | Install (2) 50 amp dedicated circuits for RV. — New Circuits / Outlets |
| B23690 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Sep 29, 2020 | $17,997 | Install Trane XR14 4 Ton AC unit. SEER14 — Mechanical Appliance |
| B16420 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Nov 8, 2018 | $2,000 | Complete replacement of existing electric service with new 200Amp service. New panel to be installed in existing locatio… |