553 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · Green Point · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11377, -122.54056
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned ARP-2 in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,337,000 ($1,177,000–$1,497,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through May 16, 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: New home at 675 Atherton Ave (0.48 mi 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 (~$15,826/yr at $1,337,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,319/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:
- 41,251 sq ft (0.95 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 553 ATHERTON AVE
Zoning & Land Use
ARP-2 — Agriculture Residential Planned (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned ARP-2 (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 ARP-2 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsUnlikely
Zoned ARP-2 (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: $1,177,000 – $1,497,000 · 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)0.48 mi NW
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).
- New home at 569 Atherton Ave (Applied)0.17 mi SW
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)0.24 mi SE
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)0.31 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 12 yr (first record Nov 18, 2014) with no new permit activity recorded in 7.5 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Peter Levi Plumbing (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Meier And Sons Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Owner Builder (13 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Owner (6 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Pacific Pools (3 in ½ mi · Pool / spa).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B42426 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. May 16, 2025 | $13,000 | Remove & replace furnace located in garage like for like. — Replace Mechanical Appliance |
| B39120 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Aug 14, 2024 | $12,000 | Remove 50 gallon water heater located in garage and replace it with a Navien 240A tankless water heater — Replace Plumbi… |
| B22774 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Jun 12, 2020 | $22,000 | TEAR OFF EXISTING COMPOSITION SHINGLE ROOF SYSTEM AND INSTALL NEW FELT, FLASHINGS, AND GAF TIMBERLINE HD REFLECTOR SERIE… |