520 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · Green Point · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11294, -122.53706
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 $1,380,000 ($1,214,000–$1,546,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$43,160 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (7 total permits, latest May 10, 2021).
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
Windows / doors / siding (82187): Pending in review for 8.4 yr — slower than 90% of windows / doors / siding permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 5d, n=1,476).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 4 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home at 569 Atherton Ave (0.32 mi W, 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:
- 43,560 sq ft (1.00 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 520 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: $1,214,000 – $1,546,000 · 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
- Windows / doors / siding (82187) (Applied)On this parcel
Pending in review for 8.4 yr — slower than 90% of windows / doors / siding permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 5d, n=1,476).
- New home at 569 Atherton Ave (Applied)0.32 mi W
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)230 ft 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)0.11 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: Stephen Spicer (1 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Sunrun Installation Service (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Earl Adams Tile Coping And Plastering Adams Pool Solutions (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · General repair); Rick Bertolina General Contractor (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Windows / doors / siding); J And A Plumbing And Rooter Service (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (7 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168091 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued | Iss. May 10, 2021 | $85,000 | Kitchen Remodel - Express |
| 167295 | General repair | Issued | Iss. Mar 3, 2021 | $35,156 | Pool Repair |
| B24898 | Windows / doors / siding | Issued | Iss. Feb 17, 2021 | $26,157 | In existing locations remove and install new windows and doors. 13 sliders,1 double hung, 1 fixed windows, 2 french door… |
| B23815 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Oct 13, 2020 | $1,800 | Replacement of 50 gallons water heater located in garage — Replace Plumbing Fixtures(s) |
| 162809 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Oct 1, 2019 |