550 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · Green Point · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11441, -122.54025
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 Dec 3, 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 675 Atherton Ave (0.47 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:
- 44,431 sq ft (1.02 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 550 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)0.47 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)0.22 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)0.3 mi SE
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: Rapidflo (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Hrc Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Lory Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · EV charger); Owner Builder (13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B40391 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Dec 3, 2024 | $28,500 | replace existing condenser and furnace with Bosch heat pump and air handler — Replace Mechanical Appliance |
| B23249 | EV charger | Issued | Iss. Aug 13, 2020 | $640 | Install one new 50A/240V 4-wire circuit in conduit from existing 200A main electrical service panel (MESP) to a NEMA 14-… |
| 148059 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Jul 20, 2015 | $11,200 | Reroof |