681 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11690, -122.54830
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 $1,283,000 ($1,129,000–$1,437,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Nov 16, 2022, 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 (290 ft NE, 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 (~$15,205/yr at $1,283,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,267/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:
- 44,562 sq ft (1.02 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 681 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: $1,129,000 – $1,437,000 · 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)290 ft NE
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)0.45 mi SE
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).
- New home at 689 Atherton Ave (Issued)0.12 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 16.5 yr (first record May 21, 2010) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.4 yr.
- Accessory dwelling unit at 98 Kristin Marie Ct A K A (Issued)0.12 mi NW
Active in "Issued" for 8.6 yr (first record Mar 20, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 8.1 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Bertram Pools (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Pool / spa); Sun First (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Divine Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · EV charger); Owner Builder (16 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Owner (4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B31797 | EV charger | Issued | Iss. Nov 16, 2022 | $2,019 | 48A EV CHARGER ON 60A Circuit — EV Charging Station |
| 148499 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Aug 19, 2015 | $36,000 | 7.848 Kw Roof Mounted Photovoltaic - Express |
| 143197 | Pool / spa | Issued | Iss. Jul 2, 2014 | $65,000 | New Swimming Pool T.D. 4/9/14 |