685 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11641, -122.54827
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 Apr 12, 2018, 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)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Addition (adds square footage) (81746): Pending in review for 8.6 yr (19.6× the 160d median) — slower than 90% of addition (adds square footage) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 160d, 90th pct 440d, n=316).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 3 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home at 675 Atherton Ave (450 ft N, 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:
- 43,778 sq ft (1.01 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 685 ATHERTON AVE; 687 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)450 ft N
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).
- Addition (adds square footage) (81746) (Applied)On this parcel
Pending in review for 8.6 yr (19.6× the 160d median) — slower than 90% of addition (adds square footage) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 160d, 90th pct 440d, n=316).
- General repair (143194) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 14 mo (5.0× the 83d median) — slower than 90% of general repair permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 90th pct 328d, n=693).
- New single-family home (143193) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 4 yr (5.8× the 253d median) — slower than 90% of new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 253d, 90th pct 686d, n=121).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Owner Builder (1 on parcel, 17 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Owner (2 on parcel, 5 in ½ mi · New single-family home); Rjdj (4 in ½ mi · Pool / spa); Anello Painting And Construction (2 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Millsap Degnan And Associates (1 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81746 | Addition (adds square footage) | Applied | App. Apr 12, 2018 | $5,000 | Addtion (A D U) (Related To New Sfd Permit) ***Expired T.D. 5/10/18 |
| 143194 | General repair | Issued | Iss. Jul 1, 2014 | $37,600 | Retaining Wall ***Extended To 07/1/19- Imaged Under 143193 |
| 143193 | New single-family home | Issued | Iss. Jul 1, 2014 | $459,240 | Single Family Dw ***Extended To 07/1/19 Td:8/27/10 (Hold Plans Until 07/15/2012) 10/16/15 - Do Not Toss Plans! Design Re… |
State HCD Housing Element APR records on this parcel: 1 entry (report years 2019).