689 Atherton Ave
Novato 94945 · North Novato · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.11494, -122.54823
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned Undesignated in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,152,000 ($1,014,000–$1,290,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 2 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jul 1, 2014, 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
New home at 689 Atherton Ave: Active in "Issued" for 16.5 yr (first record May 21, 2010) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.4 yr.
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 (0.19 mi 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:
- 133,337 sq ft (3.06 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 689 ATHERTON AVE
Zoning & Land Use
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
A2-B4 — Agriculture Limited (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned Undesignated (other): ADUs are allowed if the zone allows a home, which depends on the zone's rules. The parcel point also falls in A2-B4.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotCan't tell
Zoned Undesignated (other): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Undesignated. The parcel point also falls in A2-B4.
- SB 9: split into two lotsCan't tell
Zoned Undesignated (other): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Undesignated. The parcel point also falls in A2-B4.
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: $1,014,000 – $1,290,000 · 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 689 Atherton Ave (Issued)On this parcel
Active in "Issued" for 16.5 yr (first record May 21, 2010) with no new permit activity recorded in 12.4 yr.
- New home at 675 Atherton Ave (Applied)0.19 mi 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).
- New garage / accessory structure (143196) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 4.1 yr (9.2× the 164d median) — slower than 90% of new garage / accessory structure permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 164d, 90th pct 485d, n=356).
- New single-family home (143195) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 4.1 yr (5.9× 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 (2 on parcel, 4 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Owner Builder (16 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); 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 (2 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143196 | New garage / accessory structure | Issued | Iss. Jul 1, 2014 | $35,000 | Garage - Imaged Under 143195 Hold Plans Until 07/15/2012 ***Extended To 7/1/18*** W/Sfd App |
| 143195 | New single-family home | Issued | Iss. Jul 1, 2014 | $444,675 | S F Dwelling ***Extended To 7/1/19*** Hold Plans Until 07/15/2012 Bc 10/16/15: Do Not Toss Plans! Design Review Forthcom… |