540 Wilson Ave
Novato 94947 · Indian Valley · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.09722, -122.60002
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 $1,157,000 ($1,018,000–$1,296,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$17,280 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (1 total permit, latest Nov 20, 2025).
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
Solar / battery storage (180545): Issued after 2 mo — slower than 90% of solar / battery storage permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 2d, n=2,977).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 5 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home at 1970 Indian Valley Rd (0.13 mi S, issued). 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:
- 148,583 sq ft (3.41 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 540 WILSON 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 06041C0276D, effective May 4, 2009
- CGS Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
- Not in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Surrounding Rent & Value Benchmarks (Public Records)
Range: $1,018,000 – $1,296,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94947) · FY 2026
Studio $2,250 · 1BR $2,690 · 2BR $3,260 · 3BR $4,160 · 4BR $4,320
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Solar / battery storage (180545) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 2 mo — slower than 90% of solar / battery storage permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 2d, n=2,977).
- New home at 1970 Indian Valley Rd (Issued)0.13 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 10 yr (first record Nov 14, 2016) with no new permit activity recorded in 4 yr.
- Accessory dwelling unit at 1955 Indian Valley Rd (Issued)0.2 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 11.6 yr (first record Apr 15, 2015) with no new permit activity recorded in 11.4 yr.
- New home at 2052 Hatch Rd (Issued)0.27 mi NW
Active in "Issued" for 5.6 yr (first record Apr 22, 2021) with no new permit activity recorded in 3.2 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Owner Builder (9 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (3 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Jeffrey Novak Gen Contr (2 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Design Build Specialists (2 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Wormood (2 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (1 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180545 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Nov 20, 2025 | $100,000 | Residential Solar-P V-Ground Mount 23.52 K W; E S S |