491 Wilson Ave
Novato 94947 · Indian Valley · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.09572, -122.60337
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 $1,139,000 ($1,002,000–$1,276,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jul 20, 2026, 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) (about 99% 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 1970 Indian Valley Rd (0.15 mi E, 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)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$13,549/yr at $1,139,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,129/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:
- 144,009 sq ft (3.31 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 491 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) (about 99% 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: $1,002,000 – $1,276,000 · 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
- New home at 1970 Indian Valley Rd (Issued)0.15 mi E
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)0.21 mi SE
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)0.25 mi N
Active in "Issued" for 5.6 yr (first record Apr 22, 2021) with no new permit activity recorded in 3.2 yr.
- Accessory dwelling unit at 441 Wilson Ave (Issued)0.29 mi SW
Active in "Issued" for 5.7 yr (first record Feb 25, 2021) with no new permit activity recorded in 5.7 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Bellows Plumbing Heating And Air (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Rempe Steve General Contr (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Owner Builder (10 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (5 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Jeffrey Novak Gen Contr (2 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B47554 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Jul 20, 2026 | $9,720 | Replace Ductwork, Replace Mechanical Appliance |
| B35706 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Oct 9, 2023 | $22,000 | Replace existing furnace and AC with 2 ton ducted air handler and heat pump. Air handler will be in crawl space, heat pu… |
| 142642 | Addition (adds square footage) | Issued | Iss. May 19, 2014 | $45,000 | Bay Wndw For Dining Rm Addn T.D. 4/1/14 |