291 Smith Ranch Rd
San Rafael 94903 · St. Vincent's · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.02269, -122.52427
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned A2 in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,385,000 ($1,219,000–$1,551,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 4 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jul 27, 2020, 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 commercial building at 291 Smith Ranch Rd: Active in "Issued" for 10 yr (first record Nov 10, 2016) with no new permit activity recorded in 9.4 yr.
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 1 slow or stalled nearby project within ½ mile
Closest lead: New commercial building at 350 Smith Ranch Rd (0.24 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:
- 75,925 sq ft (1.74 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Rural - Unimproved
- Addresses on lot:
- 291 SMITH RANCH RD
Zoning & Land Use
A2 — Agriculture Limited (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned A2 (agricultural): ADUs are allowed if the zone allows a home, which depends on the zone's rules.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotUnlikely
Zoned A2 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsUnlikely
Zoned A2 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone.
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 06041C0294E, 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: $1,219,000 – $1,551,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94903) · FY 2026
Studio $2,880 · 1BR $3,450 · 2BR $4,180 · 3BR $5,340 · 4BR $5,530
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- New commercial building at 291 Smith Ranch Rd (Issued)On this parcel
Active in "Issued" for 10 yr (first record Nov 10, 2016) with no new permit activity recorded in 9.4 yr.
- General repair (155803) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 7 mo (2.7× the 83d median) — above the 75th percentile for general repair permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 75th pct 181d, n=693).
- General repair (155802) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 7 mo (2.7× the 83d median) — above the 75th percentile for general repair permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 75th pct 181d, n=693).
- New commercial building at 350 Smith Ranch Rd (Issued)0.24 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 10.6 yr (first record Apr 5, 2016) with no new permit activity recorded in 10 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Mc Devitt Construction (3 on parcel, 3 in ½ mi · General repair); S And H Construction (1 in ½ mi · New commercial / non-residential building).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (4 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165247 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Jul 27, 2020 | $108,860 | Generator T.D. 7/22/20 |
| 155803 | General repair | Issued | Iss. Jun 21, 2017 | $20,000 | Retaining Wall @Parking |
| 155802 | General repair | Issued | Iss. Jun 21, 2017 | $70,000 | Retaining Wall |
| 155801 | New commercial / non-residential building | Issued | Iss. Jun 21, 2017 | $640,000 | Modular Building - 8 Units Put Together For 1 Bldg, Perm Found. Permit Covers Site Work T.D. |