342 Laurel Ave
Novato 94945 · Black Point · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.10424, -122.49744
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned A2 in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,270,000 ($1,118,000–$1,422,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 2 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Oct 9, 2019, 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 High 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 342 Laurel Ave: Active in "Issued" for 8.2 yr (first record Sep 18, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 7.1 yr.
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: Accessory dwelling unit at 315 Laurel Ave (460 ft NE, 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:
- 11,587 sq ft (0.27 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 342 LAUREL AVE
Zoning & Land Use
A2 — Agriculture Limited (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
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. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotUnlikely
Zoned A2 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsUnlikely
Zoned A2 (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
- High 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 06041C0301E, 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: $1,118,000 – $1,422,000 · 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 342 Laurel Ave (Issued)On this parcel
Active in "Issued" for 8.2 yr (first record Sep 18, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 7.1 yr.
- Accessory dwelling unit at 315 Laurel Ave (Applied)460 ft NE
In "Applied" for 2.8 yr (since Feb 7, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 363 Grandview Ave (Applied)0.16 mi SW
In "Applied" for 2.5 yr (since Apr 26, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- New home at 5 Bay Canyon Rd (Applied)0.45 mi NW
In "Applied" for 2.3 yr (since Jul 30, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Owner Builder (2 on parcel, 7 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Owner (4 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); William Clark Smith Construction (2 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Bryan Hodes Gen Contractor (1 in ½ mi · New single-family home); Tomrose Construction (1 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 162885 | General repair | Issued | Iss. Oct 9, 2019 | $1,500 | Driveway Ret Wall - See Track #82478 |
| 162884 | New single-family home | Issued | Iss. Oct 9, 2019 | $600,000 | S F D; Garage; Decks; Ret Wall T.D. 12/11/18 |
State HCD Housing Element APR records on this parcel: 1 entry (report years 2019).