368 Laurel Ave
Novato 94945 · Black Point · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.10333, -122.49736
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned Undesignated in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,331,000 ($1,171,000–$1,491,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 2 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Sep 16, 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 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)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Accessory dwelling unit at 315 Laurel Ave (0.14 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)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$15,757/yr at $1,331,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,313/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:
- 21,911 sq ft (0.50 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 368 LAUREL AVE
Zoning & Land Use
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
A2 — 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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: $1,171,000 – $1,491,000 · 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
- Accessory dwelling unit at 315 Laurel Ave (Applied)0.14 mi N
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)0.15 mi W
In "Applied" for 2.6 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)0.49 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).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 388 Laurel Ave (was 390) (Issued)140 ft S
Active in "Issued" for 5.5 yr (first record May 5, 2021) with no new permit activity recorded in 5.3 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Northern Pacific Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Sonomarin Solar (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Owner Builder (5 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).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B48352 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. Sep 16, 2026 | $36,988 | ReRoofing; With Electronic Inspection |
| 164755 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. May 29, 2020 | $22,000 | Backup Generator & Transfer Switch T.D. 6-1-20 |