35 Cavalla Cay
Novato 94949 · Bel Marin Keys · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.07901, -122.52339
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned RSP-1.6-BFC in Unincorporated Marin with likely ministerial ADU eligibility and mapped FEMA AE flood / CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,353,000 ($1,191,000–$1,515,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Ministerial ADU / JADU pathway likely eligible
Zone RSP-1.6-BFC allows residential use qualifying for ministerial ADU review under state law.
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$5,760 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (2 total permits, latest Apr 10, 2019).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (parcel APN)
Watchouts & Due Diligence
- ! FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (AE, about 26% of the lot of lot)
Zone AE: 1% annual chance flood (Special Flood Hazard Area) overlaps this parcel. Expect mandatory flood insurance for federally backed loans and floodplain elevation/mitigation rules for new units or SB 9 applications.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (parcel polygon)
- ! CAL FIRE Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Local Responsibility Area) (about 30% 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 Mar 24, 2025)
- ! 2 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Demolition at 18 Dolphin Isle (0.38 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 (~$16,010/yr at $1,353,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,334/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:
- 9,496 sq ft (0.22 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 35 CAVALLA CAY
Zoning & Land Use
RSP-1.6-BFC — Residential Single Family Planned (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned RSP-1.6-BFC (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotPossible, with conditions
Zoned RSP-1.6-BFC, a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated. FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE) covers about 26% of the lot: the project must meet the National Flood Insurance Program floodplain standards, or the lot needs a map revision.
- SB 9: split into two lotsPossible, with conditions
Zoned RSP-1.6-BFC, a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated. The lot is 9,496 sq ft by the assessor, room for two lots of at least 1,200 sq ft, each at least 40% of the original. FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE) covers about 26% of the lot: the project must meet the National Flood Insurance Program floodplain standards, or the lot needs a map revision.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Local Responsibility Area) (about 30% of the lot, map Mar 24, 2025)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone AE: 1% annual chance flood (Special Flood Hazard Area) (about 26% of the lot); Zone X: 0.2% annual chance flood hazard (shaded X) (about 74% of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0284E, 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: $1,191,000 – $1,515,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94949) · FY 2026
Studio $2,360 · 1BR $2,830 · 2BR $3,430 · 3BR $4,380 · 4BR $4,540
Nearby Activity (½ mile radius, since November 2024)
0 active or recent development projects and 110 total building permits recorded within ½ mile.
- Additions & renovations6 permits
- Building systems85 permits
- Other19 permits
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Demolition at 18 Dolphin Isle (Issued)0.38 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 11.6 yr (first record Mar 25, 2015) with no new permit activity recorded in 11.6 yr.
- Demolition at 1051 Bel Marin Keys Blvd (Issued)0.45 mi NE
Active in "Issued" for 8.5 yr (first record May 21, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 8.4 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Sunrun Installation Service (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Gene Burch Plumbing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Owner Builder (16 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (7 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Natal Modica Construction (3 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 161229 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Apr 10, 2019 | $8,000 | Pv Solar 3.6 Kw - Express |
| 149760 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Nov 10, 2015 | $6,191 | Furnace |