397 Alameda Del Prado
Novato 94949 · Loma Verde · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.06251, -122.53587
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,257,000 ($1,106,000–$1,408,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 8,886 sq ft lot. Local precedent is active with 2 ADU permits within ¼ mile over the last 36 months.
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314 & 65852.21
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$6,609 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (5 total permits, latest Aug 6, 2019).
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)
about 48% 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 (Local 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 Mar 24, 2025)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Solar / battery storage (83861): Pending in review for 7.3 yr — slower than 90% of solar / battery storage permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 2d, n=2,977).
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: Homeward Bound Veterans & Workforce Housing (0.4 mi SE, entitled). 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:
- 8,886 sq ft (0.20 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 397 ALAMEDA DEL PRADO
Zoning & Land Use
R1 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated. The lot is 8,886 sq ft by the assessor, room for two lots of at least 1,200 sq ft, each at least 40% of the original.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Local Responsibility Area) (all of the lot, map Mar 24, 2025)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: minimal flood hazard (about 48% of the lot); Zone X: minimal flood hazard (about 52% of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0291D, 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: $1,106,000 – $1,408,000 · 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
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Homeward Bound Veterans & Workforce Housing (Entitled)0.4 mi SE
In "Entitled" for 4.2 yr (since Aug 23, 2022), exceeding the 292d median and 313d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=21). High-impact scale (50 housing units, 50 deed-restricted affordable across 0 permits).
- Solar / battery storage (83861) (Applied)On this parcel
Pending in review for 7.3 yr — slower than 90% of solar / battery storage permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 2d, n=2,977).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 483 Alameda Del Prado (Applied)0.21 mi NW
In "Applied" for 2 yr (since Oct 25, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 486 Via Herbosa (adu 486a) (Issued)0.23 mi NW
Active in "Issued" for 2.7 yr (first record Mar 13, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 20 mo.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Owner (1 on parcel, 3 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); James Petersen Industries (2 on parcel, 2 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Petersen Dean (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Adams Refrigeration Service A California (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Owner Builder (6 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (5 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 162245 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Aug 6, 2019 | $20,399 | Rooftop Solar 5.4 K W - Express |
| 83861 | Solar / battery storage | Applied | App. Jul 11, 2019 | $20,399 | Rooftop Solar 5.44 K W - Fastrak |
| B17698 | Roof replacement | Issued | Iss. May 7, 2019 | $27,960 | REROOF, PVC MEMBRANE 60 MIL — ReRoofing |
| B12913 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Jul 31, 2017 | $8,100 | replacing furnace and ac system — Replace Mechanical Appliance |
| B12744 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Jul 6, 2017 | $300 |