5 Zephyr Ct
San Rafael 94903 · Lucas Valley · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.03095, -122.58064
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1-B-LV in Unincorporated Marin with likely ministerial ADU eligibility and mapped FEMA AE flood / CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,399,000 ($1,231,000–$1,567,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Ministerial ADU / JADU pathway likely eligible
Zone R1-B-LV allows residential use qualifying for ministerial ADU review under state law (1 ADU permit permitted within ¼ mile in 36 months).
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$8,740 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (2 total permits, latest Mar 9, 2023).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (parcel APN)
Watchouts & Due Diligence
- ! FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (AE, about 21% 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 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)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Demolition at 2000 Lucas Valley Rd (0.19 mi NW, 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 (~$16,539/yr at $1,399,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,378/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:
- 8,799 sq ft (0.20 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 5 ZEPHYR CT
Zoning & Land Use
R1-B-LV — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1-B-LV (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotPossible, with conditions
Zoned R1-B-LV, a single-family residential zone. FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE) covers about 21% 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 R1-B-LV, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 8,799 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 21% 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
- High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Local Responsibility Area) (all of the lot, map Mar 24, 2025)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone AE: 1% annual chance flood (Special Flood Hazard Area) (about 21% of the lot); Zone X: minimal flood hazard (about 79% of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0289D, 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: $1,231,000 – $1,567,000 · 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
- Demolition at 2000 Lucas Valley Rd (Applied)0.19 mi NW
In "Applied" for 4.4 yr (since Jun 7, 2022), exceeding the 55d median and 261d 90th percentile for demolition permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=130).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 42 Oak Mountain Ct (Applied)0.2 mi N
In "Applied" for 5.5 yr (since Apr 30, 2021), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 1 Golden Lily Pl (Applied)0.43 mi NW
In "Applied" for 4.8 yr (since Jan 20, 2022), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Demolition at 1605 Lucas Valley Rd (Issued)0.13 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 8.5 yr (first record May 29, 2018) with no new permit activity recorded in 8.4 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Solarcraft Services (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Lory Electric (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Owner Builder (20 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (9 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Marin Kitchen Works (5 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B32899 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Mar 9, 2023 | $22,070 | (N) TILT MOUNTED 4.80 kW PV SYSTEM W/ GRID TIED MICROINVERTERS |
| B22083 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. Feb 14, 2020 | $1,600 | Replace existing 125A rated / 100A main breaker FPE main electrical breaker box (with new 200A rated / 100A main breaker… |