481 Miller Creek Rd
San Rafael 94903 · Marinwood · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.03307, -122.54970
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 $1,346,000 ($1,184,000–$1,508,000).
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 7,536 sq ft lot. Local precedent is active with 1 ADU permit within ¼ mile over the last 36 months.
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314 & 65852.21
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$67,452 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (4 total permits, latest May 10, 2022).
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 (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
Remodel / interior alteration (170446): Issued after 9 mo (3.4× the 83d median) — slower than 90% of remodel / interior alteration permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 90th pct 266d, n=1,054).
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: New home at 3 Erin Dr (0.4 mi SE, 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:
- 7,536 sq ft (0.17 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 481 MILLER CREEK RD
Zoning & Land Use
R1 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
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.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 7,536 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 (all 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: $1,184,000 – $1,508,000 · 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
- New home at 3 Erin Dr (Applied)0.4 mi SE
In "Applied" for 3 yr (since Oct 31, 2023), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $2,993,758 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 111 Erin Ct (Applied)0.4 mi SE
In "Applied" for 3 yr (since Nov 28, 2023), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $56,632,994 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 115 Erin Ct (Applied)0.4 mi SE
In "Applied" for 3 yr (since Nov 28, 2023), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $55,415,888 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- New home at 118 Erin Ct (Applied)0.41 mi SE
In "Applied" for 3 yr (since Nov 28, 2023), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $55,415,888 declared valuation across 1 permit).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: D And R Construction (3 on parcel, 3 in ½ mi · Electrical / panel); Tesla Energy (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Owner Builder (43 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (15 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Haven Construction (5 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (4 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B29680 | Other | Issued | Iss. May 10, 2022 | $3,500 | Install Back up Generator |
| B29668 | Electrical / panel | Issued | Iss. May 10, 2022 | $8,500 | Electric Panel Upgrade to 200Amp Install back up Generator — Service Upgrade |
| 170446 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued | Iss. Jan 21, 2022 | $146,000 | Kitchen & Bath Remodel; Siding; Windows & Doors; Electrical At Living Room; Water Heater |
| 149778 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Nov 12, 2015 | $10,342 | 4.68 Kw Roof Mntd P V Sys - Express W/E-Inspect ***Refund Prepared 6/20/16 |