6956 A Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Forest Knolls 94933 · Forest Knolls · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.01565, -122.69127
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1-B2-SGV in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE high fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,191,000 ($1,048,000–$1,334,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1-B2-SGV supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 11,282 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 (+$260,000 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (1 total permit, latest Apr 23, 2026).
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)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) (181566): Issued after 2.1 yr (3.8× the 204d median) — slower than 90% of accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 204d, 90th pct 549d, n=298).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 4 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Demolition at 6956 Sir Francis Drake Blvd (On this parcel, 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)
Parcel & Assessor
- Lot size:
- 11,282 sq ft (0.26 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Exemption - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 6956A SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD; 6956B SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD; 6956 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD
Zoning & Land Use
R1-B2-SGV — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1-B2-SGV (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B2-SGV, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B2-SGV, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 11,282 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 (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 06041C0275D, 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: $1,048,000 – $1,334,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94933) · FY 2026
Studio $2,870 · 1BR $3,440 · 2BR $4,160 · 3BR $5,310 · 4BR $5,510
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) (181566) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 2.1 yr (3.8× the 204d median) — slower than 90% of accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 204d, 90th pct 549d, n=298).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 6956 Sir Francis Drake Blvd (j A D U 6956a & A D U 6956b) (Issued)On this parcel
Active in "Issued" for 2.7 yr (first record Mar 6, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 7 mo.
- Demolition at 6956 Sir Francis Drake Blvd (Issued)On this parcel
Active in "Issued" for 2.8 yr (first record Jan 10, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 2.7 yr.
- New home at 42 Arroyo Rd (Issued)510 ft NW
Active in "Issued" for 12.3 yr (first record Aug 11, 2014) with no new permit activity recorded in 11.8 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Rebuilding Together East Bay Network (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Owner Builder (9 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Owner (7 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Zia Designs (2 in ½ mi · Demolition); Hope Construction (1 in ½ mi · New single-family home).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (1 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 181566 | Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) | Issued | Iss. Apr 23, 2026 | $400,000 | Remodel & Convert (E) S F D Into (N) Main House, A D U, & J A D U, Incl H V A C, Wtr Htr, Service Upgrade, Windows & Doo… |