51 San Pablo Ave
San Rafael 94903 · Santa Venetia · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.99522, -122.52853
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned RA-B1 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ministerial ADU eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,186,000 ($1,044,000–$1,328,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ Ministerial ADU / JADU pathway likely eligible
Zone RA-B1 allows residential use qualifying for ministerial ADU review under state law (2 ADU permits permitted within ¼ mile in 36 months).
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314
- ✓ 2 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Feb 25, 2021, letting you verify roof, HVAC, electrical, or structural work against seller disclosures.
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 Moderate 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
Windows / doors / siding (167251): Issued after 2 mo — slower than 90% of windows / doors / siding permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 5d, n=1,476).
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 commercial building at 170 N San Pedro Rd (0.39 mi NE, 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:
- 7,275 sq ft (0.17 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Exemption - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 51 SAN PABLO AVE
Zoning & Land Use
RA-B1 — Residential Agriculture (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned RA-B1 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotCan't tell
Zoned RA-B1 (single-family residential): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Residential agriculture, estate and restricted: large-lot residential; confirm SB 9 with the county.
- SB 9: split into two lotsCan't tell
Zoned RA-B1 (single-family residential): we can't tell whether it counts as a single-family zone for SB 9. Residential agriculture, estate and restricted: large-lot residential; confirm SB 9 with the county.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- Moderate 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 06041C0457E, 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: $1,044,000 – $1,328,000 · 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
- Windows / doors / siding (167251) (Issued)On this parcel
Issued after 2 mo — slower than 90% of windows / doors / siding permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 0d, 90th pct 5d, n=1,476).
- New commercial building at 170 N San Pedro Rd (Issued)0.39 mi NE
Active in "Issued" for 4.9 yr (first record Dec 1, 2021) with no new permit activity recorded in 4.4 yr. High-impact scale ($18,000,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 59 San Pablo Ave (Applied)200 ft NE
In "Applied" for 23 mo (since Nov 27, 2024), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- New home at 8 Edgehill Wy (Applied)0.25 mi E
In "Applied" for 10.8 yr (since Feb 4, 2016), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Outlander Construction (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Windows / doors / siding); Veristain Marcelo Alfonso (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner Builder (25 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (9 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Imperial Contracting (4 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 167251 | Windows / doors / siding | Issued | Iss. Feb 25, 2021 | $40,000 | Repl Deck, Sliding Door T.D. Asap |
| 141654 | Remodel / interior alteration | Issued | Iss. Feb 24, 2014 | $20,000 | Kitchen Remodel |