79 Inverness Dr
San Rafael 94901 · Bayside Acres · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.98143, -122.48623
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1-B4 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (local responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,926,000 ($1,695,000–$2,157,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R1-B4 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 37,941 sq ft lot.
Source: Unincorporated Marin zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314 & 65852.21
- ✓ Documented permitted upgrades (+$214,400 contributory est.)
Public building records show issued construction/renovation work on this parcel (3 total permits, latest Oct 18, 2024).
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)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home (0.29 mi S, 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)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$22,599/yr at $1,926,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,883/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:
- 37,941 sq ft (0.87 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 79 INVERNESS DR; 81 INVERNESS DR
Zoning & Land Use
R1-B4 — Residential Single Family (Unincorporated Marin)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R1-B4 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B4, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R1-B4, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 37,941 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
- 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 06041C0476E, 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: $1,695,000 – $2,157,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94901) · FY 2026
Studio $2,150 · 1BR $2,580 · 2BR $3,120 · 3BR $3,990 · 4BR $4,130
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- New home (Entitled)0.29 mi S
In "Entitled" for 8.2 yr (since Aug 28, 2018), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- New home (Entitled)0.42 mi NE
In "Entitled" for 7.8 yr (since Jan 14, 2019), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- New home (Entitled)0.44 mi SW
In "Entitled" for 6.3 yr (since Aug 4, 2020), exceeding the 253d median and 686d 90th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 296 Margarita Dr (Applied)0.5 mi W
In "Applied" for 4.6 yr (since Mar 22, 2022), 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: True North Construction (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Tesla Energy (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Solar / battery storage); Ernest Ongaro And Sons (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · HVAC / heat pump); Owner Builder (7 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (3 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B39871 | HVAC / heat pump | Issued | Iss. Oct 18, 2024 | $5,600 | Replace failed furnace with new furnace — Replace Mechanical Appliance |
| 168816 | Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) | Issued | Iss. Jul 14, 2021 | $435,000 | Attached New Adu With Deck |
| 167852 | Solar / battery storage | Issued | Iss. Apr 20, 2021 | $13,040 | 4.08 Kw Rooftop Photovoltaic & Energy Storage System - Express |
State HCD Housing Element APR records on this parcel: 2 entries (report years 2021, 2022).