55 Buena Vista Ave
Fairfax 94930 · Unincorporated Fairfax · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 37.97309, -122.61417
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R1 in Unincorporated Marin with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,294,000 ($1,139,000–$1,449,000).
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 8,886 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
- ✓ 1 documented municipal building permit on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jul 15, 2015, 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 (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)
- ! 4 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Demolition at 2 Mora Ave (160 ft NW, 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)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$15,331/yr at $1,294,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.15% voter debt (~$1,278/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:
- 8,886 sq ft (0.20 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Improved
- Addresses on lot:
- 55 BUENA VISTA AVE
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 8,886 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 (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 06041C0451E, effective March 17, 2014
- CGS Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
- Not in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Surrounding Rent & Value Benchmarks (Public Records)
Range: $1,139,000 – $1,449,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94930) · FY 2026
Studio $2,230 · 1BR $2,680 · 2BR $3,240 · 3BR $4,140 · 4BR $4,290
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Demolition at 2 Mora Ave (Issued)160 ft NW
Active in "Issued" for 4.6 yr (first record Apr 26, 2022) with no new permit activity recorded in 4.5 yr.
- New home (Issued)0.39 mi NE
Active in "Issued" for 6.3 yr (first record Jul 16, 2020) with no new permit activity recorded in 6.3 yr.
- New home at 740 Bolinas Rd (Issued)0.41 mi E
Active in "Issued" for 2.6 yr (first record Apr 12, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 2.6 yr.
- Accessory dwelling unit at 45 Bosque Ave (Issued)520 ft SE
Active in "Issued" for 2.3 yr (first record Jul 31, 2024) with no new permit activity recorded in 6 mo.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Benjamin Franklin Certified Plumbing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Owner Builder (7 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Morgan Key Hammon Construction (2 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Owner (2 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Nordby Construction (1 in ½ mi · Commercial tenant improvement).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (1 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148011 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Issued | Iss. Jul 15, 2015 | $2,100 | Repl Water Heater***Expired |