685 Sonoma Ave
Sacramento 95815 · Richardson Village · City of Sacramento · Coordinates: 38.62324, -121.44970
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned R-1 in City of Sacramento with likely ADU & SB 9 infill eligibility and zero mapped flood, fire, or fault hazard overlaps; benchmark value $355,000 ($312,000–$398,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ ADU & SB 9 infill pathways screen as likely eligible
Zoned R-1 supports ministerial ADU/JADU review plus SB 9 both two-unit development and ministerial urban lot split on a 6,970 sq ft lot. Local precedent is active with 9 ADU permits within ¼ mile over the last 36 months.
Source: City of Sacramento zoning · CA Gov. Code 66314 & 65852.21
- ✓ 3 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Jun 25, 2025, letting you verify roof, HVAC, electrical, or structural work against seller disclosures.
Source: City of Sacramento CDD, Issued Building Permits (Current Year) (parcel APN)
Watchouts & Due Diligence
- ! Mapped flood awareness zone (Zone X: reduced flood risk due to levee)
all of the lot of the parcel intersects Zone X: reduced flood risk due to levee. Outside mandatory federal SFHA insurance rules, but check local drainage and finished-floor requirements.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (parcel polygon)
- ! 6 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: Northern Trail Apartments (0.21 mi NE, entitled). Inspect timeline history before assuming near-term completion.
Source: City of Sacramento CDD, Issued Building Permits (Current Year) · HCD APR (½-mile radius)
- ! Year 1 Prop 13 tax reset (~$4,497/yr at $355,000)
Sale triggers reassessment to 1.00% base + ~0.14% voter debt (~$375/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:
- 6,970 sq ft (0.16 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Residential · Single Family · Subdivision
- Tax rate area:
- 03257
- Addresses on lot:
- 685 SONOMA AVE
Zoning & Land Use
R-1 — Single-Unit Dwelling Zone (R)
2040 General Plan: Neighborhood (FAR up to 1)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADULikely eligible
Zoned R-1 (single-family residential): state law allows ADUs where homes are allowed.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotLikely eligible
Zoned R-1, a single-family residential zone.
- SB 9: split into two lotsLikely eligible
Zoned R-1, a single-family residential zone. The lot is 6,970 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
- Not in a State-mapped fire hazard severity zone
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: reduced flood risk due to levee (all of the lot) · FIRM panel 06067C0177J, effective June 16, 2015
- CGS Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
- Not in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Surrounding Rent & Value Benchmarks (Public Records)
Range: $312,000 – $398,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 95815) · FY 2026
Studio $1,440 · 1BR $1,510 · 2BR $1,860 · 3BR $2,480 · 4BR $2,850
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Northern Trail Apartments (Entitled)0.21 mi NE
In "Entitled" for 3.1 yr (since Oct 19, 2023), exceeding the 210d median and 627d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in City of Sacramento (n=199). High-impact scale (22 housing units, 2 deed-restricted affordable across 0 permits).
- Affordable Housing (Fee estimate)0.23 mi E
In "Fee estimate" for 3.1 yr (since Oct 16, 2023), exceeding the 210d median and 627d 90th percentile for new multifamily / condos / mixed-use permits in City of Sacramento (n=199). High-impact scale (29 housing units, $3,006,960 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- Accessory dwelling unit at 3333 Taylor St (In review)0.34 mi NW
In "In review" for 5 mo (since Jun 29, 2026), exceeding the 45d median and 85d 75th percentile for new single-family home permits in City of Sacramento (n=3,657). valuation changed to "221828.1" in snapshot Nov 1, 2026.
- Accessory dwelling unit at 2951 Belden St (In review)0.43 mi E
In "In review" for 3 mo (since Aug 10, 2026), exceeding the 45d median and 85d 75th percentile for new single-family home permits in City of Sacramento (n=3,657). work_desc changed to "EPC - New construction detached ADU, 748 sq ft, 2bed/2bath with sprinklers and 2.15kw solar system. Carbon monoxide & Smoke alarms required. Reference CRC sections R310 & R311. ALL WORK SUBJECT TO FIELD INSPECTION." in snapshot Nov 1, 2026.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Ramirez Roofing (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Roof replacement); Larrys Handy Plumbing Service (1 on parcel, 1 in ½ mi · Plumbing / water heater / sewer); Cuttle Construction (90 in ½ mi · New single-family home); Del Paso Homes (33 in ½ mi · New single-family home); Rpm Development And Engineering (4 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (3 permits, 0 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RES-2512982 | Windows / doors / siding | Finaled | Iss. Jun 25, 2025 | $10,000 | HSG CASE FILE #: 25-015803 MINOR PERMIT NO PLANS REQUIRED. BATHROOM REMODEL. NEW FIXTURES. NEW BATHROOM WINDOW. DRYROT … |
| RES-2412801 | Plumbing / water heater / sewer | Finaled | Iss. Jun 11, 2024 | $6,600 | E-Permit: Sewer Service replacement or repair, Dig and Bury 45 L.F. |
| RES-2115378 | Roof replacement | Finaled | Iss. Jul 15, 2021 | $10,886 | E-Permit: Tear Off - Yes, Resheet - No, 1 layer(s), 19 squares of 30yr Laminated Dimensional Composition. CRRC: 0890-001… |