Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Approval for the redevelopment of the former Golden Gate Baptist Seminary property in Strawberry is a major milestone, but it’ll take a while before construction begins.
The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved land use entitlements June 9 for the North Coast Land Holdings LLC project, but the applicant must complete required follow-up actions, including obtaining permits, preparing plans, coordinating with agencies, and meeting other conditions of approval.
The project would bring 337 residential units to the site, including 184 new homes, replacement of 139 existing units, and retention of 13 existing residences, for 859 bedrooms total. Seventy homes would be designated below market-rate. The proposal also includes a senior care facility, fitness center, and preschool, along with continued academic use of the property under a 1953 permit, now subject to new commuter and enrollment limits negotiated with neighbors.
"This decision moves the project into its next stage, but it does not close the conversation," said Sarah Jones, Director of the Community Development Agency. "Public input helped clarify the issues before the County and shaped key conditions of approval, including traffic, safety, construction, access, and coordination. Our focus now is making sure the next steps are clear and that information is easy to find as the project moves forward."
To issue building permits, the County will begin a rigorous review of detailed plans demonstrating that all aspects of construction, including buildings, grading, and excavation, fully meet local, state, and federal codes and requirements. The project will also require a construction management plan covering phasing, timelines, and measures to minimize community disruption. The project approvals require further public consultation around certain features, and the County will seek additional feedback as the construction management plan is developed. Updated information will be posted online regularly.
Areas that will need continued attention include evaluating intersection safety improvements with community input, providing information to existing on-site residents regarding relocation, and detailing how and when construction activities will be conducted.
The County's role in the next phase is to oversee the parts of the process within its authority and provide clear information about required steps, remaining approvals, and major milestones. Some details, including construction timing, site activity, and implementation planning, will depend on the applicant's required follow-up actions and coordination with the County.
A revised project webpage is under development. Once live, it will include the Board action, approved project documents and public engagement records, conditions of approval, next steps, and milestone updates as they occur. The public can also sign up to receive email updates.