Body of News Release
Marin County, CA — An affordable housing development in unincorporated Marin has reached a significant milestone. The Marin County Community Development Agency has issued final building permit approval for the Marinwood Apartments project, allowing construction to begin at the former Marinwood Plaza Shopping Center at 175 Marinwood Avenue in unincorporated San Rafael.
The development will provide 125 apartment homes, including 124 affordable rental units and one manager's unit. The apartments will be available for households earning between 30% and 70% of area median income; for a family of three, this translates to annual income between approximately $52,890 and $123,410. The project will consist of four three-story residential buildings and include a ground-floor café open to the public.
The existing Marinwood Market will remain in operation and be open throughout construction. The project advances the County's commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities and implementing the housing goals adopted in the Countywide Housing Element.
"Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing needs in Marin County, and reaching this milestone brings us closer to creating homes for working families, educators, first responders, and other community members who are essential to our local economy," said Sarah Jones, Director of the Community Development Agency.
Mary Sackett, the Marin County Supervisor who represents the Marinwood neighborhood, said: “The Marinwood Apartments are the result of years of planning and community engagement. The result is housing for the workforce we depend on for our community to thrive. At three stories, this project is right-sized for this infill location. The developer is engaged and responsive to the neighborhood."
The County has provided $7.5 million through the Marin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support development of the affordable housing community, along with approximately $2.5 million from the County’s Road and Bridge fund for streetscape and transportation improvements along Marinwood Avenue. Together, these investments will help deliver 125 homes while enhancing neighborhood infrastructure through new pedestrian and bicycle facilities, landscaping, street lighting, parking improvements, and traffic-calming features designed to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for existing and future residents.
The site was first designated for housing in the 2007-2014 Housing Element. The current housing project was proposed in 2024, and since then, the development has completed the regulatory oversight process and secured the approvals necessary to move forward. In October 2025, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board determined that no further active remediation of the site was required, clearing the way for construction activities to proceed.
The developer will start site preparation activities, including vegetation removal, installation of construction fencing, grading, and other ground improvements. Construction will occur in phases under a County-approved construction management plan. While some temporary disruptions are expected during construction, the developer has committed to measures that address construction traffic, equipment staging, site access, and neighborhood notification procedures. Construction activities are limited to approved hours established by Marin County regulations.
Once completed, the Marinwood Apartments will provide housing opportunities for residents employed in occupations such as education, public safety, healthcare, and other essential community-serving professions whose incomes often make it difficult to find affordable housing in Marin County.
Residents can stay informed by visiting the County’s Marinwood Apartments project webpage and can subscribe to receive project updates. Information regarding leasing and interest list registration is anticipated to become available from the developer in late 2026.