Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Following a staff review, the County of Marin has approved a housing development permit for a new project at 1501 Lucas Valley Road. However, the application to subdivide the property into 36 residential lots is subject to a discretionary approval and will be considered by the Planning Commission on Thursday, May 29. The public is welcome to hear more details and provide feedback during the 1 PM meeting at the Marin County Civic Center’s Board chamber.
The Community Development Agency (CDA) approved the housing application because it complies with state laws that mandate certain approvals for housing developments. That approval authorizes 36 detached residences, 15 of which would include optional junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). Thirty-one dwelling units would be market-rate units, while five would be deed-restricted below-market-rate units (three for very low-income and two for lower-income households).
Neighbors who live in Lucas Valley have expressed concerns about several aspects of the project, according to CDA staff. Anyone may email the project planner and their comments will be provided to the Planning Commission or they can participate in the May 29 meeting in–person at the Civic Center.
The property, roughly two miles west of Highway 101 between San Rafael and Novato, is 60 acres in area but only 7.5 acres on the east side of the property would be developed. The western section of the property would remain as open space managed by a new homeowners association. There is an existing abandoned home on the property as well as a barn, a well, and a septic system.
The CDA staff recommendation on the subdivision will be posted with the agenda and materials on or before May 23. That recommendation will fully consider all aspects of the proposed site development configuration. In its review, the CDA Planning Division noted the excessive excavation of the hillside to accommodate the new lots.
The Planning Commission meets in Suite 329 of the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. The agenda for the May 29 meeting will be posted by May 23. Commission meetings are livestreamed on the County website and archived for future viewing.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-2755 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the CDA Planning Division at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.