Contested Land Development In Marin County Is Up For Review

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A land development project in San Rafael that the county has approved the permit for still needs discretionary approval on May 29 to divide the property into residential lots and some neighbors are worried.

At 1 p.m. on May 29 at the Marin County Civic Center’s Board chamber, the Marin County Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to approve subdividing the property located at 1501 Lucas Valley Rd. into 36 residential lots where the public can hear more details about the the project and share feedback.

The Community Development Agency approved the application because it abides by the state laws mandating housing developments. It authorized 36 detached residences, which would include 15 that have junior accessory dwelling units. Thirty-one of the units would be market rate and five would be below market rate, including three for very low income and two for lower-income households.

Some Lucas Valley neighbors have expressed concerns about several aspects of the project and if others would like to share theirs, they can reach out to the project planner at Immanuel.Bereket@MarinCounty.gov.

The property is about 2 miles west of the U.S. Highway 101 between Novato and San Rafael. It is 60 acres but only 7.5 acres are planned to be developed. The new homeowners association would manage the western open space of the property. Currently, their is an abandoned home, a barn, a well and a septic system on the property.