The article you’re about to read chronicles Marin County’s current progress on the 2023–2031 Housing Element. It highlights steady momentum toward housing goals while flagging ongoing challenges in producing affordable units.
It dives into the active development pipeline in unincorporated Marin. You’ll find spotlights on notable projects across Larkspur, San Rafael, and nearby Marin towns, and some insight into how Accessory Dwelling Units are reshaping the housing landscape.
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If you live in Fairfax, Tiburon, Novato, or anywhere in Marin, this piece breaks down what’s moving forward, what remains elusive, and where residents can track projects and resources.
Progress toward Marin’s Housing Element goals
The Community Development Agency (CDA) says it’s making progress on the 2023–2031 Housing Element, with a clear pipeline in motion and several big projects moving ahead. Still, officials point out that affordable housing production isn’t keeping up with targets, which keeps the affordability crunch alive for families in towns like Mill Valley, San Anselmo, and Corte Madera.
More than 700 homes in unincorporated areas are in development review. That’s a lot of activity on several fronts.
In the first three years of the cycle, Marin County issued 343 permits across all income categories. Of those, 117 permits came in 2025 alone.
That’s steady permitting activity, but the county still needs to balance market-rate and affordable housing production. There’s also a noticeable uptick in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) activity, showing that more people are choosing smaller, flexible housing options in places from Fairfax to San Rafael.
Notable projects advancing in unincorporated Marin and neighboring towns
Several high-profile developments show the county’s momentum. The redevelopment of the former Strawberry Theological Seminary in unincorporated Marin is moving forward.
The Oak Hill Apartments near Larkspur and new apartments by the Marinwood shopping center are also in the works. In San Rafael, Auburn Grove on Woodland Avenue and a project on Albion Street stand out.
Both of these San Rafael projects point to more housing within city limits. They also support nearby job centers and schools, which is pretty important if you ask most locals.
ADU growth and overall permit trends
The county is seeing a real rise in ADU applications. People seem more interested in flexible housing options that help families stay in Marin’s communities.
This trend is especially noticeable in towns with good transit and walkable amenities, from Sausalito to Novato. It lines up with state policies that encourage denser, more diverse neighborhoods.
In 2025, Marin County issued 83 ADU permits. That’s a strong uptake—accessory units have become a practical way to add housing without changing neighborhood character too much.
ADUs are now a mainstream tool in Marin’s housing toolbox. You’ll hear about them in plenty of parent-and-child conversations across Larkspur, San Anselmo, and San Rafael.
The numbers behind ADU growth
- ADU permits issued in 2025: 83
- General permit activity: 343 total permits in the first three years of the cycle
- Affordability-focused permits in 2025: 64 very-low-income and 83 low-income permits
The challenge ahead: meeting RHNA and safeguarding state funding
Marin County needs to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 3,569 units for 2023–2031. Right now, the county still needs permits for 3,226 homes to hit that target.
Officials warn that if Marin doesn’t reach the RHNA goal by the end of the Housing Element cycle, state funding could be at risk. That’s a big deal for towns across Marin—from Tiburon to Fairfax—that rely on state support for infrastructure and services.
The county keeps public webpages that track major housing projects and planning applications under review. Residents can use these sites for transparency and a chance to get involved.
You’ll find more info on ADUs, building permits, and housing resources through the Community Development Agency’s main webpage. It’s a pretty vital resource for homeowners, developers, and local officials.
Where to find more information and how residents can stay involved
- Public dashboards on the CDA website track major housing projects and planning applications under review across Marin’s towns. You’ll find updates from Corte Madera to Sausalito.
- ADU specifics and permitting guidance are easy to find. Homeowners in places like San Anselmo and Greenbrae can quickly learn how to add flexible space to their properties.
- General building permits and housing resources sit right on the CDA main page. There are calls to action for both residents and developers.
- If you’re curious about how things play out locally, nearby Marin counties and cities—whether you’re in Fairfax, Belvedere, or Novato—often post project milestones and upcoming hearings. You can follow these through the county’s online portals.
Here is the source article for this story: County Reports Progress On Housing Goals, But Affordable Units Lag In Marin
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