The article takes a close look at Marin County’s ongoing push to meet state-mandated affordable housing goals under the 2023–2031 Housing Element.
It highlights growth in development pipelines, permit activity, and notable projects across unincorporated Marin and towns like San Rafael, Larkspur, Strawberry, and West Marin.
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Progress toward Marin’s Housing Element goals
Marin County officials say they’re seeing steady progress on housing goals, with more than 700 homes now in the unincorporated development review pipeline.
County planners told the Board of Supervisors that most programs under the 2023–2031 Housing Element are on track. They’re trying to balance growth with the unique character of towns from Novato to Fairfax.
What the numbers show
Some key figures give a mixed, but honestly somewhat hopeful, snapshot for Bay Area housing in Marin County:
- 3,569 units planned in unincorporated areas by 2031, including 1,100 very-low-income units and 634 low-income units.
- In the first three years of this eight-year cycle, Marin issued 343 housing permits across all income categories. 117 permits were issued in 2025 alone.
- Accessory dwelling units are trending up—83 ADU permits issued in 2025, way up from an average of 35 per year in 2019.
- But there’s still a gap: only 64 very-low-income permits and 83 low-income permits have been issued so far.
- Officials pointed out Marin is currently in compliance with the Housing Element, so the Housing Accountability Act “builder’s remedy” isn’t a threat right now.
Major proposed projects and opportunities
The planning docket is packed with ambitious efforts that could really shake up housing opportunities from San Rafael through Strawberry and beyond:
- The redevelopment of a former theological seminary in Strawberry.
- Oak Hill Apartments near Larkspur, which could add much-needed affordable units.
- A development near the Marinwood shopping center that might anchor a mixed-income neighborhood.
- Two San Rafael projects on Woodland Avenue and Albion Street aiming to diversify downtown housing stock.
Strategies to close the gap
County planners are leaning into a multi-pronged approach to bridge the divide between need and supply. Marin is actively exploring county-owned land, tackling farmworker housing in West Marin, and ramping up developer outreach while dedicating funds to help folks stay in their homes as prices and rents keep climbing.
- Explore county-owned land for potential affordable housing sites in towns like Corte Madera, San Anselmo, and Ross.
- Address farmworker housing needs in West Marin’s rural corridors and ranching communities near Point Reyes Station and along the Marin County coastline.
- Increase developer outreach to help streamline projects across a range of affordability levels.
- Dedicate funds to help residents remain in affordable homes amid market pressures in NOVATO, Mill Valley, and Fairfax.
Policy landscape and potential state leverage
Marin County’s housing efforts exist inside a broader state framework. If the county falls behind on low-income targets, it could face streamlined approvals under state laws like SB 35 (extended by SB 423), which skip certain local hearings and environmental review.
For now, county officials say Marin’s Housing Element is in compliance, so the Housing Accountability Act “builder’s remedy” is just a distant possibility.
What this means for Marin communities
- For residents in San Rafael, Sausalito, and Novato, ADUs can offer a practical way to age in place. They also make intergenerational living feel a bit more possible.
- Communities in West Marin, from Tomales to Point Reyes Station, might see more housing options for farmworkers. Plus, there’s room for countryside-friendly designs that actually fit in.
- In towns along the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge corridor—including Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Mill Valley—a mix of projects could boost the housing supply. That could even give local economies a nudge.
Marin’s growth still feels careful and community-focused. Folks from Fairfax to San Anselmo are probably watching to see if these projects turn into real homes, not just paperwork.
The next few years should show whether Marin’s towns can balance preservation with progress. Can they keep Marin County’s character alive and still make housing more accessible for families near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and beyond? Guess we’ll find out.
Here is the source article for this story: BCN 11: MARIN CO.: MARIN COUNTY REPORTS ‘SOLID PROGRESS’ ON HOUSING GOALS (March 16, 2026)
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