County Reports Progress On Housing Goals, But Affordable Units Lag In Marin

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The County of Marin is moving forward with its ambitious long-term housing plans with an update Tuesday from the Community Development Agency showing solid progress toward meeting its Housing Element goals, but the development of affordable units is lagging behind targets.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors was updated on Tuesday that over 700 homes in unincorporated areas are in development review. The CDA noted that most programs are on track to meet the 2023-2031 Housing Element deadlines.

The update highlights key developments: the former theological seminary in Strawberry, Oak Hill Apartments near Larkspur, apartments near Marinwood shopping center, and two unincorporated San Rafael projects: Auburn Grove on Woodland Avenue and a complex on Albion Street.

In the first three years of the current cycle, 343 permits were issued across all income categories, with 117 issued in 2025 alone, officials said. The County also reported 83 ADU permits in 2025, suggesting increasing public acceptance of smaller, supplementary housing to help ease the local crisis.

Affordable housing lags significantly. Of the 2025 permits, only 64 were for very-low-income and 83 for low-income units, officials said. To meet the 3,569-unit Regional Housing Needs Allocation, the County still needs permits for 3,226 homes.

Failure to meet the regional housing goal by the end of the Housing Element cycle risks state funding.

The County maintains webpages for major housing projects and planning applications under review. More information about ADUs, building permits, and housing resources is available on the main CDA webpage.