Indian Valley Associates

What has Indian Valley Associates accomplished –

• Indian Valley Associates (IVA) formed in 1971 to preserve our rural environment and hold back “city creep”.
• In 1971-72 Indian Valley was threatened by zoning that would create 10,000 sf lot sizes however, IVA successfully fought for 1-acre minimum zoning. Novato wanted to provide public sewers that would have cost a minimum of $50k per home-owner – then they could rezone for smaller lot sizes. Today that price tag would be much
• IVA wrote the Indian Valley Specific Plan – it has been used as a guide by the County for over 50 years.
• In 1974 IVA lobbied for the ballot issue that created 800-acre Open Space (CSA 20). The association worked hard to get it passed by the voters. Since then, IVA has functioned as advisor to the County and the Trustee of the Indian Valley Preserve Open Space. If you are interested in serving on the CSA 20 advisory board, contact Craig Knowlton.  It should be noted that several IV residents purchased the land to keep developers out – then they donated the land for open space walking, hiking and horse riding.
• In the early 1980’s IVA fought to keep parcel taxes down on the local Flood Control Project.
• 1986 was a long but successful fight against County’s plans to use Federal Funds to grossly widen Indian Valley Road to more than sixty feet.
• Indian Valley Road is less than two miles long, but IVA worked with CHP and the Supervisor to STOP the plan to straighten out the road. IVA worked to erect four stop-signs to slow local traffic – hopefully to discourage through traffic.
• IVA worked with the County to get horse and bicycle trail clearance along the shoulder of Indian Valley Road from Wilson Ave to Open Space.
• In 1993 Marin Community Foundation awarded IVA $5,000 for Neighborhood Achievement.
• Emeritus status was created for Board Members that wanted to retire from the Board. We need to keep them involved with IVA due to their knowledge, history, and grit.
• Your annual dues helped IVA work with the fire department for years to arrange for brush clearing and disposal, at no cost to residents – currently called Chipper Days.
• Your annual dues have helped fill in several dangerous gutters, including the recent one in 2024 by Old Ranch Rd – with added funds from the County of Marin.
• In recent years IVA worked to have our valley become a Firewise community – an important part of being a safer neighborhood.
• IVA is constantly fighting to stay outside Novato city limits and remain rural – city creep.
• Attendees at the 2022 annual meeting voted to donated to fallen officers’ funds for the CHP and the Marin County Sheriff’s because they help keep speeders at bay.
• IVA created a website to keep you informed – indianvalleyhome.org.
• Attendees at the 2023 annual meeting voted to donate to Novato Fire Foundation.
• And your annual dues make the Annual Meeting, IVA Website and the Newsletter possible – Thank you!

Revised 2025