- 1971 – IVA is formed. By-laws are adopted
- 1997 – IVA zoning remains A2-B4 after failed proposal to change it to ARP
- 2003 – Indian Valley Specific Plan is updated
- 2004 – Indian Valley is removed from Novato’s Sphere of Influence
- 2005 – IVA By-laws are updated
This association was established in 1971 essentially to preserve the rural atmosphere of Indian Valley, Marin County, California. At that time a proposal for zoning to less than one acre was posing a threat against the whole lifestyle of Indian Valley. Residents of Indian Valley expressed significant preference for low density zoning in the area. This led to the County Board of Supervisors to order the Planning Department to prepare a “Specific Plan for Indian Valley” as part of the Novato Area General Plan. The Specific Plan established zoning controls for a minimum of one acre and up on slopes. In addition, the Plan recognized the unique and attractive aspects of the Indian Valley lifestyle and provided guidelines intended to encourage the Valley’s typical recreational activities such as hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, and “family farming”.
Since that time the Association has acted successfully on several occasions to preserve the “county style” living in the area.
In particular, the Association has acted strenuously and successfully to date to preserve Indian Valley Road itself when threats of its becoming a heavily traveled vehicular artery of through traffic appeared imminent. This was in cases of suggested connections to other major roads or traffic concentration points such as Indian Valley College.
The Association was also involved in the successful promotion of County Service Areas.
Specifically, the Pacheco Ranch parcel of CSA 20 when that parcel was threatened with a multiple unit housing subdivision. Current use of this popular recreational area by local residents confirms the wisdom of preserving it in is natural state. The Association will continue to safeguard this area through the CSA 20 Governing Board which includes two representatives from the Indian Valley Associates Board.
Such activities as these will continue to be needed as urban pressures increase with the growth of Marin County. It is only through a body such as this Association that the voice of individual local residents can make itself effectively heard. Indian Valley Associates accepts this responsibility.