Bel Marin Keys, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bel Marin Keys
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A row of backyard boat docks along Del Oro Lagoon in Bel Marin Keys
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 Bel Marin Keys
Location in California
Bel Marin Keys
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Marin County |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,556 |
| Area codes | 415/628 |
Bel Marin Keys is a special community in Marin County, California. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local city government. Instead, the county helps manage things. This area is very close to the water, sitting about 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level.
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Exploring Bel Marin Keys' Location
Bel Marin Keys is a unique place right on the water. It is located just east of the city of Novato. This community has about 700 homes. Many of these homes are built right next to a lagoon or Novato Creek.
Water Access and Locks
All the lagoons in Bel Marin Keys connect to San Pablo Bay. This connection happens through special "navigational locks." These locks are like water elevators. They help boats move between different water levels safely. The community uses ZIP code 94949. Its phone area codes 415 and 628 are also used.
How Bel Marin Keys Was Built
Bel Marin Keys was a "planned community." This means it was designed and built in stages. Construction happened between the late 1950s and the late 1980s. The first four stages, called "phases," were finished.
The Unbuilt Phase 5
A fifth phase of building was planned but never completed. Instead, the land for Phase 5 is being changed back into wetlands. Wetlands are important natural areas where water covers the land. These specific wetlands, called Whiteside marsh, were drained for farming a long time ago. If Phase 5 had been built, Bel Marin Keys would be almost twice as big.
Protecting the Community from Water
In March 2024, the people living in Bel Marin Keys made an important decision. They voted to approve a special tax, called a "parcel tax," of $30 million. This money will be used to build stronger and taller walls, known as "levees." Levees help protect the community from high water. The money will also improve the navigational locks. This will help keep nearby waters from flowing into the lagoons where homes are located.
