News
Utilizing Peak Water Demand Calculator benefits developers, builders and residents.
CPC Appendix M or the Water Demand Calculator (WDC) provides a method for estimating the demand load for the building water supply, principal branches, and risers for single family and multifamily dwellings. The peak water demands derived using CPC Appendix M inform the recommended diameter of water supply pipes. The alternative approach of using CPC Appendix M methodology in conjunction with CPC Appendix A or pipe sizing yields lower design flow rates and smaller distribution piping when compared to
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Breakthrough Permit Resolution in Novato Offers a New Model for Marin County
Novato, CA — June 15, 2026 — A complex red-tagged property in Novato has successfully achieved FEMA compliance, removed a red tag, and avoided costly structural elevation or reconstruction, creating a potential model for resolving similar permit challenges for other Novato Homeowners. The project was led by Clare Michael, who coordinated the effort to navigate regulatory requirements, technical challenges, and stakeholder alignment. Referred by Denise Athos, long-time realtor and Novato City Councilmember,
We're Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary...and you're invited to join us!
The Marin IJ is publishing a special 250th Birthday keepsake Special Section. This section, which has huge audience distribution, will feature fun facts, trivia, games, and puzzles along with local information and a story tracing a Marin family's roots back to Thomas Paine. You can include an ad, a birthday wish, thank employees and clients, or share your business advertorial in the section at a 25% discount. Deadline for space reservation is June 18th. Ad design is included at no extra cost. Contact
Community Development Agency Warns Permit Applicants of Phishing Scam
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Community Development Agency is warning planning and building permit applicants about a phishing scam involving fake emails that request payment for permit-related fees. CDA has received reports that applicants are receiving emails that appear to come from Community Development Agency Director Sarah Jones. The emails state that the applicant owes an administrative fee and include an invoice attachment. The emails are fake and were not sent by CDA. Permit applicants
Heat Illness - Warning Signs
Understanding Heat Illnesses In the construction industry, heat illness isn't just a matter of discomfort - it is a critical safety hazard that can escalate from fatigue to a life-threatening medical emergency in a matter of minutes. Because heavy physical labor, direct sun exposure, and personal protective equipment (PPE) drastically accelerate dehydration and core body temperature, proactive intervention is essential. Heat illness occurs when your body gets too hot and can no longer cool itself. It
Tradeswomen, Inc. Summer Construction Camp
TRADESWOMEN, INC. SUMMER CONSTRUCTION CAMP!Terra Linda High School WoodshopThree camps to choose from: o July 7 - 9 (8:30 am - 3:30 pm) o July 14-16 (8:30am - 3:30 pm)o July 21-23 (8:30am - 3:30 pm) Current 10th, 11th and 12th graders welcome! . FREE! NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED · HANDS-ON, PROJECT-BASED . LEARN ABOUT CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION, APPRENTICESHIPS, SAFETY, & WORKER RIGHTS · RECEIVE A T-SHIRT, FIRST AID/CPR CERTIFICATE, LETTER OF REC, AND STARTER CONSTRUCTION TOOLS UPON COMPLETION .
Safety & Training Shorts: Driving Ergonomics
Objective: To reinforce ergonomic principles for working with vehicles.Ergonomic Risks for Driving a Vehicle If you’re someone who drives a lot, ergonomics and injury prevention matter. Prolonged sitting in a static posture is a common ergonomic issue for many workers. However, sitting in a vehicle is different than sitting at a desk — your hands, feet, and focus in a vehicle are not in the same positions as when you’re in a desk chair. Driving takes you over various road conditions — bumpy or uneven
Celebrating our Member Referral Partners - Thank You for Helping Us Build Our Community!
We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS! Interested in helping us BUILD OUR COMMUNITY? It's EASY! Click HERE for all the details 2026:Sara Lopez, McLeran Roofing & Gutters, referred Chris McGovern, McGovern Skylight SpecialistLindsay Moon, ProMortgae, who referred Avila's Construction, Inc. (Special thanks to Lindsay for pledging her bonus to our Workforce Development and Scholarship Fund!)Eric Nelson, HR Consulting by Nelson & Associates, who referred Ellen Manerud
Safety & Training Shorts: Cycle Safety
Cycling is the most common form of transportation in the world: There are one billion bicycles worldwide, which is more than double the number of automobiles. Because there are few formal training systems in place and cyclists share the road with cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles, cycle safety is a major concern. The dangers of cycling:Cycling has many inherent dangers due to a lack of protection in crashes and the level of skill required.Cycling dangers become more serious in urban areas when
Help Your Clients Build and Sell Safer Homes
New Resources for Builders & Realtors In wildfire-prone communities like Marin, small construction details can have a major impact on safety, durability, and long-term property value. Fences and gates are often overlooked, but when combustible materials such as wood connect directly to a home, garage, or deck, they can create a direct flame pathway to the structure during a wildfire. Non-combustible alternatives like steel, aluminum, and fiber cement can help reduce ignition risk while improving
SMART – Invitation for Bids for the Crane Creek Fiddleneck Drainage Riparian Enhancement Project
Solicitation No. EV-BB-26-001;Project Description: SMART is seeking sealed bids from qualified, licensed, and experienced contractors to implement the Riparian Enhancement Project at the Crane Creek Fiddleneck Drainage site located at Crane Creek Regional Park (5000 Pressley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404) and perform one (1) year of maintenance following acceptance of project implementation. The purpose of this project is to provide mitigation for riparian habitat impacts resulting from the construction of
Warning to MBA Members: Businesses Being Targeted in New Website Privacy Lawsuits
Dear Members, We want to make you aware of a growing legal issue impacting businesses across California, including companies in the construction industry. One of our members was recently served with a lawsuit related to the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The claim alleges that the company’s website used a tracking pixel or similar website technology without obtaining proper visitor consent. Like many businesses, the member was unaware that their website configuration could create potential
Marin Builders Association PAC Announces Endorsements of Damon Connolly, Eric Lucan, Mary Sackett, and Magali Limeta
San Rafael, CA — May 5, 2026 — The Marin Builders Association Political Action Committee, known as BAPAC, today announced its endorsement of Damon Connolly for California State Senate, Eric Lucan for California State Assembly, Mary Sackett for Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1, and Magali Limeta for Marin County Board of Supervisors District 5. BAPAC supports candidates who understand the essential role the building industry plays in Marin County’s economy, housing supply, workforce development,
Sands Anderson -- Ten Common Employment Law Mistakes That Get Employers Sued (a Management-Side Perspective)
Most employment lawsuits don’t start with dramatic misconduct or bad actors. They start with small, avoidable decisions that no one thought would matter—until they did. In my experience representing employers, the practices that cause the most damage are rarely exotic or cutting‑edge. They’re the routine, “we’ll get to it later” items: missing documentation, inconsistent discipline, outdated policies, or decisions made out of frustration instead of process. Employment law rewards preparation and
Welcoming Julia Scardina, Welcoming Back Orna Weisberg, Celebrating Casey Mazzoni’s Next Chapter, and Welcoming Josh Townsend and Strategic 32
San Rafael, CA — May 4, 2026 — Marin Builders Association is pleased to announce several important team updates as the organization continues its work supporting members, partners, and the local building community. The Association is excited to welcome Julia Scardina as Office Administrative Assistant. In this role, Julia is responsible for front office administrative duties and helps ensure a positive experience for members, partners, and visitors. She works closely with the team to help daily processes
Hammerloop looks to go national after reaching 1000 users in just a few months
Published by Under the Hard Hat April 30, 2026 Written By Alexis NicolsHammerloop is on a high-velocity journey to transform how the construction industry hires. By reaching 1,000 worker signups in just three months and surpassing its goal for contractor involvement, the platform is proving that workers are ready and willing to build. This milestone shows that the real issue in our industry is not a lack of people, but a lack of modern ways to connect them with the right jobs. Hammerloop founders Chris
How to Select a General Contractor: 9 Smart Ways to Avoid Costly Mistakes by Eric Rogers, Wagstaff + Rogers Architects
How to Select a General Contractor: 9 Smart Ways to Avoid Costly Mistakes Marin County homeowners are taking on projects of every size, from bathroom remodels and exterior upgrades to ADUs, additions, and whole-house renovations, and choosing the right general contractor remains one of the most important early decisions in the process. In a new article, “How to Select a General Contractor: 9 Smart Ways to Avoid Costly Mistakes,” Eric Rogers, AIA, of Wagstaff + Rogers Architects offers practical guidance
Call 811 Before You Dig to Avoid Repair Costs Averaging $3,500
Planning an Outdoor Digging Project this Spring? Call 811 Before You Dig to Avoid Repair Costs Averaging $3,500 In 2025, there were over 1,200 incidents in Northern and Central California where underground utility lines were damaged due to digging OAKLAND, Calif. — Every year during spring and summer months, many California homeowners and residents turn their attention to yard improvement projects that involve digging. Whether it’s repairing or replacing a fence, planting or landscaping, or installing
Sonoma Clean Power Seeking Contractors Interested in Future Public Works Projects
Sonoma Clean Power Authority (“Authority”) is creating lists of contractors interested in performing public works projects for the Authority beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing until December 31, 2026.Submittals and/or questions may be directed to Beau Anderson, Building Operations & IT Manager, at operations@sonomacleanpower.org To be included on the Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s (“Authority”) list of contractors for informal repairs, maintenance, and construction contracts, all contractors must
Permit Archive: Marin County & City Building Permits
Please find a current list of permits published and provided by the County of Marin. To search by a specific jurisdiction click here and contact the appropriate office. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or email us at mba@marinbuilders.com. County of MarinView the Current Building Permits Report Here Click Here to View the 2024 Permit Archive
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Lien Protection Checklist - SUBCONTRACTOR
Click here for Subcontractor Lien Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Dan McLennon of Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP.Reviewed and Updated February 2026
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Lien Protection Checklist - GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Click here for General Contractors Lien Rights Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Board member Dan McLennon.Reviewed and Updated February 2026