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
.jpg)
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,
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
SMART - New Contracting Opportunity
SMART – Invitation for Bids for the St. Vincent’s Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RBC) Reinforced Fill (ML MP 22.18 & 22.28) Solicitation No. CV-BB-26-004;Project Description: SMART is seeking Sealed Bids from qualified and experienced contractors to repair four (4) existing RCB culverts in two (2) locations which are failing at the ends due to settlement issues. Work includes installing a rebar cage inside each RCB, installing a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) culvert through each, then forming and
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
Marin Builders Association Board of Directors and Staff Thank Christine Puccini for 10 Years of Service and Congratulate Her on Retirement
San Rafael, CA — July 9 — The Marin Builders Association Board of Directors and staff extend their heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to Christine Puccini as she retires after 10 years of dedicated service to the association, its members, and the broader Marin County building community. Over the past decade, Christine has played a meaningful role in strengthening the member experience, deepening engagement, and helping Marin Builders Association grow as a connected and service-driven organization.
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 .
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