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Board moves to reinstate state WUI standards, removing local ban on fire‑retardant treated wood
Summary
The board voted to introduce an ordinance reverting county Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) rules to state code and to remove county-added sections that limited fire-retardant treated wood in new construction; staff said fire marshal review and permit conditions will still address site-specific safety.
The Board of Supervisors voted to introduce an ordinance that would revert Marin County’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code to the state model and remove seven locally added sections that limited the use of fire-retardant treated wood (FRTW) in new construction within WUI and fire hazard safety zones.
Community Development Agency Director Sarah Jones said the county initially adopted a stricter measure in December but asked staff to reconsider the FRTW restriction. Deputy Director and building official Erica Freeman explained the ordinance would remove the seven sections added at adoption while retaining fire-marshalled permit review that considers site-specific conditions, eaves, exterior walls, projections and deck surfaces.
Staff told the board that many housing sites are in WUI or fire hazard safety zones and that state code allows nine types of exterior materials—FRTW among them—subject to fire-spread rating standards and fire-marshall review. Supervisor Rodoni moved to introduce the ordinance and direct the clerk to place it on the February 10 consent calendar for final adoption; the motion passed by voice vote.
The move restores alignment with state standards while keeping technical safeguards in building-permit review and fire marshal discretion.
