Marin Supervisors Reverse Course on Fire-Treated Wood

New construction can now use fire-retardant-treated wood, overturning previous ban

Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Marin County supervisors have voted unanimously to revise a new county code regulating building standards in the wildland-urban interface that had prohibited the use of fire-retardant-treated wood in new construction. The supervisors agreed to revert to the state code, which allows the use of this type of wood.

Why it matters

The previous ban on fire-retardant-treated wood was intended to improve fire safety, but some supervisors and industry representatives argued that the material meets state standards and the ban could lead to more unpermitted construction to avoid the regulation. The reversal aims to provide residents more options that still meet fire safety requirements.

The details

In December, the supervisors had adopted a new county code that included a prohibition on fire-retardant-treated wood, going beyond state law. However, after feedback from the public and further review, they have now voted to allow the use of this type of wood, which is defined as wood that has been impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals.

  • The supervisors adopted the initial prohibition on fire-retardant-treated wood in December 2025.
  • On January 27, 2026, the supervisors voted unanimously to revise the new county code and revert to the state's standards, allowing the use of fire-retardant-treated wood.

The players

Sarah Jones

Director of the Marin County Community Development Agency.

Scott Alber

Marin County Fire Marshal.

Ryan Pessah

Representative of the Western Wood Preservers Institute.

Eric Lucan

Marin County Supervisor.

Dennis Rodoni

Marin County Supervisor.

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What they’re saying

“That code as adopted included a requirement that went beyond state law prohibiting fire-retardant-treated wood in new construction.”

— Sarah Jones, Director of the Marin County Community Development Agency

“The problem with fire-retardant-treated wood is ensuring it would be properly maintained.”

— Scott Alber, Marin County Fire Marshal

“I was uncomfortable banning a product that is approved for use by the state.”

— Dennis Rodoni, Marin County Supervisor

“I feared the requirement would prompt people to do the construction without pulling permits to avoid complying with the regulation.”

— Eric Lucan, Marin County Supervisor

“Giving the residents more options that meet state requirements makes sense at this point.”

— Dennis Rodoni, Marin County Supervisor

What’s next

The new building code allowing the use of fire-retardant-treated wood in Marin County will go into effect immediately.

The takeaway

This reversal by Marin County supervisors demonstrates the need to balance fire safety regulations with providing residents options that still meet state standards, in order to avoid unintended consequences like unpermitted construction.