Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marin County Fire Station HQ project?

​

The Marin County Fire Headquarters Project in San Geronimo will create a right-sized station and support facilities that reflect the character of the valley and meet the operational needs of the Marin County Fire Department. The design includes dedicated space for training, storage, and maintenance to enhance emergency response and ensure continuity of critical services across Marin County. 

​

This work strengthens how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. It also makes thoughtful use of the San Geronimo property by addressing today’s needs while keeping flexibility for the future. Above all, the project reinforces our commitment to providing reliable and effective emergency services when they are needed most. 

​

Why do we need a new fire station? Why not rebuild at Woodacre?

​

The Woodacre Station was built in 1973 and no longer meets modern fire service needs. It is undersized, outdated, and lacks essential features such as proper decontamination areas, modern living quarters, and safe engine storage. The quiet neighborhood setting is also incompatible with today’s busy 24-hour operations, training, and vehicle movement. The site’s small roads hinder rapid emergency response and leave little room for future growth. Rebuilding at Woodacre would not resolve these constraints or the long-standing compatibility challenges with surrounding homes. 

​

How can I stay involved?

​

Community members will have multiple opportunities to stay engaged throughout the project. Public meetings, online updates, surveys, and design workshops will be offered as the project progresses. Sign-up opportunities will be available on the project webpage, and staff will keep neighbors informed at key milestones. 

​

What will the HQ buildings look like?

​

There is no design yet. The design team is expected to be hired in spring 2026, with early concepts shared publicly in late spring to early summer 2026. Community input gathered to date will be provided to the selected team and will help shape early site and building concepts. 

​

While no visuals exist, the project aims to reflect the valley’s rural character, natural features, and landscape. Community comments and suggestions are welcome throughout the design phase. 

​

Design has not started. 

​

How much does this cost and why? Where do the funds come from?

​​

The current construction cost is estimated in the mid-$80 million range in today’s dollars. Funding has been directed by the Marin County Board of Supervisors from general fund dollars previously set aside for this project. 

​

The cost reflects: 

• State-required seismic and safety standards for essential facilities 

• Specialized construction needs for a modern fire headquarters 

• High regional construction costs and recent market escalation 

​

The cost per square foot is consistent with other fire stations and headquarters projects in California. 

​

Why does Marin County Fire need a new training facility?

​

MCFD’s primary training site at the former U.S. Coast Guard facility in Point Reyes (Commodore Webster) is being considered for future housing and will no longer be available to the department. This site contains essential training infrastructure, including a training tower, low- and high-angle rescue props, confined-space simulators, classrooms, and other critical features firefighters rely on for certification and ongoing skills maintenance. Without a replacement, the department would lose access to critical hands-on training capabilities needed to maintain firefighter readiness.

 

Why a Training Facility in San Geronimo?

​

MCFD hosts Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Regional Task Force 1, one of the few specialized disaster response teams in the state. Having a dedicated training facility ensures engine companies and USAR personnel can train without leaving geographical gaps in emergency coverage. It also reduces travel time, improves operational efficiency, and minimizes overtime costs related to backfilling crews who travel long distances for training.

 

How will the training facility be used?

​

MCFD expands from about 150 year-round personnel to roughly 310 during fire season, and many seasonal firefighters are early in their careers and require intensive, ongoing training. The headquarters facility would support this need while being appropriately scaled and designed with input from the San Geronimo Valley community. MCFD is committed to ensuring the facility is safe, environmentally responsible, and aligned with community expectations.

​

How will this project be delivered?

​

The County is using a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) method. This approach brings designers, builders, and engineers together as one integrated team, improving cost control, collaboration, and schedule efficiency. 

Contractor-led teams, including architects and engineers, will be interviewed and selected in early 2026. 

​

What is the timeframe to complete the project?

​

The schedule continues to be refined. The project is currently expected to be completed in winter 2028–2029.  

​

Will the public still be allowed on the property?

​

Yes. Fire Headquarters is a public facility serving the entire county, including the San Geronimo Valley and West Marin. Public features, including trails, parking, and the community garden, are expected to remain accessible. Core fire operational areas, such as training, emergency response, equipment storage, and staffing will be restricted to fire personnel to ensure the safety of everyone.  

​​

Can I continue to ride my horses?

​

Yes. Equestrian access on the trails will continue to be welcomed. 

​

Will public access be disturbed by construction?

​

Some access impacts are likely during construction, but specific details are not yet known. The County and the selected contractor will work to minimize disruptions. Community garden users will receive specific guidance to maintain access as safely as possible. 

​

Can the trails serve as a Safe Routes to School?

​

The property’s trails currently connect the Sir Francis Drake underpass with the Nicasio Valley Road overpass. Public access will remain, although alignments may shift during construction or design. 

​

Community members have suggested the opportunity to create a continuous trail system connecting Woodacre to the school without requiring travel on vehicle roads. A future Safe Routes to School connection through the HQ property is a possibility and will be explored as planning continues.  

​

What sustainable design features will be considered?

​

The project is committed to strong sustainable design and will follow: 

• The Countywide Plan 

• The Climate Action Plan 2030 

• All State of California energy requirements 

​

Specific features are still being evaluated. Community feedback so far has emphasized: 

• Dark-sky compliant lighting to reduce light pollution 

• Stormwater management to help protect nearby creeks 

​

These and other environmentally responsible strategies will be considered where feasible and appropriate for the site. 

​

What is Marin County Park’s role?

​

The Fire Headquarters will be located on one of four County-owned parcels within the San Geronimo Commons. The parcel designated for the new headquarters, north of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near Nicasio Valley Road, is not managed by Marin County Parks (MCP). 

​

Marin County Parks does manage the nearby San Geronimo Meadow parcel and the Larson Meadow parcel, both of which will continue to support passive recreation and open space uses. All parcels contain deed restrictions that limit development, and the Park-managed parcels are additionally guided by a conservation easement held by the Marin Open Space Trust, which further defines allowable uses. 

​

The Marin County Fire Department and Marin County Parks, have a strong working relationship and will continue partnering to ensure that trails, open space access, and community benefits across the Commons area are maintained and enhanced for generations to enjoy. 

​

What will happen to the Woodacre Property?

​

Once the new headquarters opens, the Woodacre property will likely be vacated by the Fire Department and revert to general County ownership. Decisions about the property’s future use will occur through a separate County process and are not part of the Fire HQ project. Past community conversations have included ideas such as affordable housing, but no decisions have been made.