What is a cool roof?
"Cool roof" is a rating, not a color: the product's aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance are tested and listed by the Cool Roof Rating Council. Many darker-looking shingles and tiles now carry cool ratings.
What does the Energy Code require?
The Energy Commission's minimums (CEC guide): steep slope, zones 4 and 8 to 15, aged solar reflectance 0.20 and emittance 0.75 or SRI 16; low slope, zones 4 and 6 to 15, aged reflectance 0.63 and emittance 0.75 or SRI 75. They apply when more than half the roof is replaced, with exceptions.
Which Marin cities need a cool roof?
| City | CEC climate zone | Steep-slope reroof: cool roof required? | Low-slope reroof: cool roof required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Rafael | 2 | No | No |
| Novato | 2 | No | No |
| Mill Valley | 3 | No | No |
| Larkspur | 2 | No | No |
| Corte Madera | 3 | No | No |
| Sausalito | 3 | No | No |
| Tiburon | 3 | No | No |
| Belvedere | 3 | No | No |
| San Anselmo | 2 | No | No |
| Fairfax | 2 | No | No |
| Ross | 2 | No | No |
| Kentfield | 2 | No | No |
Climate zones are from the Energy Commission's ZIP code list (CEC climate zones); a few ZIPs straddle zones, so confirm yours with the city.
What's different about Marin County?
Marin splits between climate zones 2 and 3 on the Energy Commission's ZIP list, and neither triggers the prescriptive cool-roof rule for a home reroof. So in Marin, the roof rules that bite are fire rules: Class A in very high hazard zones, and ember-resistant vents if you're upgrading (FIRESafe MARIN).
What should I ask my roofer?
Ask the roofer to name the product and its CRRC listing on the estimate, and keep the label for your permit final. For your actual price, request a free written estimate: a licensed roofer measures the roof and prices your exact scope. See also metal vs. shingles, what drives cost and permits.
Every roofer we work with is licensed, insured and highly reviewed by Bay Area homeowners.
Get a free replacement quoteFrequently asked questions
Is a cool roof required in all of California?
No. It depends on the climate zone and whether more than half the roof is replaced.
Who checks cool-roof compliance?
The building inspector at final, using the product documentation.
Sources
Sources reviewed November 12, 2026. Figures are published estimates and official fees, not quotes. Confirm prices, permits and requirements with your contractor and building department. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.