Mariposa County supervisors voted 4-0 Sept. 30 to waive a second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Mariposa County Code, Title 15 (building and construction) to adopt the 2025 California Building Code.

The adoption is part of the state’s three‑year code update cycle and, interim Building Director Corina Miranda told the board, had to be completed before Oct. 1 because of a state deadline tied to recent legislation. Miranda said, “we're just adopting the codes, and then we will have a presentation in the next item that explains the next steps.”

Why it matters: adopting the 2025 code updates local construction and permitting requirements used by builders, inspectors and planning staff and enables the county to implement newly available options under Housing and Community Development regulations (Title 25). The item also prompted public questions about fire‑access rules that affect gates, driveways and emergency vehicle access.

Key facts and outcome: Supervisor Manatray moved to waive the second reading and adopt the ordinance; Supervisor Toso seconded. The roll call vote was Manatray — Aye; Toso — Aye; Poe (participating remotely) — Aye; Chair Smolcom — Aye. Supervisor Kaiser was excused.

Public concerns and staff response: During public comment John Janeske asked whether Section D103.5 (fire apparatus access road gates) would require a 20‑foot gate for private properties and said, “it says 20 feet. I that's absurd.” Building inspectors and staff explained how the rule is applied. Patience, a county fire‑inspection staffer, said, “A road is gonna have either 1 or 2 ways. Right? But a driveway is just a driveway. We only require 12 for a driveway. Right?”

Inspector and staff explanations described three practical distinctions: the 20‑foot gate width language applies to roads (typically those serving multiple dwellings or subdivision roads), a one‑way driveway standard is generally treated as a 12‑foot access for inspection purposes, and the number of residences served can change a driveway’s classification — several speakers noted that once an access serves more than four residences some jurisdictions treat it as a road.

Process context: Miranda told the board the code adoption follows the international model codes and moves from the state to local jurisdictions on a three‑year cycle; she said the county had to accelerate work this cycle because of a state bill that set the Oct. 1 timing. The board first approved remote participation by Supervisor Poe under Government Code section 54953(f) and (j) earlier in the meeting; Manatray moved that allowance and Toso seconded that motion.

What’s next: The board moved directly from the Title 15 adoption to a presentation from the building department (item three on the agenda) about implementation steps including e‑inspections, a draft owner‑builder rural dwelling program under Title 25, and other administrative updates.

Sources: Roll call votes and staff presentations at the Sept. 30 Mariposa County Board of Supervisors special meeting; public comments recorded on the meeting transcript.