Anaheim City Council on Tuesday approved adoption of the 2025 California building codes and the 2025 California Fire Code, including local amendments the city says are tailored to local climatic, geological and topographical conditions.

City staff presented the package as part of the state-mandated three-year code cycle and emphasized the changes are largely incremental this round: updates address electric vehicle parking requirements for new construction, new sizing rules for rooftop solar equipment and the introduction of an insulated panel material used on exterior walls. The cycle also incorporates the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code consolidating wildfire mitigation requirements.

“These codes along with the recommended local amendments make up the proposed ordinance under consideration,” Building Official Scott Barry said during the presentation. Fire Marshal Lindsay Young told the council the city’s approach prioritizes responder and occupant safety: “We prioritize protecting people first and property second.”

Why it matters: The state adopts updated model codes every three years; local jurisdictions must adopt those codes to remain consistent with state standards. The 2025 cycle is affected by Assembly Bill 130, which imposes a temporary six-year freeze on certain residential building-code changes beginning Oct. 1, 2025; the law allows limited exceptions for wildfire ‘home hardening’ and emergency standards. City staff said Anaheim’s local amendments are unchanged from the previous cycle and were coordinated with other Orange County jurisdictions.

Key points
- Codes adopted: 2025 California Building Code series (building, residential, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, existing building, historical, CalGreen) and 2025 California Fire Code; adoption includes the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
- Local amendments: Staff recommended continuing previously adopted local amendments tailored to Anaheim’s conditions, for example a minimum Class B roofing fire classification in areas at higher wildfire risk.
- Legal and environmental determination: Staff concluded the ordinance adoption is exempt from CEQA under section 15061(b)(3) because the code updates will not have a significant environmental impact.
- State context: Assembly Bill 130 places a temporary freeze on most residential code changes between Oct. 1, 2025 and June 1, 2031, with exceptions; staff said the city will follow those state-mandated limits.

Council discussion and implementation: Council members asked staff about permitting timelines and improving plan-check speed; staff said the building and fire divisions are focused on streamlining critical inspections and will work with applicants to make compliance transparent. Staff also noted the fire code cycle adds updated protections for evolving energy systems (for example, rooftop solar and battery storage).

Formal action: Council Member Leon moved adoption of the ordinances and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The council approved ordinance number 6,613 (building codes) and ordinance number 6,614 (fire code) and found the adoption exempt from CEQA under the cited exemption.

What residents and builders should know: The new codes take effect as adopted by ordinance. Developers, contractors and homeowners should check with the Planning and Building Department and Fire Marshal’s Office during permit application to learn how the updates affect specific projects and to get guidance on new requirements such as emergency radio coverage and wildfire hardening where applicable.

Background: The International Code Council writes national model codes; California modifies those at the state level and publishes a consolidated set of California codes every three years. Local jurisdictions may add amendments tied to climate, geology and topography. This adoption follows standard procedure for code updates and aligns Anaheim with the 2025 state code cycle.