Votes at a glance: council introduces new building and fire codes, approves pedestrian planning contract and adopts grand jury responses

Fairfax Town Council took several procedural and funding actions at its Oct. 15 meeting. Most items were introduced or authorized for further public hearings and implementation rather than adopted in final form.

What the council introduced and authorized

- Fire code (Ordinance 899): Council introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Fire Code (with local amendments), and portions of the 2024 International Fire Code. The action keeps prior local amendments in place and adds provisions such as a raised clearance over fire lanes and tightened requirements for interior emergency radio coverage in new commercial buildings. Motion by Councilmember Barbara Kohler; second by Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman. The motion passed on the roll call recorded at the meeting.

- Wildland-Urban Interface code (Ordinance 900): Council introduced and waived first reading of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code and the 2024 International WUI Code, with local amendments carried forward. Staff said changes include updated definitions for code officials, a requirement that the fire official and building official jointly sign off before occupancy where required, and higher design loads for fire apparatus roads. Motion by Kohler; second by Hellman; council set a public hearing for Nov. 5. The council approved the introduction.

- Building standards (Ordinance 901): Council introduced and waived first reading of updates to the town’s building code chapter to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards (multiple parts, title 24) and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, with local amendments and reach-code provisions carried forward. Councilmember Frank Ager asked questions about scope and impact on ADUs and remodels. The motion passed but one councilmember registered a no vote on the record to the introduction (see actions below). A public hearing was scheduled for Nov. 5.

Other adopted actions

- Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan contract (grant-funded): Council authorized a grant-funded contract not to exceed $75,000 with consultant TJKM to update Fairfax’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Staff said the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) awarded the town an $82,917 grant for the project and that the town’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Action Committee (BPAC) will lead community engagement. Motion by Councilmember Kohler; second by Mayor Blasch; motion carried.

- Responses to Marin County Civil Grand Jury report: Council approved the town’s formal responses to the 2024–25 Marin County Civil Grand Jury report The Worrisome Future of Marin Housing. Staff coordinated a countywide set of responses and noted that several grand‑jury findings conflated local planning requirements with construction activity beyond local control. The council approved the recommended responses.

How this fits together: the three code adoptions are procedural first steps required by state law; each will return for a second reading/public hearing (scheduled Nov. 5 for these items) before final adoption. The contract for the bicycle and pedestrian plan is grant-funded and will support future capital grant applications for sidewalks, crossings and bike facilities; the grand jury responses are formal answers the town must supply under the Penal Code.

Ending: The ordinances introduced at first reading will return to council for a public hearing and final action; staff said redline versions and additional information will be provided before the Nov. 5 hearing to assist public review.