San Rafael — The City Council on Aug. 18 introduced an ordinance adopting the 2025 editions of California building and related codes, with local amendments and a targeted reach-code approach for single-family remodels.

Why it matters: The statewide code cycle requires local jurisdictions to adopt or accept changes; staff said adopting the 2025 codes now avoids automatic state adoption with no local amendments. Staff also advised the council that AB 130, a recent state budget trailer bill, temporarily restricts the adoption of certain new reach codes unless they are adopted before Sept. 30, 2025.

Main points: Staff proposed adopting the updated state building codes and retaining a local “FlexPath” reach-code menu for single-family remodels over 500 square feet. The FlexPath sets target scores by building vintage and offers a menu of energy and efficiency measures homeowners can choose from, giving homeowners options tailored to cost and project constraints. Staff said the ordinance includes an approach to allow a future, staged tightening of the FlexPath targets on Jan. 1, 2027 and again on Jan. 1, 2029 unless staff and data indicate otherwise.

State constraint and rationale: Corey Beidoff, staff lead on the codes item, said AB 130’s provisions limit new reach codes unless adopted before the Sept. 30 deadline and advised council to adopt the local amendments proactively to retain flexibility. “AB 130…restricts any new reach codes that are not adopted by September 30,” Beidoff told the council.

Process and next steps: Council introduced the ordinance, waived further reading and set a public hearing for Sept. 2, 2025 to consider final adoption. Staff said they will continue stakeholder outreach to gather feedback on implementation and to support contractors and homeowners with technical resources.

Ending: The ordinance introduction preserves local discretion to refine reach-code targets in coming years and commits staff to outreach and data collection before any staged increases in requirement.