Council introduces 2025 California Fire Code and Wildland Urban Interface code with local amendments; public hearing set for Nov. 18

The Santa Rosa City Council on Tuesday introduced ordinances to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code, as amended for local conditions, and set a Nov. 18 public hearing for final adoption.

Assistant Fire Marshal Mike Johnson told the council that the state publishes the model codes every three years and that local jurisdictions may add amendments based on local conditions. He noted that Assembly Bill 130, signed by the governor in June, imposes a six‑year moratorium on new residential local amendments; existing local amendments can be carried forward.

Johnson said the countywide fire marshals coordinated revisions and peer‑reviewed the package; partnering agencies included Petaluma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Sonoma County and other local fire jurisdictions. "It is recommended that the City Council introduce an ordinance adopting by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code as adopted and amended by the state and further amended locally," Johnson said.

Councilmember Tim Krepkie moved to introduce the ordinances and adopt a resolution setting the Nov. 18 public hearing; the motion passed unanimously, 7–0.

City staff and councilmembers discussed vegetation‑management tools during the presentation. Mayor Stapp and others asked about grazing programs; Paul Lowenthal (assistant; title used in presentation) told council grazing remains supported operationally and noted the city used allocated funds to pilot sheep and goat grazing at several park and open‑space sites this year. Staff said a forthcoming update to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan will highlight grazing and other vegetation management accomplishments and next steps.

The ordinances were introduced; final adoption will occur after the Nov. 18 public hearing.