Town council introduces 2025 building and fire code updates; reach-code threshold proposed to drop to 500 sq ft

Commissioners at the Oct. 14 Planning Commission meeting reported that the Corte Madera Town Council introduced ordinances to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and related local amendments, plus updated fire and wildland-urban interface codes. Those items were introduced at the council’s meeting and will return for a second reading and formal adoption at the council’s next meeting (the council’s item schedule indicates a forthcoming adoption meeting). The planning commission was informed by town staff and the town attorney that the local adoption process requires two readings; the public hearing and formal adoption will occur at the second reading.

The commission was also told the council introduced proposed changes to the town’s reach code. Staff and the council discussed lowering the addition threshold that triggers enhanced energy-efficiency requirements from 750 square feet to 500 square feet. Staff said the proposed reach-code change was introduced and that the council would act on it at its next meeting; if adopted the change was described as effective Jan. 1. The commission’s staff noted this was a council-level item that had been introduced rapidly to meet state timelines for code adoption.

Why it mattered: lowering the reach-code threshold would expand the kinds of additions that must meet locally required energy-efficiency measures and could affect homeowners planning additions in Corte Madera. Planning commission members were advised that further outreach and the town’s internal work-plan process will allow commissioners and the public to comment as the council proceeds to the adoption hearing.

Speakers and follow-up Amy Ackerman, the town attorney, clarified procedural points about local adoption of state building and fire codes by reference and explained that the public hearing typically occurs at the second reading of the ordinance. Staff said the council introduced the items and scheduled adoption at the subsequent meeting. Staff also told commissioners the town will place a work-plan discussion on an upcoming planning commission agenda where members can provide input on priorities that will be sent to the council for its strategic planning.

Ending The council’s introduction of the state code updates and the reach-code threshold change will return to the Town Council for formal adoption; the reach-code threshold change was described as likely to be effective Jan. 1 if adopted.