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West Covina council approves 2025 fire code update, drive‑through ordinance amendment and several grants
Summary
At a regular meeting, the West Covina City Council adopted the 2025 California Fire Code, approved an amendment to the city’s drive‑through rules (Ordinance No. 2533), and accepted multiple grants including an $83,000 Office of Traffic Safety award. Votes on consent and individual agenda items passed 5‑0.
The West Covina City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, approve changes to the city’s drive‑through ordinance and accept several grant awards, including $83,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
Council members said the items update city rules and fund safety efforts. “This provides the latest updates to the fire code … to address wildfire issues in our hillsides and throughout the city,” a staff presenter said during discussion of the fire code adoption.
Votes at a glance: the council recorded 5‑0 roll calls on multiple items. Key actions approved included adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code; acceptance of the OTS grant to fund traffic enforcement overtime and a radar trailer; approval of an item authorizing police use of grant funds for unmanned aerial system software and related equipment; the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2533, an amendment to the drive‑through ordinance; and acceptance of completed public‑works work with authorization to file notices of completion.
The OTS award was described in council discussion as an $83,000 grant to fund sworn‑officer overtime for directed patrols, DUI and seatbelt enforcement, a radar trailer, training and supplies. Staff said the grant does not cover long‑term staffing costs but pays for overtime and equipment used in targeted enforcement.
On a separate grant topic the police department confirmed it had applied for Department of Justice funding for ballistic vests and said it planned to use grant funding for unmanned aerial system software used by the major accident investigation team. Staff did not provide a final DOJ award amount at the meeting.
The council also approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 2533, a previously introduced amendment to the city’s drive‑through rules intended to allow minor modifications to some vacant, obsolete drive‑through facilities so they can attract viable tenants.
City staff recorded the votes during roll calls: Councilman Contos, Councilwoman Diaz, Councilmember Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem Lopez Villatto and Mayor Wu all voted “aye” on the listed items. There were no recorded “no” votes or abstentions on those agenda items.
The city manager and department heads said they will publish results and follow up on grant implementation and next steps for ordinance implementation.
Ending: Council members said the newly adopted fire code and incoming grant funds will be incorporated into department planning and public information. Staff indicated some grant details and equipment procurement will be finalized after award paperwork is completed and will be reported in future manager reports or council agendas.
