Fresno adopts 2025 California Fire Code update; new statewide rules effective Jan. 1, 2026

The Fresno City Council approved an ordinance to repeal the 2022 California Fire Code locally and adopt the 2025 California Fire Code. The council vote recorded for this contested-consent item was 5-0.

City staff explained the three-year statewide code update cycle that requires municipalities to adopt the newer edition. Planning and fire officials told the council the new state code becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026, and that the city will begin accepting applications under the new rules in mid-December to allow a smooth transition for active projects.

Fire department staff said the department has faced inspector staffing shortages but is conducting active recruitments and scheduling to keep inspections available within one-to-two weeks in most cases. Justin Beal, acting in fire prevention and fire marshal duties, said inspections for large new-construction projects require planning and can require multi-day site reviews; the department is prioritizing major projects and outreach to keep important commercial and residential construction moving.

Council members asked whether active construction projects would be grandfathered from new code requirements. Staff said projects already permitted and in substantial progress will not be required to change designs to comply with the new code; new permit applications taken on or after the effective date will follow the 2025 code.

The motion to adopt the updated fire code passed 5-0. Staff said they will follow up with the full list of projects in review and will distribute that list separated by council district.