Board declines to send opposition to state bill that would freeze recent building-code updates

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on June 24 elected not to send a letter of opposition regarding Assembly Bill 306, a state proposal that would pause adoption of 2025 building-code updates until 2031. The final board action was not to send an opposition letter (motion passed 3-2).

Supervisor Samantha Arroyo introduced the item and said AB 306 would "freeze" the building code as of January 1, 2025, for multiple years and could undercut the county's ability to implement parts of its climate action plan that rely on the 2025 code's modernization. She recommended the board oppose the bill unless amended to preserve local authority to adopt energy- and resilience-related updates for existing buildings and allow local implementation measures.

Supporters of the freeze argued that rapid code changes increase construction costs and complicate housing production; opponents said code updates are an important tool to improve energy efficiency, resilience to climate hazards, and long-term affordability for residents. Supervisor Wilson said he opposed the freeze because it would conflict with local implementation of the climate action plan and energy-efficiency priorities.

After debate, the board declined to send an opposition letter; the motion not to send the letter passed 3-2. Several supervisors said they remain concerned about construction costs and urged flexibility, but also expressed interest in maintaining tools to implement local climate and energy goals.