Pacifica council advances 2025 building standards code, council split on electrification limits
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Summary
The City Council introduced an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments and set a Nov. 24 public hearing; the motion passed 4-1 after debate over AB 130 limits on local electrification requirements and timelines for adoption.
The Pacifica City Council voted on Nov. 10 to introduce an ordinance repealing and replacing local building regulations and to adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code with specified local amendments, setting a public hearing for Nov. 24. The motion passed 4-1, with Council Member Wright recording the lone dissent.
Community Development Director Samantha Updegrave summarized required timing and the city's approach to carry forward previous local amendments where state law does not preempt them. "The building codes are updated every 3 years, and we are required to adopt the statewide model code," Updegrave said, adding staff recommendations to carry forward the city's local amendments except where superseded by state law.
Council discussion focused on a set of state rules in Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) that staff said limit local changes affecting residential units. Council members pressed staff for specifics about how many higher-output Level 2 EV chargers a large multifamily project would require under the proposed local amendments. Updegrave and legal staff repeatedly said AB 130 constrains certain residential electrification requirements and that changing the percentages for multifamily EV readiness might constitute a substantial modification the law prohibits. "We determined that would be considered a substantial modification," Updegrave said of a proposed increase to the proportion of standard level 2 chargers.
City Attorney and staff also clarified publication and noticing requirements for code updates: findings supporting local amendments were posted before the meeting and must be included in materials supporting the ordinance. Mayor Beckmeier moved the ordinance introduction; Vice Mayor Bowles seconded. The council voted 4 to 1 in favor; Council Member Wright recorded a public opposition statement noting he wished the city could do more on electrification.
The ordinance introduction advances the administrative steps needed for final adoption. Staff said the council will hold the required public hearing on Nov. 24 and then consider adoption at a subsequent meeting to meet state timelines for a 2026 effective date.
