Council adopts 2025 California codes, approves well permit and hazard plan; routine contract changes also pass

The Fountain Valley City Council took a string of largely unanimous votes on Nov. 4 to update codes, approve a regional water-well agreement and adopt routine city contracts and plans.

Key votes and outcomes

- Fire code (Item 5): The council introduced and approved the first reading to adopt by reference the 2025 California Fire Code (repeal/reenact portions of Title 17) as presented by Deputy Fire Marshal Tang Nguyen. The item passed 5-0 after no public comment.

- Building code (Item 6): Building Official Derek Doggett presented the second reading and council adopted the 2025 California Building Code updates and local findings (Title 18) to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Vote 5-0.

- Water well permit and encroachment agreement (Item 10): Council approved a permit and encroachment agreement allowing Newport Beach and the Laguna Beach County Water District to construct municipal production wells at 1902 Bouchard St. Negotiated terms include an upfront payment and recurring offsets; council vote 5-0.

- Hazard Mitigation Plan (Item 8): The council adopted the city—s updated hazard mitigation plan, required to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation grants (update interval: five years). Vote 5-0.

- HVAC contract amendment (Item 9): Council approved Amendment No. 3 to Contract 19-65 with Pacific Coast Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, extending maintenance services, modestly adjusting labor and maintenance rates, and raising parts/materials budget; vote 5-0.

- Consent items: Items 1—4 on the consent calendar were approved 5-0.

What this means: The building and fire code adoptions ensure Fountain Valley will be in compliance with the 2025 California code cycle starting Jan. 1, 2026. The well permit formalizes a regional groundwater partnership and provides an upfront payment, an annual offset and a one-time public-project payment. The hazard plan adoption preserves eligibility for pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding.

Votes at a glance (select): Item 5 (Fire code) —7: passed 5-0; Item 6 (Building code) —7: passed 5-0; Item 7 (Charter ballot) —7: passed 3-2 (see separate story); Item 8 (Hazard mitigation) —7: passed 5-0; Item 9 (HVAC contract amendment) —7: passed 5-0; Item 10 (Water well permit) —7: passed 5-0.

Staff follow-up: For the code adoptions, the city will publish local amendments and timelines for compliance; for the water well permit, staff will coordinate interconnection details and the agreed offset payments; for the HVAC amendment, facilities staff will manage the contract term through 2027.