Council approves building‑code updates, water cross‑connection rules, a well rehabilitation purchase order and an affordable‑housing agreement

Fountain Valley — At its Oct. 22 meeting the City Council approved a series of staff‑recommended items aimed at keeping city regulations and infrastructure current and implementing an affordable housing agreement for a large residential project.

Votes in brief (all votes recorded as 4‑0 unless noted) - Consent calendar (Items 1–4): Approved by motion; no separate public comment. - Item 5 — Title 18 amendment: Introduced and approved on first reading an ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Codes with local amendments for seismic, drainage, Santa Ana wind and fire safety, and other local provisions. (Motioned and seconded; Item 5 passed 4‑0 on first reading.) - Item 6 — Cross‑connection control (Title 14 amendment): Approved a code amendment to implement the State Water Resources Control Board’s cross‑connection control policy handbook (replacing outdated Title 17 language). (Item 6 passed 4‑0.) - Item 7 — Purchase order, Well No. 6 rehabilitation: Council authorized staff to issue a purchase order to Wood Rogers for design and construction management services for Well No. 6 rehabilitation, not to exceed $105,300. Staff explained the scope includes locating/removing an obstruction in a ~300‑foot deep pump assembly, mechanical/chemical cleaning, pump replacement and roof/hatch repairs. (Item 7 passed 4‑0.) - Item 8 — Euclid & Howe residential project: Approved a density bonus and affordable housing agreement for a previously approved 606‑unit project (542 base + 64 density‑bonus units) that reserves 15% of base units (82 units) as affordable for 55 years; resolution adopted. (Item 8 passed 4‑0.)

What council discussed Council asked technical questions about local amendments to the state building code and the rationale for cross‑connection rule updates. On the Well No. 6 item, staff explained the rehabilitation history, the currently identified obstruction and proposed camera inspection as part of the design scope. On the housing item, council raised accessibility concerns (single elevator) and confirmed that senior units will be available on ground levels as well.

Administrative next steps Staff will file implementing documents (ordinance titles read for first readings where applicable), schedule required public‑hearing dates and follow statutory notice periods, and proceed with procurement for Well No. 6 under the authorization.

Provenance (topicintro: SEG 2839; topfinish: SEG 3277)