Paradise adopts updated California building standards including battery‑storage and WUI provisions
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Summary
Council introduced and passed amendments adopting the 2024 California Building Standards Code updates (Ordinance 652), including Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) provisions, lithium‑ion battery safety measures and EV charger timelines; council discussed a local 30‑pound snow‑load option but did not require immediate local amendments.
The Paradise Town Council moved to adopt updates to the California Building Standards Code, incorporating Wildland‑Urban Interface changes, new lithium‑ion battery safety guidance and updated energy and EV charger timelines.
The building official reviewed notable changes: nonstructural accessory separation increased in some cases to 50 feet, new ember‑resistant materials and updated requirements for open eaves and fire‑rated ply, and lithium‑ion battery safety measures such as heat detectors in garages or exterior battery placement. “Once a battery starts on fire, it's very hard to put out,” the building official said, explaining the safety focus.
Councilmembers debated whether to add a locally higher roof snow‑load requirement for Paradise (a recurring local ask for 30‑pound design loads). Staff explained local amendments can be proposed during the ordinance’s second reading and incorporated before final adoption. The council waived first reading and the motion to introduce the ordinance passed.
Next steps: staff will publicize code changes, update guidance and stakeholder training and present a second reading where any council amendments can be added before final adoption.
