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Torrance council adopts 2025 California Fire Code; staff to enforce state standards starting Jan. 2026
Summary
The council unanimously adopted a resolution and ordinance to bring Torrance’s fire regulations into alignment with the 2025 California Fire Code and found unique local conditions justifying limited local amendments. Council discussed ember-protection technologies and insurance implications during the hearing.
The Torrance City Council adopted a resolution and ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with specified local amendments.
Richard Kazanjan of the Torrance Fire Department explained that the state updates the California Fire Code every three years to reflect current fire-service practices and technology. "These codes will continue the high standard of fire life safety that the city has maintained," Kazanjan said. The council adopted Resolution 2025-65, which finds "the existence of unique geologic, topographic and climatic conditions" justifying particular local amendments, and enacted Ordinance 3960 amending the municipal code to adopt the 2025 Fire Code. The council also determined the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and approved an ordinance summary for publication.
Councilmember John Kaji asked whether technologies such as ember-resistant vents — which can reduce the chance of embers entering buildings — were being adopted or required. Kazanjan replied that, at present, there are no statewide mandates requiring such installations; however, he said a number of bills and new safeguarding measures are under legislative consideration and the city will enforce state codes (as adopted by CAL FIRE) beginning January 2026. "Starting in January 2026, we will be enforcing state codes when it comes to fire hazard severity zones," Kazanjan said.
The motion to adopt the resolution and ordinance carried unanimously.
