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San Gabriel council adopts first reading of 2025 California building and fire codes with local amendments
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance 7‑26 to adopt the 2025 California building and fire codes and local technical amendments; staff noted the fire alarm threshold increased from 4,000 to 7,500 square feet and that the updated codes apply to projects submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
The San Gabriel City Council introduced Ordinance 7‑26 to adopt the 2025 edition of the California building and fire codes and to carry forward city technical and administrative amendments. Building Official Chris Caldlachlian presented the update and said, if adopted at second reading, the new codes would apply to building permit applications submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
Caldlachlian summarized key topics covered by the local amendments, including fire sprinkler and alarm requirements, fencing regulations and structural design changes for seismic resilience. Temporary Fire Marshal Simon Alcoumian identified one explicit change: the threshold for buildings that must have a fire alarm was raised from 4,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet in the adopted local amendments.
Council asked about how the new codes affect tenant improvements and whether projects submitted before Jan. 1, 2026, would remain under the 2022 code. Staff confirmed that permitted projects submitted before Jan. 1, 2026, would be processed under the existing code and that permit submission date determines which code cycle applies. Council introduced the ordinance and voted 5–0 to waive full reading and schedule second reading and adoption.
Next steps: the council will consider second reading at the next regular meeting; staff is available to discuss specific code amendments with applicants and planning staff ahead of the effective date.
