Tiburon council introduces 2025 building‑code ordinance, schedules Dec. 3 second reading

The Tiburon Town Council on Nov. 19 introduced and approved on first reading an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and related local amendments, moving the matter to a second reading on Dec. 3, 2025.

Neil Toth, interim community development director, told the council the item would adopt the new 2025 codes largely by reference and re‑adopt existing local amendments with limited adjustments to align with the new state code. "It is an update to adopt the 2025 building codes," Toth said, outlining the scope of the proposed ordinance.

The update explicitly includes Appendix BB, which Toth said provides more flexible regulations for tiny homes—defined in the presentation as buildings under 400 square feet—intended to support housing‑element goals by expanding small‑unit opportunities. Toth also said the council would adopt CalGreen Tier 1 requirements and implement FlexPath provisions for single‑family additions and alterations at thresholds of 500 square feet or greater.

Toth described energy compliance measures that use an adjusted, point‑based menu tied to building vintage categories (pre‑1978, 1978–1991 and 1992–2010) and said the update adds EV‑readiness requirements triggered by any service‑panel upgrade. He also noted the town is constrained by recent state legislation "AB and SB 130," which restricts new local amendments that are more stringent or could create obstacles to housing development, with exemptions for amendments in effect before Sept. 30 and those necessary to align with adopted general‑plan policies.

Toth recommended the council conduct the public hearing, read the ordinance by title only and introduce an ordinance amending chapter 13 of the municipal code to adopt the 2025 construction codes; he said the matter would return for second reading and possible adoption at the Dec. 3 meeting.

Mayor Mary Thier and council members thanked building department staff for preparing the updates. "Doug has always done it with grace, kindness," Thier said, singling out building official Doug Haight and also thanking permit technician Megan Aceves and staff member Grace Ledwood for their work on the reach‑code updates. A public commenter also voiced support, saying Tiburon has "long…prided itself on being ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability and climate change" and called the changes "another step on that path."

Councilmember Fredericks moved to introduce the ordinance and waive further readings; Vice Mayor Wallner seconded. Clerk Lee called the roll: Fredericks, Councilmember Ryan, Vice Mayor Wallner and Mayor Mary Thier voted yes; Councilmember Nick Farr was recorded absent. The motion to introduce the ordinance passed on first reading; the council scheduled the ordinance for second reading and final consideration at the Dec. 3, 2025 meeting.

The ordinance as introduced would repeal and replace Tiburon Municipal Code section 13‑4 and adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24 (parts 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12) together with stated local amendments. Specific implementation details, including the adjusted FlexPath point menu by building vintage and EV‑readiness triggers, were presented by staff and remain in the draft ordinance and staff report for the council to review before the Dec. 3 hearing.