Westminster introduces 2025 building codes and 2024 property‑maintenance code; public hearing set for Nov. 12

Steve Mendoza, the city’s community development director, presented the required triennial update to Westminster’s building regulations and recommended the council introduce the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments and adopt the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

Mendoza listed the key local amendments staff proposed to retain public-safety and climate resilience measures: enhanced roof-covering standards for high-wind areas, pool-fencing and anti-drowning measures, foundation changes to address expansive soils and high water table, electrical and plumbing amendments (including corrosion protection for underground piping), and a threshold for automatic sprinklers on nonresidential buildings over 5,000 square feet. "We are planning ahead for that gap in service during the holidays," Mendoza said, noting outreach to architects and designers and a Nov. 12 public hearing to consider final adoption.

Council moved to adopt a resolution and introduce an ordinance that would repeal the city’s older code chapters and adopt the new edition with local amendments. The motion to introduce the ordinance and schedule the Nov. 12 hearing passed on a 5–0 roll call (Fan West: aye; District 3 Wynne: yes; District 4 Wynne: yes; Vice mayor Monzo: yes; Mayor Wynne: yes).

Mendoza said the adoption process includes a public information campaign, web updates and handouts to help permit applicants meet the transition deadlines so work can be permitted before the New Year. The staff report noted adoption now would give the city time to make the changes effective by Jan. 1 and that the legal noticing requirements had been met for the introduction and hearing.