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Palmdale adopts 2025 California Building Code with local amendments, eases permit-expiration fees
Summary
The council adopted the 2025 California Building Code and local amendments, including a 20 psf snow-load and administrative changes; staff also approved policy to allow up to two 12-month no-cost permit extensions (potentially 36 months total), drawing council questions about electrification and revenue impacts.
The Palmdale City Council voted Oct. 7 to adopt the 2025 California Building Code and related local amendments, including administrative provisions and a 20 pounds-per-square-foot snow-load adjustment intended to reflect local climatic conditions.
Brian George, Palmdale's building official, told the council the state model codes are updated every three years and jurisdictions have 180 days to adopt local amendments that can be more stringent but not less protective than state standards. As part of the local changes, staff proposed administrative revisions intended to streamline permitting and customer service, including changing plan-application expirations and extension procedures.
Under the revised policy described by George, applicants may now receive multiple no-cost extensions: an initial 12-month period followed by up to two additional 12-month extensions, for a maximum potential active period of 36 months before an application expires and would need to be refiled. George said the change responds to delays with other agencies (LA County Fire and LA County Public Health) that are outside city control and were causing permit expirations through no fault of applicants.
Council members asked how waiving extension fees would affect city revenue; George said extension fees previously were 25% of the plan-check fee and that some revenue would be forgone but staff intends the policy to reduce administrative churn and help applicants complete projects. Members also raised questions about electrification and whether new construction would require electric appliances and storage. Staff said solar is required under the current code cycle, batteries are not mandatory, and many recent code changes emphasize EV chargers and battery storage safety and mounting standards for fire-safety reasons.
The council adopted the ordinance (introduced as Ordinance No. 1661 in the meeting record) following staff presentations and questions. Staff said it will continue to review administrative provisions and update web content and outreach materials to help applicants navigate the permitting process.
