Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Codes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tiburon council introduces ordinance to adopt 2025 California building codes, schedules Dec. 3 second reading
Summary
The Tiburon Town Council voted Nov. 19 to introduce an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards (Title 24) with local amendments, including CalGreen Tier 1, FlexPath for certain single-family work, EV-readiness triggers tied to service-panel upgrades, and Appendix BB for tiny homes; second reading is set for Dec. 3.
The Tiburon Town Council on Nov. 19 introduced an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) by reference, a staff-led update that includes local amendments, CalGreen Tier 1 provisions and new FlexPath and electric‑vehicle readiness requirements.
Neil Toth, interim community development director, told the council the update “is an update to adopt the 2025 building codes” and that most local amendments are being readopted with a few adjustments to align with the new state code. He said the package includes adoption of Appendix BB to provide more flexible regulations for buildings under 400 square feet — commonly described as tiny homes — and reiterated the work is intended to support housing-element goals by creating additional flexible housing opportunities.
Toth also said the update re-adopts local fire-code amendments consistent with the Southern Marin Fire District and the Tiburon Fire Protection District. He cited recent state legislation, AB and SB 130, as constraining local agencies’ ability to adopt amendments that would be more stringent or create obstacles to housing; exceptions apply to amendments already in effect before Sept. 30 and to amendments necessary to align with the town’s general plan.
On technical measures, staff proposed adopting CalGreen Tier 1 and a FlexPath option for single-family additions and alterations equal to or greater than 500 square feet, using an adjusted point‑based menu tied to building vintages. Toth explained the update also adds EV‑readiness requirements triggered by any service‑panel upgrade and other project triggers, with staff saying the changes are intended to help the town meet climate, health and equity goals in the general plan and climate action plan.
The motion introduced to the council would repeal and replace section 13‑4 of Article 2, Chapter 13 (Title 4) of the Tiburon Municipal Code to adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24, parts 1–12 as listed in the ordinance) together with specified local amendments. If introduced, the ordinance will return for a second reading and possible adoption at the council’s Dec. 3 meeting, per staff recommendation.
Public comment on the item was brief and supportive. An in‑person commenter praised the reach‑code work and told the council: “Tiburon has long taken... prided itself on being ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability and climate change and green codes, and this is another step on that path.”
Votes at a glance - Consent calendar: Approved (motion moved and seconded; roll call affirmative by Fredericks, Ryan, Vice Mayor Wallner and Mary Thier). - Ordinance (introduction/read by title, schedule second reading Dec. 3): Introduced (roll call: Fredericks—Yes; Nick Farr—Absent; Ryan—Yes; Vice Mayor Wallner—Yes; Mary Thier—Yes).
What happens next Staff will return Dec. 3 for the ordinance’s second reading and possible adoption. Council directed staff to proceed with the public-hearing process and to bring the ordinance back with any required revisions to align local amendments with state law.
(Reporting based on the Nov. 19, 2025 Tiburon Town Council meeting.)
