Council holds second reading on adopting 2025 California Building Code; staff urges adoption by title

Joe Rankin, a member of city staff, told the Tehachapi City Council that the item before the body was the "second reading and adoption of an ordinance to amend the city building code ordinance and relevant section of the municipal code," describing it as the adoption of the 2025 California Building Code cycle with Kern County and city grading amendments. "I won't go into too much detail since we discussed it last time, but just a brief recap," Rankin said and offered to answer questions.

Rankin identified the scope as covering multiple chapters and codes, including the general residential code, building code, mechanical and plumbing codes, green building standards and grading provisions. He said staff's recommendation was "to adopt by title only." When the council opened the floor for questions the transcript records no extended public or council questioning on the code update.

The presentation emphasized that the ordinance incorporates Kern County amendments and several municipal code sections; Rankin closed by saying he was "happy to answer any questions." The transcript does not record a formal motion or vote on the ordinance during the public portion of the meeting.

Why it matters: Adopting a new cycle of the California Building Code updates city technical standards that affect new construction, renovations and grading, and can change permitting and inspection requirements for property owners and builders.

Next step: The transcript ends with no recorded vote on the ordinance; the council may act further at a subsequent meeting, or the clerk's official minutes should note any formal adoption or vote if it occurred after the excerpted remarks.