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Council introduces adoption of 2025 California building codes and plans local amendments
Summary
Staff introduced adoption by reference of the State's 2025 model building codes and described a second phase of local "reach" code amendments focused on climate and safety; council voted to introduce the ordinance and set a public hearing Jan. 13, 2026.
Planning and building staff recommended that the council adopt the State of California99s 2025 model building codes by reference and set a subsequent public hearing to consider local amendments (so-called "reach" codes) in spring 2026.
Gates Osborn, director of Economic Development and Planning, and Jimmy Bliss, chief building official, described the two-phase approach: first, adopt the model codes required by state law; second, pursue locally tailored reach-code amendments (for example, to advance decarbonization and electrification objectives) with public engagement. Staff noted certain legal constraints and the need to coordinate with the Fire Department on code changes.
Council moved to introduce the ordinance adopting state codes and to adopt a resolution scheduling a January 13, 2026 public hearing; the motion passed unanimously.
Staff said reach-code development would include community outreach and that a formal adoption of local amendments would follow a separate process later in 2026.
