Council approves 2025 building and fire code adoptions and local amendments

The Citrus Heights City Council approved a package of code actions to update local regulations and align with the 2025 California building and fire codes while pursuing targeted local amendments to support reuse of older commercial buildings.

Community Development Director Casey Kempenard explained that California adopts new building standards every three years and that the city must adopt those standards by ordinance, while the city can consider limited local amendments where state law allows. Chief Building Official Joe Cuff said the city amended 13 articles within chapter 18 of the municipal code, left 6 unchanged and added 4 new articles in this cycle; Metro Fire's adopted ordinance for the 2025 California Fire Code will be adopted by reference into chapter 38.

City staff described a policy goal to streamline requirements so existing nonresidential buildings can be repurposed with fewer barriers. Staff also noted a state decision to keep the 2022 residential codes in effect for residential units through 2031, limiting local changes to residential requirements in order to ease rebuilding after recent fire events.

Council took the three required actions (introduce/waive reading and adopt related resolutions/ordinances for chapters 18 and 38 and findings for Title 24 amendments). Council members thanked staff for work intended to reduce burdens on businesses and to clarify code requirements. The motions were adopted by council vote.

Staff will return with the finalized ordinance language as required and will coordinate with Metro Fire on implementation and outreach to affected building owners.