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Glendale adopts updated building and fire codes; council narrows some amendments
Summary
Council ratified updated building (O25-51) and fire (O25-52) code cycles on Dec. 9, 2025, adopting changes that include relaxed kitchen-island outlet language, EV-capable requirements for new garages, and a five-foot sidewalk rule for new development (excluding existing sites).
Glendale — The City Council on Dec. 9 adopted two related ordinances updating technical building and fire codes.
Randy Huggins, director of development services, presented the code updates, noting Glendale generally adopts codes on a six‑year cycle and last updated in 2019. Huggins said the staff and stakeholder outreach process included builders, contractors, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, utilities and professional associations.
Notable changes in Ordinance O25-51 (building code) include revised language on kitchen‑island outlets so councils' prior direction to allow either top or side outlets was preserved; a change from "EV‑ready" to "EV‑capable" for residential garages so homes will be constructed with panel space, conduit and an outlet box to simplify later charger installation; and a five‑foot sidewalk requirement for new development that excludes existing sites and building additions.
Huggins said the fire code updates in Ordinance O25-52 address technical fire prevention and sprinkler-system provisions and were presented alongside the building code amendments. The council voted separately on the two ordinances as required and recorded unanimous roll-call approval on both items.
Staff noted the building-code changes were the result of workshops and public input over several months. The ordinances were adopted by roll-call vote; implementation details and effective dates appear in the adopted ordinance texts.
