Lompoc adopts 2025 WUI and building code amendments amid cost concerns from residents
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Summary
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 17‑39‑25 to incorporate the 2025 California Building Standards and the new Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) provisions. Staff said the local amendments mirror the 2022 package; public commenters warned the changes could raise remodeling costs for hillside homeowners.
The Lompoc City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Tuesday updating local building and fire codes to align with the 2025 California Building Standards, including the State’s new wildland‑urban interface (WUI) code.
Anne Schneider, presenting the triennial code adoption, told the council the state issues new model codes every three years and local jurisdictions can adopt amendments targeted to “local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.” She said the amendments the city proposed are the same amendments Lompoc adopted for the 2022 cycle and that the new code will go into effect roughly one month after adoption, with statewide effect on Jan. 1.
"The amendments will go into effect approximately 1 month after the adoption and the code will go into effect on January 1," Schneider said.
Fire Marshal John Stephens reviewed the WUI material and the map of areas the State Fire Marshal has identified as moderate to very high fire hazard severity; the map determines where WUI requirements apply. Stephens said the 2025 WUI code consolidates wildfire‑related provisions to eliminate conflicts and make enforcement more consistent statewide.
During public comment, residents said the WUI rules will increase the cost of routine remodeling and home repairs for properties mapped in higher hazard areas. Retired contractor Greg Gideon told the council he faced onerous plan requirements for a small backyard shed and contrasted that with a recent city police‑parking fence project he said lacked architectural plans. "There are no plans. No plans," Gideon said, arguing the difference represented a double standard.
Council members acknowledged the cost concerns while noting that the state code becomes effective Jan. 1 and local options are limited. Councilor Ball urged residents to weigh the long‑term costs of wildfire damage against short‑term remodeling expenses, noting recent wildfires as context for better protections. The council voted 5–0 to adopt Ordinance No. 17‑39‑25.
The ordinance and associated local findings were adopted during the public hearing; staff said they will proceed with public education about the changes and implementation steps.
