Soledad introduces ordinance to adopt 2025 California Building Code, schedules Dec. 3 hearing

The Soledad City Council introduced Ordinance 779 on Nov. 19 to repeal the existing chapter adopting the building code and adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Code (Title 24), the 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the 2024 International Maintenance Code. Building official Minerva Arredondo presented the state publication and summarized key changes and constraints.

Arredondo said the 2025 code was published July 1, 2025, and will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. She told the council that residential buildings now must be “energy storage ready” and that Part 7 of the code establishes wildfire/Cal‑WUI provisions. Arredondo recommended adopting the Monterey County fire amendments and noted AB 130 (state legislation) imposed a moratorium on certain local amendments to residential code changes if those amendments were not already in place before Sept. 25, 2025.

Councilmembers asked whether older Front Street buildings would be required to be torn down under the new code. Arredondo said the code provides retrofit pathways when property owners apply for permits and make major changes; it does not automatically require demolition. The mayor and council also asked staff to clarify which entity issues operational permits for agricultural bird‑control devices referenced in the fire code and whether specific solar provisions were relocated within the code. Arredondo said she would consult the fire marshal and provide clarifications before the Dec. 3 public hearing.

Council moved, seconded and voted to waive reading and introduce Ordinance 779; the ordinance will return for public hearing and final action on Dec. 3, 2025.