Council introduces ordinance to adopt 2025 California building standards with local amendments

Dale Fletcher, deputy building official and community development deputy director, told the Chico City Council that the Building Standards Commission’s triennial adoption of updated codes requires jurisdictions to update municipal code references to remain consistent with state law. Fletcher recommended introduction of an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Standards, including local amendments for fire regulations, above-ground tank locations, liquefied petroleum storage, fireworks restrictions and grading provisions.

"To ensure the city is consistent with the state law, it is important to update the city municipal code to include the 2025 California building codes, which goes into effect automatically on 01/01/2026," Fletcher said, and added that staff recommended introducing the ordinance that night. He noted staff efforts to keep local modifications minimal while retaining amendments that address specific local climatic and topographical conditions.

Council members asked about outreach and public information; Fletcher said staff has already posted major changes on the city website, held prior seminars on the 2022 cycle and is planning meetings with stakeholders such as the Board of Realtors and the local CBA group to explain significant changes. Fletcher noted the department has three certified building officials and staff resources to support the transition.

Council voted to introduce the ordinance by reading of title only. The motion passed on the record with all members voting in favor. The ordinance will return to council for subsequent readings and final adoption, and staff said the state code’s effective date is Jan. 1, 2026.

The council did not propose substantive amendments during the introduction. Staff and council discussed community outreach and potential stakeholder briefings as part of the implementation timeline.