Woodland council adopts 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments

The Woodland City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments intended to address local fire risks, including lithium‑battery fires, gated‑access delays and home energy storage safety.

Fire Marshal Matt Flint summarized the staff recommendation and said the changes primarily add targeted requirements during normal permitting and apply to new construction or changes of use. "These updates target issues we mostly here in Woodland, lithium battery fires, gated access delays, residential construction hazards, and home energy storage safety," Flint told the council.

The council opened a public hearing on the ordinance and, after receiving no public testimony, moved to adopt the ordinance. Council Member Moreno moved for adoption; Council Member Garcia Cadena seconded. The clerk recorded the motion as passing 5–0.

Staff emphasized the amendments are intended to reduce fire risk, support insurance stability and improve safety for residents and firefighters; they also noted existing homes and businesses are not affected by the changes unless a change of use or new construction occurs. Fire Marshal Flint said the updates include items previously in the fire code appendix that staff recommended clarify in the city ordinance to ensure clear expectations for larger and denser buildings.

The adoption is an ordinance action by the council; staff indicated they will implement the changes through normal permitting and inspection processes.