Atascadero council adopts 2025 building and fire code updates, adds limited local WUI amendments

The Atascadero City Council unanimously adopted updates to the 2025 California Building Standards (Title 24) and related local amendments to the city's municipal codes on Feb. 10, approving both draft ordinance A (fire code amendments) and draft ordinance B (building code amendments).

The changes incorporate the state'adopted 2025 wildland urban interface (WUI) provisions into local code and add a small set of local amendments tailored to Atascadero. Community Development Director Phil Dunsmore and Fire Marshal Dave Vanson told council the updated WUI map and local amendments affect multiple hazard zones and will apply stricter construction and ignition-resistance standards in high and very-high hazard areas and a limited set of requirements in moderate areas.

Why it matters: the amendments aim to reduce ember-driven house-to-house spread in future wildfires by hardening building envelopes. Vanson summarized the map'related impact, saying the new map "determines which parcels are subject to the 2025 WUI code," and noted that the recent reclassification affects hundreds to thousands of parcels. Staff said about 875 parcels previously unclassified would move into a high-severity category and that several thousand parcels were reclassified to moderate.

Key local changes include: requiring Class A roof assemblies and certain ignition-resistant materials in higher-hazard areas; limiting garage-door perimeter gaps to 1/8 inch and adding vent-protection requirements; specifying that if an addition increases a residence's size by 50% or a remodel reaches 75% of replacement value the entire structure must meet WUI standards; and several minor code clarifications on driveways, turnaround standards and addressing.

Fire Marshal Dave Vanson said the intent is targeted protection. "These amendments assure practical, effective fire protection tailored to our community specifically," he said. Bruce St. John, the city's chief building official, added that many of the proposed measures align with industry norms and existing permit practices.

Council members pressed staff on practical impacts for homeowners. Several asked whether a homeowner who reroofs or makes an addition would be forced into costly retrofits; staff said the 50% (addition) and 75% (valuation) thresholds are consistent with the city's current sprinkler/valuation rules and generally apply only at the permit stage. "Only for additions or modifications or new construction," Fire Marshal Vanson clarified when explaining when the requirements take effect.

Public commenters urged caution about costs. Resident Jeff Hosland told the council the state's mandates have already increased building costs and said, in strong terms, that the state "already came in and said, screw you, city of Atascadero and every other city in the state," as one reason to be watchful of additional local burdens. Staff acknowledged the trade-off between cost and community safety and said many large additions already involve full exterior work that brings the structure into compliance during construction.

Council action: Mayor Pro Tem Derez moved to adopt both draft ordinances; Council member Funk seconded. The council approved both ordinances by unanimous roll-call vote.

What happens next: The ordinances take effect in accordance with the dates and procedures in the adopted text; staff said they will prepare outreach materials and handouts for contractors and homeowners explaining the specific material lists, thresholds, and permit-exemption clarifications. Council members asked staff to monitor permit activity and return with recommended adjustments if the thresholds produce unintended affordability issues for small-home owners.

Authorities referenced in discussion included the California Building Code/Title 24 and the state'adopted California Wildland Urban Interface provisions; local amendments were enacted in municipal code (Titles 4 and 8) as part of the approved ordinances.

Ending: The council adopted the updated codes unanimously and directed staff to produce guidance and monitor implementation, saying the changes aim to reduce neighborhood-level risk even as staff and council watch for disproportionate cost impacts on smaller homeowners.