Wasco council introduces ordinances to adopt 2025 building and fire codes

City planning and building staff told the council that the California Building Standards Commission updates state building and fire standards every three years and that Wasco should readopt local code to remain consistent.

Mrs. Cobb presented the building-code item and recommended introduction and waiver of the first reading to repeal and reenact Wasco Municipal Code chapter 15.04 to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Code of Regulations, Title 24 (building standards). Mrs. Cobb noted the code has expanded over time and said staff would answer council questions.

On the companion item, Mrs. Scott said the fire code is likewise on a three-year adoption cycle and staff proposed repealing and reenacting Wasco Municipal Code chapter 15.08 to adopt the 2025 fire-prevention provisions of Title 24, with local amendments to align with countywide practice.

No members of the public spoke at either hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Saldana moved to introduce and waive the first reading of the building-code ordinance and Council member Martinez seconded; the motion passed unanimously by roll call. Council member Reina moved to introduce and waive the first reading of the fire-code ordinance and Mayor Medina seconded; that motion also passed unanimously by roll call. Both motions were informational and advance the ordinances to subsequent readings as required by city process.

The council did not adopt final ordinances at this meeting; both items were introduced and the first readings were waived to proceed with the formal ordinance process.