Bell Gardens adopts updated building and property-maintenance codes

The Bell Gardens City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 962 on Jan. 26, updating local code references to reflect the 2025 California Building Standards Code and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. Community Development Director Manuel Acosta briefed the council during the second reading.

Acosta told the council that the state updates the California Building Standards Code every three years and that the county has adopted local amendments (Los Angeles County code titles 26–31) to account for local climate, topography and geological conditions. Ordinance 962 adopts those county code titles by reference and incorporates the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code published by the International Code Council into the Bell Gardens Municipal Code (Title 6 – Buildings and Construction).

The ordinance was noticed in advance and the council conducted a public hearing as part of the required second-reading process. No members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing. Following brief staff remarks, the council moved and adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote.

Why it matters: Adopting the updated building and property-maintenance codes aligns Bell Gardens with county and state standards and updates local building, safety, and maintenance requirements that affect permitting, inspections, and compliance for property owners and developers.

Next steps: The ordinance takes effect according to the statutory timetable for adopted municipal code amendments; staff will implement administrative steps to update local permit applications and plan-check guidance.