City introduces ordinances to adopt 2025 California Fire Code; second reading set for Nov. 18, 2025

City fire staff asked the Loma Linda City Council to introduce ordinances and a resolution on first reading that would adopt the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and amend the city's municipal code to align with the 2024 International Fire Code. The council agreed to waive full reading and set the second reading for Nov. 18, 2025.

Tom, representing the fire department, told the council the largest change in this cycle is the state's adoption of its own wildland-urban interface code and other title 24/title 19 updates that remove the need to double-adopt the international wildland-urban interface code. "These new codes will go in effect 01/01/2026," he said.

The staff recommendation included three separate items: introduction of Council Bill O-2025-04 (adopting the 2025 CA Fire Code and amending the 2024 International Fire Code), adoption of Resolution R-2025-36 to comply with specified California Health and Safety Code sections, and introduction of Council Bill O-2025-05 to adopt the 2025 California wildland-urban interface code. Council moved, seconded, and carried the motion unanimously to introduce the measures and schedule the second reading.

Council members asked clarifying questions about insurance and community impacts of the code changes; Doctor Daly requested a follow-up meeting with staff to review potential implications for residents whose insurance has changed due to fire-risk assessments. Staff said the updates follow state guidance and that the local ordinance language had been trimmed to avoid duplicating state requirements.

The council's action was procedural (introduction on first reading); the ordinances will return for a formal second reading and final vote on Nov. 18, 2025. If adopted at second reading, staff said the ordinances would become effective Jan. 1, 2026.