Loma Linda council introduces 2025 building code updates, sets second reading for Dec. 9

The Loma Linda City Council moved on first reading to adopt the 2025 California Building Code and related local amendments after a brief public hearing.

Patrick Johnson, identified in the meeting as the acting building official, told the council the state’s three-year code cycle requires local jurisdictions to adopt the 2025 code and noted the code package adds the California Wildland-Urban Interface provisions used to regulate construction in identified high-fire-hazard areas. "It is recommended that we waive the first reading of the adoption of the California building codes with amendments and a second reading to occur at the city council meeting on 12/09/2025," Johnson said.

Council members asked whether the changes would affect the city’s primarily residential development. Johnson said most revisions are editorial or technical and do not change Loma Linda’s local climate- or hazard-specific requirements. He pointed to updated provisions addressing heavy timber construction and EV-charging infrastructure safety, particularly for commercial sites. "There's nothing juicy about this — it's building codes," he said during the hearing.

Mayor Duper moved to introduce the ordinance on first reading and set the second reading for Dec. 9; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. Council member Spencer, Council member Popescu, Council member Rigsby, Mayor Pro Tem Daly and Mayor Duper voted in favor.

The council’s action waives a full reading of the ordinance now and schedules a formal second reading and final vote on Dec. 9. The ordinance’s staff report and the draft code language are on file with the city for public review.