El Cajon council adopts 2025 California Fire Code and clears window‑tinting changes for medical providers

El Cajon’s City Council unanimously adopted the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and approved zoning amendments to allow solid (non‑transparent) window tinting for medical and dental providers while reducing the allowable window‑sign area for consistency.

Noah Alvey of community development explained the two items were routine code updates: cities must adopt the new statewide Fire Code on its three‑year cycle, and staff proposed a narrowly tailored local edit to reference the city’s appeal procedures. Council held the public hearing for the Fire Code with no public comment and adopted the ordinance by unanimous vote.

On window transparency, staff told the council that the current zoning limit allows only 15% of a window to be obscured, while separate provisions allow window signs up to 50% of window area. Staff recommended reducing window‑sign allowances to 15% and creating a specific exemption that would permit solid dark tinting for medical and dental offices to preserve patient privacy. Staff presented a case study of a storefront where decals had been cited for exceeding the 15% standard; the owners later adjusted their windows to comply.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the definition of "solid" tinting and whether the police department had been consulted. Staff said the police were involved, massage establishments are explicitly excluded from the medical exemption, and the requirement that locations reverting from medical use must restore clear windows was included. The ordinance package passed unanimously.

The council also introduced an ordinance to update the minimum purchase age for tobacco products from 18 to 21 and to allow regulated smoke‑shop relocations; the introductory motion carried unanimously.

The new code adoptions and zoning amendments are effective after the usual adoption steps; staff will proceed with filing and ordinance readings as required.