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Albany council approves update to building and fire codes, aligning local rules with 2025 state standards
Summary
The Albany City Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-01 on second reading to adopt 2025 Title 24 code changes and related local amendments; the update includes stricter energy and ventilation standards, new EV charger requirements, mandatory bike parking for new multifamily buildings, and provisions for photovoltaic and battery readiness.
The Albany City Council on May 4 approved Ordinance No. 2026-01, amending chapters 11 (fire prevention) and 12 (building and housing) of the Albany Municipal Code to conform with the 2025 state building code cycle (Title 24) and recent state legislation.
Staff said the 2025 code, which took effect Jan. 1, 2026, introduces more rigorous energy and green building standards. The staff presenter explained that Assembly Bill 130 imposes a six-year moratorium on most local reach-code amendments for residential buildings, so Albany will implement many of the staterequirements while monitoring where limited local exceptions remain possible. The staff presenter noted key changes include stricter building-envelope and mechanical-system efficiency requirements, expanded photovoltaic and battery readiness for single-family and low-rise multifamily housing, and updated fire-safety wall requirements for certain stairways and exterior walls.
The ordinance also updates green building requirements to require electric readiness and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure and replaces an earlier "EV-capable" standard with mandatory installation of two chargers and receptacles in new residential buildings, said staff. Multifamily buildings, hotels and motels now have mandatory bike-parking standards, and there are stricter ventilation requirements for multifamily projects. Staff also described new safety provisions for energy storage systems, including minimum distancing from openings and a required disconnect at the main panel for emergency personnel in properties that install batteries.
Council members asked clarifying questions during the public hearing and received no public comments on the item before the council voted to pass the ordinance on second reading. The motion carried by roll call; Council Member Jordan was recorded absent. The ordinance was passed to print per the council's motion.
The council framed the action as part of ongoing climate and sustainability work; one council member said Albany had pushed for stronger local reach codes at the state level but acknowledged AB 130 limited immediate local options. The changes will be effective as provided by the ordinance and state timing; staff said they would follow up on implementation details and any necessary administrative guidance for building permit applicants.
The council also approved routine consent items and other proclamations at the meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for May 18.
