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Modesto adopts 2025 California building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and existing-building codes
Summary
Council voted unanimously to repeal and replace chapters of the Modesto Municipal Code adopting by reference the 2025 editions of California’s Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and Existing Building Codes; staff highlighted changes such as 10-year master-plan approvals, new sleeping-loft rules, expanded surge-protection requirements, and the allowance of 10-amp circuits.
The Modesto City Council voted on May 12 to adopt five ordinances updating the city’s building regulations to align with the 2025 California Building Code series.
City staff (Jessica Hill) explained several substantive changes in the state code cycle: master plans will now be approved for 10 years, sleeping lofts are allowed in more dwelling types but with size and height limits, island receptacles have new mounting rules to reduce cord hazards, surge protection requirements were expanded to include multifamily dwellings and nursing homes, and the electrical code now permits 10-amp circuits in some applications to reflect evolving technology and efficiency needs.
Council considered the five separate ordinance adoptions (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and existing building codes) in sequence and approved each by roll-call vote, with each motion carrying 6–0. Staff said the state-required effective date is Jan. 1, 2026, and local code updates align Modesto’s municipal code with the statewide changes.
What happens next: The city will update its permitting and plan-review processes to reflect the new code language and will apply the new rules to building-permit applications submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
