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Norco council gives first reading to update 2025 California Fire and Wildland Urban Interface codes
Summary
Council held the first reading of ordinance No. 1135 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code and a new Wildland Urban Interface chapter; staff said the changes modernize language, add water and access standards, and refine vegetation and defensible-space rules. Motion passed unanimously for introduction.
Norco City Council held a first reading of ordinance No. 1135 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9) and to add chapter 15.130 adopting the 2025 Wildland Urban Interface Code (Title 24, Part 7). Michelle, the staff presenter, said the package mostly corrects outdated references and renumbers sections while adding practical standards for the city's wildfire-risk areas.
"We basically, we're hitting the redo button," Michelle said, summarizing the changes that include removing outdated sections 903.2.8 and 903.3.1.1, adding remote-access review authority for the fire official, additional water requirements for wildland interface areas and new vegetation-management and defensible-space rules. She also highlighted new standards for food trucks to carry and maintain fire-protection equipment and a 100-foot-per-shell setback if aerial fireworks are ever allowed again. There were no public comments during the hearing.
Mayor opened and closed the public hearing after the staff presentation and the council voted to introduce the ordinance on first reading. City Attorney Colin Burns read the formal ordinance title into the record for the first read. The introduction passed by unanimous vote.
The ordinance advances the city's effort to align municipal code with regional standards, reduce wildfire risk and help ensure residents remain eligible for insurance coverage tied to defensible-space practices. Staff told council the minor wording and numbering changes will be brought back for a second reading with any suggested clarifications.
