Council completes first hearing on adopting 2025 state building and fire codes; second reading set for Nov. 18

At a public hearing Nov. 4, city staff presented Ordinance O-2025-11 to adopt the 2025 California building and fire codes by reference with local amendments, a routine update that state law requires every three years.

Joe Lambert, director of development services (building), explained that "every 3 years the California Building Standards Commission or CBSC adopts a new set of state reviewed and mandated codes" and that the city must adopt them by reference and submit findings to the state. Amanda Horner, the fire marshal, was on hand to answer fire-code questions. Staff recommended completing the first public hearing tonight and returning for a second reading (anticipated Nov. 18); if adopted, the codes would be effective Jan. 1, 2026. No members of the public spoke on the item and the council approved the staff recommendation by a 5–0 vote on first reading.

Council members and staff noted that most code sections are adopted by reference, with limited local amendments; staff will prepare the formal resolution and return with the second-reading ordinance as scheduled.