Presentation Title
Second Line
August 15, 2016
1 Adoption of 2025 Building,
Fire, and Other Related Codes
City Council Meeting
October 7, 2025
Triennial Code Adoption
Adoption of:
• 2025 California Building & Fire Codes with Local Amendments • 2024 International Property Maintenance Code with Local Amendments
• 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code*
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings*
*1997 is the most recent version
Triennial Code Adoption Cycle Overview
At the State level
Multiple State agencies and commissions review and amend the model codes published by:
• ICC (International Code Council)
• IAPMO (Int’l Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) • NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency)
State amendments ensure codes reflect California-specific needs At the Local Level
The Triennial Code Adoption Cycle allows local jurisdictions to:
• Adopt the State-amended Code
• Incorporate relevant appendices based on local needs
• Implement additional amendments addressing unique geological, climatic, and topographical conditions
Purpose and Intent
What Are Building Codes?
• Establish minimum standards for
construction
• Ensure health, safety, and welfare of
occupants and emergency
responders
• Originated in the late 1800s in
response to major urban fires
• Early focus: fire prevention
• Modern codes address:
• Structural integrity
• Fire resistance and safe exits
• Lighting and ventilation
• Approved materials and
construction methods
Building and Maintaining a Safe Alameda
Purpose and Intent
Building and Maintaining a Safe Alameda
Purpose and Intent
Building and Maintaining a Safe Alameda
FAAS Animal Clinic
Alameda Marina Townhomes
Alameda Wellness Campus
Hilton Garden Inn &
Homewood Suites
Purpose and Intent
Amended Codes Included in this Adoption
2024 International Property maintenance Code with local amendments (New)
California Administrative Code, Part 1
California Building Code, Part 2 Vol 1, with local amendments California Building Code, Part 2, Vol 2
California Residential Code, Part 2.5, with local amendments California Electrical Code, Part 3
California Mechanical Code, Part 4
California Plumbing Code, Part 5
California Energy Code, Part 6, with local amendments
California Fire Code, Part 9 with local amendments
California Green Building Code, Part 11, with local amendments California Historical Code Part 8 Existing Building Code Part 10 & Referenced Standards Code, Part 12
1997 Uniform Housing Code and 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
Compliance with the AMC and the Strategic Plan
Alameda Municipal Code:
• The proposed ordinance and this report comply with:
• AMC Section 2-44.1 – Office of Chief Building Official; Duties • AMC Section 2-45.3 – Duty of Fire Marshal
• The ordinance would repeal and replace Article I – Uniform Codes Relating to Building, Housing, and Technical Codes of AMC Chapter XIII in its entirety.
Strategic Plan:
• HH8d Improve and streamline design review and building permit processes for housing per State law.
• TIE35 Protect historic resources
• Build Resilience to Climate Change & Water Level Rise • CS24 Expand disaster preparedness
Summary of Local Code Amendments
The local amendments to the state codes include six
areas:
1. Requiring Automatic Earthquake Gas Shut-off Valves
(Plumbing Code)
2. Advancing Electrification Readiness in Homes
(Energy Code)
3. Improving Energy Efficiency through Cooling and
insulating (Green Code)
4. Administrative/Procedural Clarifications (Building
and Residential Codes)
5. Adoption of the International Property Maintenance
Code (IPMC)
6. Requirement for Automatic Fire Sprinklers in
Additions to One- and Two-Family Homes, and
Administrative/Procedural Clarifications. (Fire Code)
A/C to Heat Pump Conversion:
New or replacement A/C units in single-family homes,
duplexes, or townhomes must include a heat pump or
energy efficiency measures. Utility savings help offset added cost.
Electric Readiness:
Electrical work near gas appliances (water heaters,
dryers, stoves, outdoor equipment) must include
electric-ready components.
Panel Upgrades:
Projects increasing electrical capacity must include load calculations showing the upgrade is needed.
Why It Matters:
• Supports BAAQMD gas appliance restrictions
• Advances CARP sustainability goals
• Rebates available from AMP and State programs
Cal Green and Energy Code Highlights
Fire Code Amendments
Local Fire Code Amendments
• Establish clear procedures for collecting fees related to inspections, permits, plan reviews, false alarms, and other services to ensure cost recovery and transparency
• Clarify that automatic fire extinguishing systems are required in residential buildings when additions increase floor area by 50% or more, supporting fire protection and public safety • Excludes repairs or structural reinforcements, as defined by the California Existing Building Code
Code Enforcement Program Enhancements
13 • Adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) • Established a Code Enforcement Abatement Fund
• Enhanced Disaster Response through monthly training
• Rolled out enforcement of the Tobacco Licensing Program • Developed a strategy to address vacant properties with Economic Development
• Initiated proactive enforcement targeting blight, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, and land use violations
• Expanded Code Enforcement capacity by hiring part-time staff to support administrative tasks.
14 Enforcement of the Tobacco Licensing Program
• Joint Inspection performed with the
California Department of Tax and Fees
Administration CDTFA.
• 5 business inspected; 43 boxes of unlawful
merchandise seized
• One business had 1,470 violation counts.
• Applied for a Tobacco Grant
• Tobacco Retailers License process in Finance
Code Enforcement Program Enhancements
15 Economic Development Team Initiatives in Collaboration with PBT • Business Coordination
Economic Development staff facilitate meetings between
potential businesses and City departments to streamline onboarding.
• Monthly Collaboration
Economic Development and Building teams meet monthly to support the permitting process, focusing on long-vacant properties.
• Addressing Vacant Properties
Non-responsive vacant properties are referred to Code
Enforcement for monitoring and invoicing fees.
Code Enforcement Program Enhancements
Internal Support
16 • In addition to the support of the City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, and various City departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, and BRED, we have received overwhelming
support form the outside agencies, business associations and community members.
Community Support
17 Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce an
Ordinance amending the Alameda Municipal Code to adopt
the new 2025 California Building Standards Codes and local amendments implementing the Alameda 2040 General Plan.