Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.G
Meeting Date: November 12, 2025
From: Andrew Firestine, Community and Economic Development Director Title: Second Reading and Adoption of the 2025 California Building and Fire Codes Ordinance with Local Amendments
RECOMMENDATION:
To provide second reading, by title only and adopt an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code and certain specified appendices thereof, including local amendments, and repealing and replacing section 8.50.030(a) to require verification of a public sewer connection and making findings of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions, as required.
BACKGROUND:
The State of California updates the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) every three years. State law requires all jurisdictions to adopt the latest edition within 180 days of publication to remain consistent with State standards.
Under California Health and Safety Code §§17958, 17958.5, and 17958.7, local jurisdictions such as Cathedral City are required to adopt the most recent edition of the California Building Standards Code. These statutes also authorize cities to enact amendments that are more restrictive than State provisions when supported by findings that such modifications are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographic conditions.
Additionally, on June 30, 2025, the Governor signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 130, which implements a freeze on certain state and local building code updates that apply to residential units for nearly six years, subject to limited exceptions, commencing October 1, 2025.
On October 22, 2025, the City Council conducted a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments that complies with the authorizations granted through California Health and Safety Code §§17958, 17958.5, and 17958.7, as is outlined in Exhibit B to the ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
The local amendments address fire protection requirements, electrical materials, and wall height provisions to improve life safety and structural resilience in local conditions. The second reading of the ordinance completes the adoption process and ensures that Cathedral City remains in compliance with State law while maintaining stronger local safety standards.
Following its adoption on second reading, staff will file the ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Not applicable
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance, including Appendix B.