COMMUNICATIONS
IN RELATION TO THE
CITY OF ELK GROVE
OCTOBER 22, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.2
10-22-2025
Interoffice Memorandum
October 20, 2025
................................ ..............................................................
Date
City Council
................................ ..............................................................
To
Brian Frenger, Chief Building Official
................................ ..............................................................
From
Agenda Item 8.2
................................ ..............................................................
Subject
Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
Since the publication of the agenda and staff report for this item, an error was identified in the Ordinance. Section 1: Purpose and Authority omitted reference to the amendments to the Elk Grove Municipal Code and incorrectly identified the exhibit containing the specific findings. Section 1: Purpose and Authority should read as follows:
“The purpose of this Ordinance is to adopt by reference the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Codes, Title 24 – Part 1; Part 2, Volume I and II; Part 2.5; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6; Part 8; Part 9; Part 10; and Part 11 of the California Code of Regulations subject to the definitions, clarifications, and the amendments set forth in this Ordinance and to amend Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 Buildings and Construction and Chapter
17.04 California Fire Code shown in Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Purpose of this Ordinance is also to provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of public safety, health, property and welfare of the City of Elk Grove and is adopted under the authority of Government Code subsection 50022.2 and Heal th and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 18941.5. All Local Amendments which are applicable to residential units are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously adopted by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 31- 2022, effective January 1, 2023. Therefore, all Local Amendments are consistent with Assembly Bill 130, as codified at Health and Safety Code sections 17958.5(c)(1) and 18941.5(c)(1). The City has made express findings that all Local Amendments are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, as set forth in detail in Exhibit BC (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).”
ATTACHMENT 1
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELK GROVE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS
CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 16 OF THE ELK GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION AND AMENDING ELK GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER
17.04 RELATING TO THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CEQA EXEMPT)
WHEREAS, model building codes and the California codes on which they are based are updated every three years; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elk Grove (City) adopts the California Building Standards Code into the Elk Grove Municipal Code by reference, as allowed by state law, to provide for ease of code administration and enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the California Administrative Code is found in Chapter 16.02 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Building Code is found in Chapter 16.04 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Existing Building Code is found in Chapter 16.09 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Residential Code is found in Chapter 16.10 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Historical Building Code is found in Chapter 16.11 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code is found in Chapter 16.14 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Energy Code is found in Chapter 16.15 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Plumbing Code is found in Chapter 16.24 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Electrical Code is found in Chapter 16.28 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Mechanical Code is found in Chapter 16.32 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Fire Code is found in Chapter 17.04 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, consistent with Health and Safety Code section s 17958.5(c)(1) and 18941.5(c)(1), all local amendments which are applicable to residential units are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously adopted by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 31-2022; and
WHEREAS, the City is authorized to adopt these local amendments pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5(c)(1).
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Elk Grove does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1: Purpose and Authority
The purpose of this Ordinance is to adopt by reference the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Codes, Title 24 – Part 1; Part 2, Volume I and II; Part 2.5; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6; Part 8; Part 9; Part 10; and Part 11 of the California Code of Regulations subject to the definitions, clarifications, and the amendments set forth in this Ordinance and to amend Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 Buildings and Construction and Chapter
17.04 California Fire Code shown in Exhibit A and Exhibit B , respectively (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Purpose of this Ordinance is also to provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of public safety, health, property and welfare of the City of Elk Grove and is adopted under the authority of Government Code subsection 50022.2 and Heal th and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 18941.5. All Local Amendments which are applicable to residential units are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously adopted by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 31- 2022, effective January 1, 2023. Therefore, all Local Amendments are consistent with Assembly Bill 130, as codified at Health and Safety Code sections 17958.5(c)(1) and 18941.5(c)(1). The City has made express findings that all Local Amendments are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, as set forth in detail in Exhibit C (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Section 2: Amendments to Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 Building and Construction
The following sections of Title 16 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code are hereby amended as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 16.02.010 Administrative Code
Section 16.04.010 Building Code
Section 16.09.010 Existing Building Code
Section 16.10.010 Residential Building Code
Section 16.11.010 Historical Building Code
Section 16.14.010 Green Building Standards Code
Section 16.15.010 Energy Code
Section 16.24.010 Plumbing Code
Section 16.28.010 Electrical Code
Section 16.32.010 Mechanical Code
Section 3: Amendments to Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 17.04 Relating to California Fire Code
Chapter 17.04 of the Elk Grove Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 4. Findings of Fact
In connection with the amendments enacted by Section 3 relating to the California Fire Code and the California Building Code and their appendices, 2025 edition, the City Council of the City of Elk Grove has made Findings of Fact as set forth in Exhibit C, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5. The changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographical, or geological conditions.
Section 5. Other provisions
A. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances
As of the Effective Date of this Ordinance, Ordinance No. 31- 2022 adopting the 2022 California Building Standards Code with local amendments is hereby repealed in its entirety and shall be of no further force and effect. All former fire prevention ordinances, resolutions, or parts thereof, conflicting, or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance, or of the code hereby adopted are hereby repealed.
B. Conflict with City Municipal Code, General Plan, or other Policy Documents Should any of the Building Code revisions now or in the future conflict with the City Municipal Code, General Plan, or other City Council adopted policy documents, the City's Code, Plan, or Policy shall prevail.
C. Prior References
Prior references to the local code shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions of this code.
Section 6: California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15060(c)(2) states that a project is not subject to CEQA review where the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) states that a project is exempt from CEQA “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” The approval of the code amendments and adoptions set forth in this Ordinance does not approve any physical development project, and it would not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment. Therefore, these code amendments would not have the potential to result in individually or cumulatively significant effects on the environment, and these code amendments are exempt from review under CEQA.
Section 7: No Mandatory Duty of Care
This ordinance is not intended to and shall not be construed or given effect in a manner that imposes upon the City or any officer or employee thereof a mandatory duty of care towards persons and property within or without the City, so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages, except as otherwise imposed by law.
Section 8: Severability
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable. This City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof and intends that the invalid portions should be severed, and the balance of the ordinance be enforced.
Section 9: Effective Date and Publication
This Ordinance shall take effect January 1, 2026. In lieu of publication of the full text of the ordinance within fifteen (15) days after its passage, a summary of the ordinance may be published at least five days prior to and fifteen (15) days after the effective date of January 1, 2026 by the City Council and a certified copy shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk, pursuant to GC 36933(c)(1).
INTRODUCED:
ADOPTED:
EFFECTIVE:
BOBBIE SINGH-ALLEN, MAYOR of the
CITY OF ELK GROVE
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
JASON LINDGREN, CITY CLERK JONATHAN P. HOBBS,
CITY ATTORNEY
Date Signed: _____________________
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Kevin Spease
Jason Lindgren
October 22, 2025 City Council meeting agenda item 9.1
Monday, October 20, 2025 10:23:33 AM
Aood issues cc meeting Oct 22 2025.docx
[EXTERNAL EMAIL]
Good morning,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.1
10-22-2025
I will out of tov.'Il for this upcoming City Council meeting and therefore am submitting my comments along with accompanying photographs to lend support to provided comments. The photographs are from different subdivisions in our city.
As I prefer attending and reading my comments into the record I hope my collllllents can be read into the record.
Please acknowledge receipt of my attachments.
Sincerely,
Lynn
I would like the following comments read into the record pertaining to the October 22, 2025 City Council Agenda item: 9.1.
I appreciate the Council interest in emergency flood response, because in past, the City’s response to major flood incidents has been checkered at best. Even the smallest details matter when it comes to flooding. For example, in past years the City has offered a few sandbags for residents, but the public notice says bring your own shovels. Then there was famous Quail Ranch estates incident where an adjacent new project being graded lacked the proper staff oversight and flooded an existing neighborhood.
I would like to specifically address the engineering calculations the City relies upon to determine the amount of runoff new development projects will generate. These calculations determine everything from sizing of storm drains, retention pits, and developer impact fees.
I've mentioned this before, but all of the new housing subdivisions built say within the past 10=15 years typically have 2-3 car width driveways. But it is a common sight in these newer subdivisions to have the front yard landscaping ripped out and driveways being widened by the homeowners to accommodate the extra vehicles they have. It is not unusual to see 4 or 5 vehicles per household and this reflects the City’s demographic of multi-generational families living under one roof.
Driveways and all other impervious surfaces generate runoff of course. So as an example, if a 20 foot wide driveway is widened an additional 10 feet, the City's runoff calculation for sizing the flood infrastructure is 50% off on just the driveway alone.
As the City Council evaluates the City's response to flood incidents, I would urge you to realistically study the methodology your staff are using to calculate the amount of stormwater runoff.
I have attached just a couple pictures of the driveway expansions.
Thank you for your attention to this matter
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (listed in the order received) Recruitment Authorization:
Recruitment Start Date:
Application Deadline:
Recruitment Appointment:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Friday, September 12, 2025
(09/19/25 notice in newspaper)
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
(Listed in order received, the "r" notation indicates they have re-applied) NAME
1. Rachel Lee Perez
r
2. John Thysen
Fraser
r
CONTACT ADDRESS
�57
Current Alternate, eligible to
be considered as a voting
member
3. Nathaniel Joseph
Copus
r
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Current Alternate, eligible to
be considered as a voting
member
Historic Preservation Committee Current Appointments
Name of Appointee Date of Appointment
Dennis Buscher (Voting Member) June 13, 2007
Shveta Dalla (Voting Member) April 9, 2025 (July 24, 2024) Peggy Forseth-Andrews (Voting Member) September 12, 2018 (VACANT) (Voting Member) -
Rachel Simi (Voting Member) July 24, 2024 (October 25, 2023) John Fraser (Alternate Member) July 24, 2024
Nathaniel Copus (Alternate Member) April 9, 2025
DISTRICT
4 4
3 District of
Residence
4 4
2 -
1 4
3 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.5
10-22-2025
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (listed in the order received)
Qualifications: 18 years of age, reside in the city of Elk Grove, and be registered to vote.
Historic Preservation Committee District Composition
District 1 X
District 2 X
District 3 X
District 4 X X X
Responses for Rachel Lee Perez
PLEASE STATE THE REASON(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE, AND YOUR QUALIFICATION(S) TO BE, A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE:
I am a long-time Elk Grove resident with a heart for our city and for history. I hold a bachelor’s degree in history and am also a board member for the Remedial Herstory Project (a non-profit organization that has created over 160 history lesson plans free for educators across the country. We also have several podcasts and are currently working on publishing two history textbooks later this year through Routledge Press). I am the founder and co-host of the Hashtag History podcast which has ranked in the Top 50 History Podcasts in the United States with over 200,000 downloads worldwide. I am also the host of the US Herstory podcast through the Remedial Herstory Project network. I am the author of a non-fiction history book about the 1916 shark attacks which is set for publication through Pen & Sword Books this summer.
I am currently writing a piece for the Sacramento Historical Society about Dorothea Puente and have another non-fiction history book about the Salem Witch Trials set for publication in 2026. Outside of my history qualifications, I am a dedicated resident of the City of Elk Grove. I love this city. I wrote for the Elk Grove Tribune for a period of time, covering local events and businesses. When my youngest sister passed away in 2023, I had a bench dedicated to her at an Elk Grove park.
HAVE YOU SERVED ON AN ADVISORY GROUP BEFORE? IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN:
I serve as an advising board member for the Remedial Herstory Project (www.remedialherstory.com).
IF APPOINTED, WILL YOU BE ABLE TO ATTEND MEETINGS REGULARLY AND DEVOTE THE TIME NECESSARY TO FULFILL YOUR DUTIES AS A MEMBER?
Yes
DO YOU OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE ANY RELATIONSHIP (PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL, OTHER) THAT MAY PRESENT A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR THIS ADVISORY GROUP? ____ YES _X_ NO
Responses for Nathaniel Copus
PLEASE STATE THE REASON(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE, AND YOUR QUALIFICATION(S) TO BE, A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE:
As a member of the Historic Preservation Committee, I would use my knowledge of history and anthropology to help establish Elk Grove as something more than just a sprawling suburb, but as a city with a culture that we all share. Like Rome, Elk Grove wasn't built in a day; rather, Elk Grove was built and continues to be built in phases. This is why it is important to help preserve our history as new residents move in and the city expands. I want to be part of this committee because it offers a unique opportunity to learn untold stories of people and gives us a greater sense of community that we all want for each other. I want to learn more about the history of Elk Grove, so I can create a better future for the city. I am qualified to do this because I earned my Bachelor of Arts in History and minored in Archeology (with an emphasis on Archeology in California, Oregon, and the Great Basin) at UC Davis in 2016. I also currently work in the State of California, Department of Justice, as a Contracts Analyst and Small Business Advocate.
My experience with the state has taught me how to effectively communicate with various entities, setting up events and meetings, helping businesses, and doing a lot of research, all the while understanding California laws and regulations.
HAVE YOU SERVED ON AN ADVISORY GROUP BEFORE? IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN:
This would be my first advisory role.
IF APPOINTED, WILL YOU BE ABLE TO ATTEND MEETINGS REGULARLY AND DEVOTE THE TIME NECESSARY TO FULFILL YOUR DUTIES AS A MEMBER?
Yes, I would attend all meetings regularly and devote all time necessary.
DO YOU OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE ANY RELATIONSHIP (PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL, OTHER) THAT MAY PRESENT A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR THIS ADVISORY GROUP? ____ YES _X_ NO
NATHANIEL J. COPUS
EXPERIENCE
07/25/2022 – PRESENT
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENT PROGRAM ANALYST, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Contract and Procurement Analyst – Independently prepares contracts by acting as a customer service liaison with contractors, vendors and other agencies to address and resolve matters by analyzing issues and providing consultation. Reviews, collects and analyzes data and independently prepares special studies and special reports. Advises, prepares and submits reports to division managers and executive staff on various issues pertaining to contract coding, preparation and maintenance, and special funding. Provides ad hoc training to staff on contracting procedures.
Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises Advocate – Collects data for the California Department of Justice to ensure that fair business practices are done by the department, creates improvement plans to hit departmental goals, engages in community outreach to create opportunities for small businesses to work the department.
9/10/2018 – 07/24/2022
LEGAL SECRETARY, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Secretarial work in Civil Law that include setting depositions; Filing notices, motions, and proposed orders in federal district courts, appellate courts, and state courts; maintaining calendar work and schedules; communicating with multiple parties; Editing and proofreading served documents; Travel arrangements and travel reimbursements; and, composing letters and memoranda in matters; used various programs like Prolaw, Outlook, and Adobe.
EDUCATION
MAY 2016
HISTORY, BACHELOR OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS Emphasis in Ancient Greco-Roman culture. Developed research, analysis, team work, oratory, and writing skills. Minored in Archeology as a compliment to historical and histographical studies. Participated in academic clubs such as Model United Nations.
SKILLS
Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook; Knowledge of State Laws and Procedures; Budgeting; Adobe; Communication; Community Outreach; Project Management; Research and Analysis; Customer Service
ACTIVITIES
Passionate about football, where I co-manage a fantasy football league. Here, I help resolve issues amongst players, establish and review rules, and provide consultation on any possible rule changes In college, I tutored students who were struggling with writing and historical concepts. I explained certain issues and how to approach areas where they struggled and created plans to foster growth and understanding of historical events, as well as secondary skills like research, analysis, and persuasive writing.
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT SUBMITTED
IN RELATION TO THE
CITY OF ELK GROVE
OCTOBER 22, 2025
REGULAR MEETING