Agenda Item No: O.5
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: October 21, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2025-210 and Ordinance 2025-11 FD Fire Code Amendments
Resolution 2025-210 Repealing and Replacing Chapter 8 (Fire Prevention Code) of the Fairfield City Code, Adopting by Reference California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7, Part 9, Known as the 2025 California Fire Code, with Amendments to Reflect Local Conditions, and Adopting by Reference Certain Provisions of the 2024 International Fire Code; and
Ordinance 2025-11 Amending Chapter 8 (Fire Protection) of the Fairfield City Code, Adopting by Reference California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7, Part 9, Known as th e 2025 California Fire Code, with Amendments to Reflect Local Conditions, and Adopting by Reference Certain Provisions of the 2024 International Fire Code
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Steven Conti, (707) 428-7550
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution, waive full reading, read by title only, and introduce ordinance for first reading.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
On January 1, 2026, the 2025 California Building Standards Code (2025 Code) will become effective in all cities and counties in the State, regardless of whether they actually adopt said Code. The July 1, 2025, publication of the California Building Standards Code set in motion the 180day adoption cycle. Within this cycle period, California State law permits the adoption of the State Building Standards Code with local amendments. The State requires most amendments to be based upon local climatic, topographic, or geological conditions of the jurisdiction in the preservation of public health, safety, and welfare.
DISCUSSION
While the Public Works Department handles the bulk of the amendments of the California Building Code, the Fire Department handles adoption of Title 24, Part 7, Part 9, known as the California Fire Code, which is contained in Chapter 8 (Fire Prevention Co de) of the Fairfield City Code
The amendments to the Fire Code consider specific changes unique to the City of Fairfield, including all buildings greater than 3,600 square feet, shall be equipped, throughout, with an approved fully automatic fire sprinkle r system. This requirement is due to the increased fi re danger we face year -round and will help ensure future buildings have the necessary fire protection.
Adoption of this ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines section 150611(b)(c). This exemption applies where it can be seen with certainty, there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No new financial impacts on the City of Fairfield are anticipated from the implementation of this ordinance.
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
Public hearing notices will be published in the Daily Republic on Sunday, October 26, 2025, and Sunday, November 2, 2025.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose not to adopt the resolution and ordinance regarding the 2025 Fire Code.
If not adopted, the 2025 Code referenced herein will go into effect regardless, per the state mandate. However, it will not allow local amendments to said codes to address the specific safety and wellbeing of the citizens of Fairfield.
COORDINATED WITH
City Attorney’s Office
STAFF CONTACT
Steven Conti, Fire Marshal
(707) 428-7550
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
Attachment 3: Proposed Ordinance