Agenda Item No: M.2
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Ordinance 2025-11 FD Fire Code Amendments
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 the 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
Hold public hearing; provide second reading and adopt Ordinance 2025-11.
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 adopt said Code. On July 1, 2025, publication of the California Building Standards Code se t in motion the 180-day 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 geol ogical 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 Code) of the Fairfield City Code.
The amendments to the Fire Code consider specific changes unique to the City of Fairfield, including all buildings gr eater than 3,600 square feet, shall be equipped, throughout, with an
approved fully automatic fire sprinkler system. This requirement is due to the increased fire 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 were 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 ordinance regarding the 2025 Code. If not adopted, the 2025 Code referenced herein will go into effect r egardless, per the state mandate. However, it will not allow for local amendments to said codes to address the specific safety and well-being 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 Ordinance