Presented by: Jon Fugitt,Deputy Chief - Administration/Fire MarshalSeptember 16, 2025 2025 California Building and Fire Code Adoption
1 Local Government Adoption of Title 24 by Ordinance
Title 24, California Code of Regulations is applicable to all occupancies throughout California, whether or not the local government takes any action to adopt Title 24. (Health and Safety Code, Sections 17950 and 18938(d).) Where is the local jurisdiction's authority to adopt and amend a local code legally established? HSC 18941.5 (Building Standards Law)
HSC 17958 (State Housing Law)
In adopting Title 24 for local enforcement, the jurisdiction may amend the standards if such amendments are necessary to address a local geologic, topographic or climatic condition. 2 What is Title 24, California Code of Regulations?
Organized into 12 separate parts:
CA Administrative Code CA Wildland-Urban Interface Code CA Building Code and Residential Code CA Historical Building Code CA Electrical Code CA Fire Code
CA Mechanical Code CA Existing Building Code
CA Plumbing Code CA Green Building Standards Code
CA Energy Code CA Reference Standards Code
3 Significant Changes from 2022 Edition to 2025 Edition Introduce Part 7: the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This new part integrates California Residential Code Section R337, California Building Code Chapter 7A, and California Fire Code Chapter 49 to strengthen wildfire resilience in areas where development meets wildland.
It establishes requirements for defensible space, ignition-resistant construction, water supply, and emergency access, ensuring consistent statewide protection. 4 Amended Codes
Administrative and Technical Amendments
California Building Code
Adopt Appendix I (Patio Covers), Appendix J (Grading), Appendix Q (Emergency Housing) California Residential Code
Adopt Appendix BF (Patio Covers), Appendix CI (Swimming Pool Safety Act), Appendix CJ (Emergency Housing) California Fire Code
No new amendments, but changes were made as a result of the addition of Part 7: WUI Code Administrative Only
California Electrical Code
California Plumbing Code
California Mechanical Code
CA Wildland-Urban Interface Code
California Existing Building Code
Green Building Standards Code
5 Amendments
Administrative Amendments
References to Fee Schedule adopted by Community and Economic Development and Fire Department Uniform appeals process
Technical Amendments
Sprinkler systems required for major and substantial remodels to single-family dwellings Safety feature requirements for swimming pools for single-family residences Specific requirements for when a grading permit is required 6 International Code CouncilOrange Empire Chapter
International Code Council – Orange Empire Chapter
Code Adoption Subcommittee
Consisted of Building Officials from all over Orange County to create a uniform code adoption process Subcommittee met monthly to discuss necessary local code amendments due to Orange County’s geological, topographical and climatic conditions 7 Thank you!Questions?
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