Agenda packet — Gonzales City Council, January 12, 2026

Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 147 Fourth Street, Gonzales, California, during normal business hours.

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A G E N D A

JOINT MEETING OF THE

GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND

GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 117 FOURTH STREET
GONZALES, CA 93926
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

1. ROLL CALL- City Council/Successor Agency
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Liz Silva, Council/Agency Member Scott Funk, Council/Agency Member Lorraine Worthy, Council/Agency Member Maria Orozco, Mayor/Chair Jose L. Rios
Successor Agency Item

PUBLIC NOTICE
This meeting is being conducted consistent with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The public may participate in person or online via zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87020263943 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 870 2026 3943. If you wish to make either a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, please use the Raise Hand function. You will be allowed two minutes for your comments.

If you choose not to attend the City Council meeting but wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item, please submit your comment limited to 250 words or less by 12:00p.m. on the day of the meeting to the City Clerk at [email protected]

PRESENTATIONS

2. Introduction of New City Employee

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC

3. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council/Agency for a period not to exceed two (2) minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council/Agency will listen to all communications but may take no action. *
Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 147 Fourth Street, Gonzales, California, during normal business hours.

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CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Council Member has a question or wishes to make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.

4. Approve the Joint City Council & Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - Regular Meeting - December 8, 2025 Minutes

5. Approve Accounts Payable Warrants #53073-53259

6. Consider Approval of Resolution No. SA-2026-01, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26-27 for the Period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027

REGULAR AGENDA

7. Changes to the Brown Act Under SB 707
a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Accept the report and provide legal counsel and staff with direction

8. Consider Approval of Resolution No. SA-2026-02, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 2026-27 Through 2035-36
a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Agency Discussion
d) Agency Action
Staff Recommended Action-Adopt Resolution No. SA-2026-02

9. Public Hearing to Consider Waiver of Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-154, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Entitled ‘California Building Codes’, and adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Entitled “California Building Codes” and adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes: ‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1),‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), -with exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’(Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) – with exceptions and all appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code, (Part 12), and adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.’
a) Staff Report
b) Public Hearing
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-154
*
*
*
Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 147 Fourth Street, Gonzales, California, during normal business hours.

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10. Consider Waiver of Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-155, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, California, Amending Chapter 12.56 Summary Of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses Of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Adopt Ordinance 2025-155

GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES

11. Oral Communications

BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL

12. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
b. Mayor Selection Committee
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
d. Measure K Oversight Committee

13. Oral Communications

BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER

14. Oral Communications

CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.

Speakers shall have a limited time of two (2) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.

15. The City Council will recess to Closed Session to meet with its designated representatives regarding labor relations matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. The Employee Groups are Gonzales Police Officers Association, Gonzales Police Supervision Association, International Fire Fighters Local 5388, and Unrepresented Employees.

16. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (Evaluation- City Manager).

ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (831) 675-5000. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II). This is a public meeting and as such, can be seen live by people present or online and is being recorded; therefore; anything you say or do here is public information. The recordings are available online.

I, Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Gonzales, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall, Council Chambers, and on the City’s website by Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:00p.m. 01/08/26
Mary Villegas Date

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MINUTES

JOINT MEETING OF THE

GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND

GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jose L. Rios.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The flag salute was recited by all present.

1. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Jose L. Rios Mayor/Chair Present
Liz Silva Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Present
Scott Funk Council/Agency Member Present
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency Member Present
Maria Orozco Council/Agency Member Present

YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Orlando and Ricardo Rodriguez.

STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Finance Director Mike Howard, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Development Services Technician/Administrative Analyst Alejandrina Ponce, Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez, Administrative Assistant II Yoanna Meza, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Wise.
* Successor Agency Item
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) AGENDA
ITEM
4

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CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.

Speakers shall have a limited time of two (2) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.

There was none.

Council Member Funk recused himself from Item 2.

2. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to confer with its Attorney- significant potential exposure to litigation.

The Council conferred with legal Counsel. No other reportable action taken.

PRESENTATIONS

3. Certificate of Recognition - Davis Pisoni
Development Services Technician Ponce read the certificate and Mayor Rios presented it to Davis Pisoni.

4. Certificates of Recognition - Gonzales High School Cross Country Development Services Technician Ponce read the certificates and Mayor Rios presented them to the students and coaches.

Coach Daniels thanked the City for the certificates and elaborated on how the season went.

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC

5. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council for a period not to exceed three minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council will listen to all communications, but may take no action.

Pete Maturino commented on the traffic control on Del Monte Drive and wanted to make sure this issue didn’t fall through the cracks since Patrick was no longer here and speeding is still a concern.

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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)

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CONSENT AGENDA

6. Approve the Joint City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Authority - Regular Meeting November 17, 2025 Minutes

7. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072

8. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-84, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Recognizing Patrick Mathews, General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer for the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, for His Service to the Salinas Valley and the Residents of Gonzales

9. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-85, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County for Program Services to be Delivered at the New Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center
Council Member Worthy inquired about Item 9.

City Manager Gil responded that staff had been tasked with looking at different organizations that could support us with the programming at the Teen Center with low cost services and this was one of them. She mentioned Jose Moran from Boys and Girls Club was present if they had additional questions. She added that Olinga Wings of Knowledge also committed to an additional day free of cost, and staff was still in talks with Hartnell, CSUMB and others, about additional programming days.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Items 6-9
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco

REGULAR AGENDA

10. Introduce, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-154, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Titled ‘California Building Codes’, and Adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Titled “California Building Codes” and Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes: ‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1), ‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), - with Exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’ (Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) - with Exceptions and all Appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code’, (Part 12), and Adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings’
Staff Report: Community Development Director Kinison Brown presented the staff report.

Public Comment: There was none.

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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)

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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco

11. Public Hearing to Introduce, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-155, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, California, Amending Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts Staff Report: Community Development Director Kinison Brown presented the staff report.

Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 6:33pm.

Public Hearing: There was none.

Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 6:33pm.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco

12. Wastewater Treatment Facility Update Presentation
Staff Report: Megan Panofsky, MNS Engineers Construction Manager, provided an update via powerpoint presentation, explaining the Wastewater Treatment Facility challenges, issues, influent flow rate, effluent management, actions taken and next steps, water quality, postponed projects, and action plan.

Public Comment: There was none.

The Council received the presentation. No action needed.

13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-86, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring an Emergency Pursuant to Section 22050 of the Public Contract Code and Sections 3.16.050 and 3.16.085 of the Gonzales City Code Authorizing Emergency Work at the City Wastewater Treatment Facility in an Amount not to Exceed $1.5 Million Dollars Staff Report: City Manager Gil presented the staff report.

Public Comment: There was none.

City Attorney Rodriquez noted for the record because this was a resolution that will dispense with the typical bidding process that we have and that allocates fundings, it had to be approved by a four fifths majority of the Council.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Packet Pg. 7
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)

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14. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-87, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales to Allow the City Manager to Execute Contracts with Waste Haulers to Remove and Transport Effluent from the Gonzales Wastewater Treatment Facility, Ratifying Prior Hauling Expenditures, and Establishing a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $300,000 for Such Services Staff Report: City Manager Gil presented the staff report.

Public Comment: There was none.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco

GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES

15. Oral Communications
Commissioners Rodriguez reported on a new food pantry at the community garden, community action projects and progress, High School activities updates, and announced their next meeting on December 11th.

BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL

16. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the air traffic federal funding, and sea level rise alleviation cost. b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios announced the meeting was moved to December 12th. c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Mayor Pro Tem Silva announced the next meeting on December 18th at 6:00pm. d. Measure K Oversight Committee
City Manager Gil reported the applications deadline for the Community Action Grants was November 21st and the next step was for the Subcommittee to review them.

17. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy announced the MST Trolley in Gonzales on December 12th and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mayor Pro Tem Silva thanked staff for the great Holiday Lights event downtown, announced the senior luncheon on December 18th at 11:00am at St. Theodore's Hall, and wished everyone Happy Holidays.

Council Member Funk asked if the speeding issue and Mr. Maturino's comments tonight was something that we could bring back to staff.

City Manager Gil responded that staff received quotes of about $50,000 for both sites and were looking to see if they could identify some grants to do at least one for now.

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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)

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Council Member Orozco thanked staff for a great Holiday Lights event. She mentioned about Supervisor Lopez giving out turkey meals in the community, and announced St. Theodore's Procession on December 12th starting at 5:30am. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mayor Rios commented about the Safe Routes to School Plan and traffic and parking concerns on Fifth Street and asked staff if they could look at painting those corners. He also shared concerns about the electric scooters especially with people wearing no helmets and zooming down on the sidewalks.

City Manager Gil mentioned what other Cities were doing regarding pedestrian and vehicle safety which included scooters. She mentioned that Salinas Mayor Donahue and local South County Cities wanted to partner to do a joint voice in spreading awareness and sending a message regarding this issue, and Salinas has had a lot of these issues and included fatalities.

BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER

18. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil thanked staff for putting on a great Holiday Lights event, which we received again really good comments about it. She wished everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She reminded everyone about the Grand Opening of the Community Center on January 10th at 10:00am. She hoped to have another groundbreaking hopefully by end of January on the new billboard. She announced the Mexican Consul mobile office will be here this Saturday, December 13th in the Council Chambers, and would share information about times, and appointments once she received it.

CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.

Speakers shall have a limited time of two (2) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.

There was none.

19. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (Evaluation- City Manager).

This item was moved to the first meeting in January.

ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.

ATTEST:

Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) Packet Pg. 10
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) AGENDA
ITEM
5 Packet Pg. 11
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 12
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 13
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 14
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 15
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 16
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 17
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 18
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 19
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 20
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 21
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 22
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 23
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 24
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 25
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) Packet Pg. 26
Attachment: Warrants #53073-53259 (3431 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants 53073-53259) City of Gonzales

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 12, 2026
FROM: Mike Howard, Finance Director
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Successor Agency adopt Resolution No. SA-2026-01, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26-27 for the Period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34172 (a)(1), the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency was dissolved on February 1, 2012. Consistent with the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, the City Council previously elected to serve in the capacity of the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency, (the “Successor Agency”). In the past, Health and Safety Code § 34177 (1)(1), required the Successor Agency to prepare a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) before each sixmonth fiscal period, which corresponds to equal halves of a fiscal year (i.e., July through December and January through June). Current law now requires the preparation and approval or a ROPS for an entire Fiscal Year.

The ROPS is the basis for the Successor Agency’s authority to make payment due for enforceable obligations. In addition to the approval by the Successor Agency, the ROPS must also be approved by the County Consolidated Oversight Board (“OS Board”) to the Successor Agency and is reviewable by the County Auditor-Controller, the County Administrative Officer, the California Department of Finance and the California State Controller’s Office.

AGENDA
ITEM
6 Packet Pg. 27

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Successor Agency staff has prepared ROPS 26-27 for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, which consists of several spreadsheets that are appended to the attached Exhibit “A” as Attachment ‘1’.

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177 (m), the County Consolidated Oversight Board approved ROPS for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 must be submitted to the County AuditorController, County Administrative Officer, the State Controller and the State Department of Finance not later than February 1, 2026.

Upon approval of the ROPS by the County Consolidated Oversight Board, and pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177 (l)(2), a copy of this staff report and the attached resolution will be submitted to the County Auditor-Controller, County Administrative Officer, the State Controller and the State Department of Finance within the prescribed timeframe.

The County Consolidated Oversight Board will meet on January 22nd to approve the ROPS 26-27.

Approval of the attached Resolution will authorize the Successor Agency Director, or designee, to:

1. Post the ROPS for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 on the City’s website;

2. Transmit the ROPS for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 to the County AuditorController, County Administrative Officer, the State Controller, and the State Department of Finance within the timeframe prescribed by the Health and Safety Code; and

3. Make ministerial revisions to the ROPS which may include, but is not limited to, restating the information included within the ROPS in any format that may be requested by the State Department of Finance, take such other actions and execute such other documents as are necessary to effectuate the intent of the Resolution, and to implement the ROPS for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 on behalf of the Successor Agency, including authorizing and causing such payments.

ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA) CLEARANCE
The approval of the ROPS by the Successor Agency Board has been reviewed with respect to applicability of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000 et seq., hereafter the “Guidelines”), and the City’s environmental guidelines. The recommended action does not constitute a “project” for purposes of CEQA, as that term is defined by Guidelines § 15378, because this Resolution is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment, per § 15378(b) (5) of the Guidelines.

FISCAL IMPACT
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177, the Successor Agency is legally required to continue to make payments due for enforceable obligations. The Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency and the County Consolidated Oversight Board’s approval of ROPS 26-27 will ensure that the Successor Agency has the necessary funds to continue to pay its enforceable obligations.

The recommended action does not, in itself, cause any new financial obligations Packet Pg. 28

CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the Successor Agency Board adopt Resolution No. SA-2026-01, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26-27 for the Period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Attachments:

1. Resolution No. SA-2026-01
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RESOLUTION NO. SA-2026-01

A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER

GONZALES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE RECOGNIZED
OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE 26-27 FOR THE
PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34172(a) (1), the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency was dissolved February 1, 2012; and WHEREAS, consistent with the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, the City Council previously elected to serve in the capacity of the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency (the “Successor Agency”); and
WHEREAS, per Health and Safety Code § 34177 (1)(1), the Successor Agency is required to prepare a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; and
WHEREAS, the ROPS is the basis for the Successor Agency’s authority to make payment due for enforceable obligations; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the approval by the Successor Agency, the ROPS must also be approved by the County Consolidated Oversight Board (“OS Board”) to the Successor Agency and is reviewable by the County Auditor-Controller, the County Administrative Officer, the California Department of Finance and the California State Controller’s Office not later than February 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Agency staff has prepared the ROPS for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, which consists of several spreadsheets that are appended to this Resolution as Attachment “1”; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the approval of this Resolution and approval by the “OS Board” the ROPS will be forwarded to the County Auditor-Controller, the County Administrative Officer, the California Department of Finance and the California State Controller’s Office for their review; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution has been reviewed with respect to applicability of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, §§ 15000 et seq., hereafter the “Guidelines”), and the City’s environmental guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the actions implemented by adoption of this Resolution are not a “project” for purposes of CEQA, as that term is defined by Guidelines § 15378, because the action is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment, per § 15378(b) (5) of the Guidelines.

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Attachment: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 (3429 : Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027) WHEREAS, all of the prerequisites with respect to the approval of this Resolution have been met.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency, as follows:

Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are a substantive part of this Resolution.

Section 2. The establishment of the Successor Agency’s ROPS 26-27 covering the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, which is attached hereto as Attachment ‘1’, is approved.

Section 3. The Successor Agency Director, or designee, is hereby authorized to: i) post ROPS 26-27 on the City’s website; ii) transmit ROPS 26-27 to the County Auditor-Controller, the County Administrative Officer, the State Controller and the State Department of Finance for their review within the timeframe prescribed by the Health and Safety Code; and iii) make ministerial revisions to ROPS 26-27 which may include, but is not limited to restating the information included within ROPS 26-27 in any format that may be requested by the State Department of Finance, take such other actions and execute such other documents as are necessary to effectuate the intent of this Resolution, and to implement ROPS 26-27 on behalf of the Successor Agency, including authorizing and causing such payments.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect upon the date of its adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Successor Agency at a regular meeting held on the 12th day of January 2026 by the following vote:

AYES: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:

NOES: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:

ABSENT: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:
_______________________________
Jose L, Rios, The Honorable Chair
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Mary Villegas, Agency Deputy Secretary
Packet Pg. 31
Attachment: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 (3429 : Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027) ATTACHMENT ‘1’

SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE GONZALES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE 26-27
(July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027)
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Attachment: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 (3429 : Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027) Packet Pg. 33
Attachment: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 (3429 : Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027) Packet Pg. 34
Attachment: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 (3429 : Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027) Packet Pg. 35
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Attachment: Resolution No. SA-2026-01 (3429 : Resolution No. SA-2026-01 ROPS FY 2026-2027) City of Gonzales

CITY ATTORNEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 12, 2026
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Changes to the Brown Act Under SB 707

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council accept the report and provide legal counsel and staff with direction.

BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
SB 707, approved by the Governor on October 3, 2025, codifies significant changes to the Ralph M.

Brown Act (“Brown Act”), California’s open meetings law that ensures the public’s business is conducted openly and transparently and protects the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies. SB 707 aims to broaden and diversify public engagement in local government and modernize the Brown Act in the face of technological advances, with a particular emphasis on improving access for disabled, underrepresented, and non-English speaking communities. To achieve these goals, SB 707 amends numerous provisions, establishes new duties and expectations for legislative bodies, and reorganizes various provisions of the Brown Act to improve clarity and readability. Additionally, SB 707 expands and clarifies teleconferencing rules, ensuring that remote meetings maintain transparency, provide public access and public comment opportunities, and accommodate public participation from members within the agency’s jurisdiction. Most updates under SB 707 are effective as of January 1, 2026.

The most significant (and costly) changes to the Brown Act only apply to “eligible legislative bodies.” With respect to city councils, an eligible legislative body is a city council in a city with a population of at least 30,000 or a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more. Since the City of Gonzales does not fall within this definition, it does not have to satisfy many of the new SB 707 requirements.

AGENDA
ITEM
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However, the Gonzales City Council and all other similar legislative bodies in the State will have to comply with a number of general amendments to the Brown Act as follows:

1. Alternative Teleconferencing Rules: SB 707 leaves intact the traditional teleconference rules set forth in Government Code Section 54953, which require the Council to take votes by rollcall, post agendas at all teleconference meetings, identify each teleconference location on the agenda, make each teleconference location accessible to the public, and ensure that a quorum of members of the legislative body participate from locations within the City. However, it also provides new rules and regulations that allow teleconferencing in seven specific circumstances so long as the Council follows both a general set of rules governed by Section 54953.8 as well as specific rules governing each set of circumstances. Circumstances applicable to Gonzales include meeting during a proclaimed state or local state of emergency or when a board member establishes a need to participate remotely with just cause. The basic requirements for all seven exceptions include:
• Must allow the public to remotely hear and observe the meeting and provide comment by way of a two-way audio-visual platform or two-way telephonic service and live webcasting.
• If disruptions occur that prevent observation or call-in service or public comment, the council is prohibited from taking action on agenda items until service is restored. • The identity of the teleconferencing member(s) and the specific provision of the law that allows teleconferencing must be included in meeting minutes. • The teleconferencing member must disclose whether any individual 18 years or older is in the remote location from which the member is participating and the relationship between such individuals.

The just cause exception has been modified to include additional causes for remote participation and has eliminated the need for the Council to vote to accept the stated “just cause.” (A welcome addition since the prior voting requirement was always somewhat awkward.) The just cause exception continues to be subject to limited use, in Gonzales’ case, five times within a year per councilmember for an entity that meets twice a month. 1
SB 707 has also added provisions that allow a legislative board member with a disability to participate in meetings remotely, subject to certain rules, as a reasonable accommodation to applicable laws, like the Americans With Disabilities Act.2 This addition comports with a July 2024 California Attorney General’s opinion.

2. Subsidiary Body Teleconference Rules. SB 707 allows an “eligible subsidiary body,” including certain standing committees, to meet remotely, provided that the standing committee meets the legal definition of an “eligible subsidiary body” and meets other certain requirements.3 The rules regarding this new right are fairly technical and staff will need to do a case-by-case analysis to determine when they are applicable to the City’s standing committees. The most important of the rules is the requirement that the subsidiary body be exclusively advisory, with no authority to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or any other entitlements, grants or allocations of funds.
1 Gov. Code § 54953.8.3(a)(3)(A)-(B); (b); (c)(1)-(7)
2 Gov. Code § 54953(c)(1)
3 Gov. Code § 54953.8.6.

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3. Multijurisdictional Body Teleconferencing Rules. SB 707 now allows an “eligible multijurisdictional body” to conduct a teleconference meeting. It will be the responsibility of the multijurisdictional body to determine if and when it wants to allow teleconferencing in accordance with established rules, including but not limited to the following:
• The body must adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing; • At least a quorum of a body’s members must participate from one or more physical locations open to the public and within the body’s jurisdiction; • A member of the body shall not participate remotely unless the location from which the member participates remotely is more than 20 miles each way from any physical location where a quorum of body’s members participates; • A member is limited to how often they may participate remotely based on the number of times the body meets per year.4

4. The Council will have to comply with the following miscellaneous provisions added by SB 707 to the Brown Act:
• Committee Exception to Public Comment Requirements. The Council must allow public comment on an item that appeared before a committee if:
o the item was substantially changed since the committee’s review; o a quorum of the committee members did not participate from a singular physical location, clearly identified on the agenda, open to the public, and situated within the City’s jurisdiction; or
o the committee focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals.5
As a practical matter this new provision will not impact the Council as we have never denied public comment on committee recommendations or matters appearing before a committee. • Provide Copy of Brown Act. The City must provide a copy of the Brown Act to every newly elected or appointed member of the Council.6 Again, this will have no impact on the City since it has been long-standing City practice to provide new members of the Council or subsidiary legislative bodies with a copy of the Brown Act.
• Special Meeting Agenda Posting. The City must post its agenda on its website if a special meeting is called.7
• Disruptive Teleconferencing Conduct. The City may remove or limit participation by members of the public who participate remotely at city council meetings.8 While rules authorizing 4 Gov. Code § 54953.8.7(a).
5 SB 707, amending Gov. Code § 54954.3(a).
6 SB 707, amending Gov. Code § 54952.7.
7 SB 707, amending Gov. Code § 54956.

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legislative bodies to remove individuals engaged in disruptive conduct at meetings exist, previously there was no such authority or guidance for removing disruptive remote comment and/or participants. This new law is meant to address the “zoom bombing” phenomena. • Social Media Use. SB 707 eliminates the sunset clause governing how members of a legislative body may use social media platforms, making these provisions permanent. Council members may continue to communicate with constituents on social media but must refrain from engaging with fellow councilmembers about council business on such platforms.9 In light of the foregoing, staff is recommending that the Council direct staff to initiate the following actions:

1. The City should prepare and adopt a procedure for receiving and resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with a disability to participate in a teleconferenced meeting.

2. The Council should adopt a resolution requiring that a copy of the Brown Act be provided to every newly elected or appointed member of the City Council and subsidiary bodies.

3. The Council should adopt a resolution or policy requiring that its agenda be posted on its website every time a special meeting is called at least 24 hours before the meeting.

ALTERNATIVES
N/A.

FISCAL IMPACT
N/A.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
N/A.

CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the report and provide legal counsel and staff with direction.

Attachments:

1. SB 707
8 SB 707, adding Gov. Code § 54957.96.
9 SB 707, deleting Gov. Code § 54952.2(d).

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Attachment: SB 707 (3433 : Changes to the Brown Act Under SB 707) City of Gonzales

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Successor Agency:
• Receive the staff report;
• Accept and consider public comment; and
• Adopt Resolution No. SA-2026-02, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 2026-27 Through 2035-36.

Pursuant to HSC section 34179.7(o)(1), commencing with the ROPS covering the period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 and thereafter, agencies shall submit the County Consolidated Oversight Board approved annual ROPS to Finance and the County Auditor-Controller by February 1, 2016 and each AGENDA
ITEM
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February 1 thereafter, which corresponds to the full fiscal year. The ROPS is the basis for the Successor Agency’s authority to make payments due for enforceable obligations.

Pursuant to Section 34191.6(a) of the Health and Safety Code, beginning January 1, 2016, successor agencies have the option to submit a last and final recognized obligation payment schedule if all the following conditions are met:
(1) The remaining debt of a successor agency is limited to administrative costs and payments pursuant to enforceable obligations with defined payment schedules including, but not limited to, debt service, loan agreement, and contracts.
(2) All remaining obligations have been previously listed on a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule and approved for payment by the Department pursuant to Sections 34177(m) or 34177(o) of the Health and safety Code.
(3) The successor agency is not a party to outstanding or unresolved litigation, except as specified in Section 34.191.6(a)(3) of the Health and Safety Code.

The Successor Agency staff has prepared the proposed Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (the “Last and Final ROPS”), substantially in the form shown in Attachment “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Successor Agency staff has prepared the Last and Final ROPS, which consists of several spreadsheets that are appended to the attached as Attachment ‘A’.

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177 (m), the County Consolidated Oversight Board will consider approval of the Last and Final ROPS and must be submitted anytime to the County Auditor-Controller, County Administrative Officer, the State Controller and the State Department of Finance.

Upon approval of the Last and Final ROPS by the County Consolidated Oversight Board, and pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177 (l)(2), a copy of this staff report and the attached resolution will be submitted to the County Auditor-Controller, County Administrative Officer, the State Controller and the State Department of Finance within the prescribed timeframe.

Approval of the attached Resolution will authorize the Successor Agency Director, or designee, to:

1. Post the Last and Final ROPS on the City’s website;

2. Transmit the Last and Final ROPS to the County Auditor-Controller, County Administrative Officer, the State Controller, and the State Department of Finance within the timeframe prescribed by the Health and Safety Code; and

3. Make ministerial revisions to the Last and Final ROPS which may include, but is not limited to, restating the information included within the Last and Final ROPS in any format that may be requested by the State Department of Finance, take such other actions and execute such other documents as are necessary to effectuate the intent of the Resolution, and to implement the Last and Final ROPS on behalf of the Successor Agency, including authorizing and causing such payments.

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ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA) CLEARANCE
The actions of this item have been reviewed with respect to applicability of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000 et seq., hereafter the “Guidelines”), and the City’s environmental guidelines. The recommended action does not constitute a “project” for purposes of CEQA, as that term is defined by Guidelines § 15378, because this Resolution is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment, per § 15378(b) (5) of the Guidelines.

FISCAL IMPACT
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177, the Successor Agency is legally required to continue to make payments due for enforceable obligations. The Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency’s and the County Oversight Board’s approval of Last and Final ROPS will ensure that the Successor Agency has the authority to continue to pay its enforceable obligations. The recommended action does not, in itself, cause any new financial obligations.

CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. SA-2026-02, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 2026-27 Through 2035-36.

Attachments:

1. Resolution SA-2026-02
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RESOLUTION NO. SA-2026-02

A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER GONZALES

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE LAST AND FINAL
RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE 2026-27 THROUGH 2035-36 WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34172(a) (1), the City of Gonzales Redevelopment Agency was dissolved February 1, 2012; and WHEREAS, consistent with the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, the City Council previously elected to serve in the capacity of the Successor Agency to the City of Gonzales Redevelopment Agency (the “Successor Agency”); and
WHEREAS, the County Consolidated Oversight Board for the Successor Agency (“Oversight Board”) has been established pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34179 to assist in the wind-down of the dissolved community development agency; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34180 (g), County Consolidated Oversight Board approval is required for the establishment of each Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34191.6 of the Dissolution Act authorizes the Gonzales Successor Agency to submit a Last and Final ROPS which will eliminate the need to submit a ROPS every fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to its approval by the Successor Agency, the ROPS must also be approved by the County Consolidated Oversight Board (“OS Board”) to the Successor Agency and is reviewable by the County Auditor-Controller, the County Administrative Officer, the California Department of Finance and the California State Controller’s Office not later than February 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 34177, the Successor Agency is legally required to continue to make payments due for enforceable obligations; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 34191.6 of the Dissolution Act, the City of Gonzales Successor Agency has prepared a Last and Final ROPS and has submitted it to the County Consolidated Oversight Board for approval; and
WHEREAS, it is proposed that the “Successor Agency” approve the establishment of the Successor Agency’s Last and Final ROPS, which is attached hereto as Attachment “A”; and WHEREAS, this Resolution has been reviewed with respect to applicability of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, §§ 15000 et seq., hereafter the “Guidelines”), and the City’s environmental guidelines; and
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Attachment: Resolution SA-2026-02 (3430 : Resolution No. SA-2026-02 Last & Final ROPS) WHEREAS, the actions implemented by adoption of this Resolution are not a “project” for purposes of CEQA, as that term is defined by Guidelines § 15378, because the action is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment, per § 15378(b) (5) of the Guidelines.

WHEREAS, all of the prerequisites with respect to the approval of this Resolution have been met.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Successor Agency to the City of Gonzales Redevelopment Agency, as follows:

Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are a substantive part of this Resolution.

Section 2. The establishment of the Successor Agency’s Last and Final ROPS, which is attached hereto as Attachment “A”, is approved.

Section 3. The Successor Agency Director, or designee, is hereby authorized to: i) post the Last and Final ROPS on the City’s website; ii) transmit the Last and Final ROPS to the County Auditor-Controller, the County Administrative Officer, the State Controller and the State Department of Finance for their review within the timeframe prescribed by the Health and Safety Code; and iii) make ministerial revisions to Last and Final ROPS which may include, but is not limited to restating the information included within Last and Final ROPS in any format that may be requested by the State Department of Finance, take such other actions and execute such other documents as are necessary to effectuate the intent of this Resolution, and to implement the Last and Final ROPS on behalf of the Successor Agency, including authorizing and causing such payments.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect upon the date of its adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Successor Agency at a regular meeting held on the 12th day of January 2026 by the following vote:

AYES: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:

NOES: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:

ABSENT: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBERS:
_______________________________
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Chair
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Mary Villegas, Agency Deputy Secretary
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Attachment: Resolution SA-2026-02 (3430 : Resolution No. SA-2026-02 Last & Final ROPS) ATTACHMENT ‘A’

SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

GONZALES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

LAST AND FINALRECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE
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Attachment: Resolution SA-2026-02 (3430 : Resolution No. SA-2026-02 Last & Final ROPS) City of Gonzales

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 12, 2026
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-154 Repealing Chapter 11.04 and Adopting New Chapter 11.04 - Building Codes

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council waive reading, read by title only and Adopt Ordinance No. 2025- 154, An Ordinance of the City Council Of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Entitled ‘California Building Codes’, and adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Entitled “California Building Codes” and adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes:
‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1),‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), -with exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’(Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) – with exceptions and all appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code, (Part 12), and adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.’

BACKGROUND
On December 8, 2025, the City Council introduced, waived the first reading, and read by title only Ordinance 2025-154. Staff also presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Public Notice announced the consideration and adoption of this ordinance was published December 31, 2025. The Ordinance will take effect locally 30 days after adoption, although the new building codes took effect state-wide on January 1, 2026, without the local adjustments.

AGENDA
ITEM
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The California Building Standards, comprised of codes regulating building, fire, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical conditions, are updated and revised every three years by the State of California. In January 2025, the State adopted the 2025 edition of the California Building Standard Codes (CBSC). The codes were then published on July 1, 2025, and will become effective January 1, 2026, at which time all local jurisdictions are mandated to begin enforcement of these new codes and standards, regardless of action by the City Council.

The City’s contract Building Official has been monitoring the State adoption of these codes and is recommending several amendments to these building standards as identified in the attached ordinance.

The majority of these amendments are being carried forward from the current Gonzales Building Code or are being implemented to be consistent across jurisdictions in Monterey County, through meetings with the local chapter of the International Code Council (ICC) and fire districts throughout the County.

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The new codes contain twelve (12) parts that incorporate the latest national standards in the International Building, Residential, and Fire Codes, National Electrical Code, and the Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes. The new CBSC gives high priority to maintaining elevated levels of fire and emergency safety standards throughout the state. Access for persons with disabilities remains a high priority in California, and the standards include federal Department of Justice certification requirements, which ensure compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, the standards incorporate the latest seismic safety standards ensuring that buildings will be designed and constructed utilizing the latest technology to reduce loss in the event of an earthquake.

Key elements of the new codes include California’s ongoing commitment to being a leader in energy efficiency. Among these changes include the ability to construct homes and business that are solely electric if equipped with a solar photovoltaic system. Other changes include making heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) systems more energy efficient, and new requirements for non-residential buildings and battery energy storage system ready for new residential construction.

A new Part 7 California Wildland-Urban Interface code was created by relocating chapters, sections and language from other parts of Title 24.

In accordance with state law, local jurisdictions, through amendments, incorporate additional regulations that can address special circumstances in the community, based on geographical, topographical, environmental or climatic conditions, provided those changes and modifications are not less restrictive than the State Codes. Amendments to the new CBSC must be adopted by the local jurisdiction and submitted to the State Building Standards Commission prior to enactment. Accordingly, the City’s Building Official, upon evaluation of both the new CBSC, State Law and building code amendments currently in effect, is proposing several local administrative amendments to the CBSC. All of the amendments are supported by findings identified in the first part of the proposed ordinance.

The California Fire Code has been incorporated into the attached ordinance and is the source of the majority of proposed amendments. The City’s Fire Chief is recommending several local amendments to the model California Fire Code in order to maintain the high level of fire protection the City currently provides, including continuing the requirement for fire sprinklers in new commercial and residential occupancies. Again, these amendments are being carried forward from the existing Gonzales Building Code or are being implemented to be consistent across jurisdictions in Monterey County.

Environmental Review. Adoption of the proposed ordinance is exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) General Rule as there is no possibility that the proposed action would have a significant effect on the environment.

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ALTERNATIVES
• Propose alternative language.
• Continue the item and provide direction to staff.

BUDGET IMPACT
$2000 for purchase of the 2025 California Code Books once adopted by the City (Fund 1400).

CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council waive reading, read by title only and Adopt Ordinance No. 2025- 154, An Ordinance of the City Council Of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Entitled ‘California Building Codes’, and adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Entitled “California Building Codes” and adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes:
‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1),‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), -with exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’(Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) – with exceptions and all appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code, (Part 12), and adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.’
Attachments:

1. Public Notice

2. Ordinance No. 2025-154
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Attachment: Public Notice (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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ORDINANCE NO. 2025-154
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GONZALES REPEALING CHAPTER 11.04 OF THE GONZALES CITY CODE TITLED “CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODES” AND ADOPTING NEW CHAPTER 11.04 TITLED “ADOPTION OF CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODES” AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES: CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (Part 1), CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, VOL. 1 and 2, (Part 2), CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (Part 2.5), CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (Part 3), CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (Part 4), CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (Part 5), CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE (Part 6), CALIFORNIA WILDLAND URBANINTERFACE CODE (Part 7), CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, WITH EXCEPTIONS (Part 9), CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, (Part 11), CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE (Part 12) AND ADOPTING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AND THE 1997 UNIFORM

CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILIDNGS CODE
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority provided by the California Health and Safety Code section 17958.5, amendment of the model codes referenced in this Title of the City Code are necessary to serve the public interest by reducing the risk to life and/or property of the citizens of Gonzales because of the following conditions:

A. The City of Gonzales is in a seismically active area. The City is near the San Andreas Fault, the longest and potentially most devastating earthquake fault in the state of California. The San Andreas Fault is potentially dangerous to areas which lie within fifty (50) to one hundred (100) miles of its trace. This fault lies a mere 14.6 miles to the northeast of Gonzales. Several active faults are located within the Gonzales planning area; the loosely consolidated nature of the underlying soils is likely to result in severe ground shaking and possible ground failure during strong earthquakes. Such factors also contribute to concerns regarding slope instability in the foothills and mountains surrounding the City. Seismic concerns require modifications to the uniform code provisions to ensure public safety and the integrity of existing and new structures.

B. Portions of the City are subject to flooding from the Salinas River and major stormwater flows from the northeast hillside area of the City. During the 1990s the City incurred damage from flooding on several separate occasions after heavy rainfall. Flooding and drainage concerns require modifications to the code provisions to ensure public safety and prevent or minimize potential property damage from floodwaters.

C. The City is subject to fire hazards. The abundance of natural grasses both to the east of the city limits and along the Salinas River basin, when paired with the strong prevailing winds common to this region of Monterey County, presents a special risk to fire hazards. These hazards require modifications to model code provisions to ensure public safety and prevent or minimize fire risks to the property within the City.

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scheme of code enforcement within the City of Gonzales.

E. Findings for Residential Units Impacts: The changes or modifications to model code provisions relate to home hardening and are proposed for adoption by a local fire prevention district pursuant to 13869.7
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales as follows:

Section 1. Incorporation of Recital. All of the conditions identified in the recital set forth above are true and correct to the best knowledge of the Council and by this reference are incorporated herein as findings.

Section 2. Chapter 11.04 – General Building Provisions of the Gonzales City Code is hereby repealed and deleted in its entirety.

Section 3. New Chapter 11.04 titled “Adoption of California Building Code” is hereby added to the Gonzales City Code as follows:

CHAPTER 11.04

ADOPTION OF CALIFORNIA

BUILDING CODE

SECTION

11.04.010 Administrative Code

11.04.020 Building Code

11.04.030 Residential Code

11.04.040 Electrical Code

11.04.050 Mechanical Code

11.04.060 Plumbing Code

11.04.070 Energy Code

11.04.080 Wildland-Urban Interface Code

11.04.090 Fire Code

11.04.100 Referenced Standards Code

11.04.110 California Green Building Standards Code

11.04.120 International Property Maintenance Code

11.04.130 Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems

11.04.010 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
The 2025 edition of the California Administrative Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission and amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Administrative Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the Packet Pg. 80
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Administrative Code of the City.

11.04.020 BUILDING CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Building Code Volumes I and II including Packet Pg. 81
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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Chapter 1, Division II, Scope and Administration; and all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Building Codes,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Building Code of the City, except for the following additions, deletions, and amendments:

1. Add Chapter 1, Section 105.8 – Restrict Hours for Construction: Unless specifically exempted by the building official, construction will be restricted to the hours between seven o’clock (7:00) A.M. and seven o’clock (7:00) P.M. The building official may grant an exemption upon his/her determination of an emergency.

2. Add Chapter 1, Section 107.2.9 – Geotechnical Reports: Whenever any section of this code, or any code adopted by this title, or any other ordinance or regulation of the city requires the submission of a geology or soils report (hereinafter referred to as a geotechnical report) or whenever such report is otherwise required by the building official, city engineer or the planning director, the following provisions shall be applicable:

A. Responsibility Of Applicant: The applicant shall be solely responsible for selection and compensation of the geotechnical consultant; except, that the city may specify the type and licensing requirements for the consultant.

B. Third Party Consultant: The city shall have the right to require a third-party geotechnical consultant in the event of any major disagreement between the city’s geotechnical consultant and the applicant’s consultant. The city will provide a list of at least three (3) qualified geotechnical consultants to the applicant from which to select one as such third-party consultant, and the applicant shall be responsible for his compensation. The decision of the third-party consultant shall be conclusive on the city and the applicant.

C. Substance And Scope of Report: The substance and scope of each geotechnical report shall remain the sole responsibility of the applicant and his consultant. Any comments by the city or the city’s geotechnical consultants are for the purpose of pointing out possible areas of concern to the applicant or deficiencies in the report, and any approval of any geotechnical report by the city shall not be construed to imply that the city or the city’s consultant warrants the accuracy of the report or any of its contents, findings or recommendations.

D. Hold Harmless Agreement: Whenever any applicant submits a geotechnical report to the city, s/he shall also submit a written statement to the city representing that s/he is and will be relying upon the investigation, report and opinion of her/his own geologist, and that if the requested site approval, subdivision approval or building, grading or other permit or permits are granted, s/he agrees to and does thereby indemnify and hold the city, its officers, agents, employees, boards, commissions and professional consultants free and harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, suits or liabilities claimed by the applicant or any Packet Pg. 82
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other person by reason of any actual or potential geologic hazard, including, without limitation, land slippage, landslide, earthquake, slope instability, soil or subsoil instability, or lack of lateral or subjacent support of any kind or nature, including any failure, collapse or damage to any building or structure or its foundation, and further setting forth that he is voluntarily and knowingly assuming the risk thereof.

3. Add Chapter 1, Section 107.4.1 – Approval of Modifications of Plans, Conditions. No modification shall be made to any building or site plans previously approved by the city or to any development conditions imposed by the city, unless such modification has been approved as follows:

A. Where the modification does not result in any exterior change to a structure or material change to an approved site plan and does not otherwise violate or change any development condition relating to the project, the modification may be approved by the building official.

B. Where the modification involves any change to a development condition, the modification shall be subject to approval by the planning commission if the condition was originally imposed by the commission or by the city council on appeal, or subject to approval by the planning director if the condition was originally imposed by said director.

C. Any modification which is not described in either subsection A or B of this section shall be referred to the planning director, for disposition as follows:

1. If the project was originally approved by the planning director, the modification may be approved by said director.

2. If the project was originally approved by the planning commission, or the city council on appeal, the modification shall require approval by the planning commission if such modification results in any material change to the project or any adverse impact upon the surrounding area; otherwise, the modification may be approved by the planning director. A material change shall include, but is not limited to, any ascertainable change in the size, height or elevation of a structure or its placement upon the site; any change in the approved elevation of a building pad; any ascertainable change in the location or design of access roads, driveways or parking areas; or any change in a specific requirement of an approved grading plan or landscape plans.

4. Replace Chapter 1, Section 114.1 – with new language. Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful and shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, as provided in Chapter 1.16 of the Municipal Code of the City of Gonzales, for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any permanent, temporary or portable building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, or to engage in any excavating or grading, or cause the same to be done, except Packet Pg. 83
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as provided in this title or in violation of any provisions of this code.

5. Add Chapter 1, Section 114.5 Nuisance Declared Abatement: In addition to other penalties for the violation of any provision of this chapter, or any code adopted in this title, any building or other structure erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, demolished, equipped, used, occupied, or maintained contrary to the provisions of any chapter of this title, or any use of any land, building or structure conducted, operated or maintained contrary to the provisions of any chapter of this title, or any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of any chapter of this title shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be summarily abated as such. In addition, the city attorney shall, upon direction from the city manager, immediately commence action or proceedings for the abatement and removal or enjoinment thereof in the manner provided by law and shall take such other steps as may be necessary or appropriate to abate and remove any such building, structure, condition or use constituting a public nuisance and to restrain and enjoin any person from erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, maintaining or using such building or structure, or using any property in the city, contrary to the provisions of this title.

6. Amend Chapter 2, Section 202 - Definition of Dwelling Unit by adding the following line at the end of the section: A dwelling unit shall be limited to not more than one family or a congregate residence for ten or less persons.

7. Add Section 903.2. - Exemptions.

Add exemption as follows:

Existing unsprinklered structures to which additions, alterations, or repairs are made that involve the addition, removal, or replacement of less than 50% (fifty percent) of the building’s usable square footage within a one-year period.

11.04.030 RESIDENTIAL CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Residential Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Residential Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Residential Code of the City.

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11.04.040 ELECTRICAL CODE
The 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code, as compiled and published by the National Fire Protection Association with necessary California amendments as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "electrical code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Electrical Code of the city.

11.04.050 MECHANICAL CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Mechanical Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission and amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Mechanical Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Mechanical Code of the City.

11.04.060 PLUMBING CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission and amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Plumbing Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Plumbing Code of the City.

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11.04.070 ENERGY CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Energy Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "energy code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the energy code of the city.

11.04.080 FIRE CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Fire Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the Fire Chief, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Fire Code of the City, except for the following additions, deletions, and amendments:

Amendment No. 1
Section 101.1 Title
Section 101.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code for the City of Gonzales, hereinafter referred to as “Fire Code.”
Amendment No 2
Section 101.2.1 Appendices.

Section 101.2.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in all appendices to the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted in their entirety and shall apply.

Amendment No 3
Section 102.1 Construction and Design Provisions
Section 102.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design provisions of this Code shall apply to:

1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this Code.

2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this Code.

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3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions when identified in specific Sections of this Code.

4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions, which, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, constitute a distinct hazard to life and property.

5. Existing Structures Alterations and repairs.
a. All new work performed in alterations and/or repairs to existing structures shall comply with the current provisions of this Chapter.
b. When alterations and/or repairs result in the removal, alteration, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent (50%) or more of the external walls of a building, or result in the removal, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent (50%) or more of the existing internal structural and/or non-structural framework, independently or in combination thereof, within a five year period, the entire building shall be made to conform to the current provisions of this Chapter.
c. Calculations of linear wall measurements shall be shown on all plans submitted for building permits, on the cover page in the project description of said plans. d. The determination under this section of the requirement for upgrading any existing structure to full conformance with current provisions of this Chapter shall be at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief.
e. Reference Chapter 33 and NFPA 241
f. Should the scope of work expand due to unanticipated conditions, the Fire Chief shall be consulted to review the applicability of this section.

Amendment No. 4
Section 103.0 Responsibility for Enforcement
Section 103 of the CFC is amended to add Sections 103.0 to read as follows:
103.0 Responsibility for enforcement.
103.0.1 Within the City of Gonzales, responsibility for enforcement of this Code shall be under the direction of the Fire Chief.

Amendment No. 5.

Section 104.1.1 Police Powers
Section 104 of the CFC is amended to add Section 104.1.1 to read as follows:
104.1.1 Police powers. The Fire Chief and his deputies shall have the powers of police officers in performing their duties under this Code. When requested to do so by the Fire Packet Pg. 87
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Chief, the chief of police of the jurisdiction is authorized to assign such available police officers as necessary to assist the Fire Chief in enforcing the provisions of this Code.

Amendment No 6
Section 105.5.0 Agricultural Explosive Devices
Section 105.5 of the CFC is amended to add Section 105.5.0 to read as follows:
105.5.0 Agricultural Explosive Devices. An operational permit is required for storage or use of any agricultural explosive device including “bird bombs”.

Amendment No. 7
Sec 112.2 Owner/Occupant Responsibility
Section 113.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
112.2 Owner/occupant responsibility. Correction and abatement of violations of this Code shall be the responsibility of the owner. If an occupant creates, or allows to be created, hazardous conditions in violation of this Code, the occupant shall be held responsible for the correction and abatement of such hazardous conditions.

Amendment No. 8
Section 113.4 Violation Penalties
Section 113.4 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate any provision of this Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Chief, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this Code, shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine in conformance with City of Gonzlaes Municipal Code Chapter 1.16 titled “General Penalty.”
Amendment No. 9
Section 114.4 Failure to Comply
Section 114.4 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of an infraction as specified in Section 113.4 of this Code.

Amendment No. 10
Section 202 General Definitions
Section 202 of the CFC is amended to add the following definitions:
202 Definitions
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ALL WEATHER SURFACE. A road surface constructed to the minimum standards adopted by the jurisdiction.

BRIDGE. A structure to carry a roadway over a depression or obstacle.

IDLE PALLET. A pallet or similar product storage and/or lifting device not currently in use and empty of product.

Amendment No. 11
Section 503.2.6.1 Private Bridge Engineering
Section 503.2.6 of the CFC is amended to add Sections 503.2.6.1 to read as follows:
503.2.6.1 Private bridge engineering. Every private bridge hereafter constructed shall meet the following engineering requirements:

1. The weight shall be designed for a minimum of HS-20 loading as prescribed by the AASHTO.

2. The unobstructed vertical clearance shall be not less than fifteen (15) feet clear.

3. The width shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet clear. The Fire Chiefmay require additional width when the traffic flow may be restricted or reduce the width to a minimum of twelve (12) feet for Occupancy Group U or R-3 occupancies.

4. The maximum grade change of the approach to and from any private bridge shall not exceed eight percent for a minimum distance of ten (10) feet.

Amendment No. 12
Section 503.5.6.2 Private Bridge Certification
Section 503.2.6 of the CFC is amended to add Sections and 503.2.6.2 to read as follows:
503.2.6.2 Private bridge certification. Every private bridge hereafter constructed shall be engineered by a licensed professional engineer knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering and design of bridges. Certification that the bridge complies with the design standards required by this Code and the identified standards, and that the bridge was constructed to those standards, shall be provided by the licensed engineer, in writing, to the Fire Chief. Every private bridge, including existing and those constructed under this Code, shall be certified as to its maximum load limits every ten (10) years or whenever deemed necessary by the Fire Chief. Such recertification shall be by a licensed professional engineer knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering and design of bridges. All fees charged for the purpose of certification or recertification of private bridges shall be at the owner’s expense.

Amendment No. 13.

Section 503.2.7 Grade
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Section 503.2.7 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
503.2.7 Grade. The grade of fire apparatus access roads shall be no greater than fifteen (15) percent unless specifically approved by the Fire Chief.

Amendment No. 14
Section 503.2.7.1 Paving
Section 503.2.7.1 of the CFC is amended to add the following:
503.2.7.1 Paving. All fire apparatus access roads over eight (8) percent shall be paved with a minimum 0.17 feet of asphaltic concrete on 0.34 feet of aggregate base. All fire apparatus access roads over fifteen (15) percent where approved shall be paved with perpendicularly grooved concrete.

Amendment No 15
Section: 503.7 Fire Apparatus Access Road Names
Section 503 of the CFC is amended to add Section 503.7 to read as follows:
503.7 Fire apparatus access road names. All fire apparatus access road names shall be issued or approved by the jurisdictional authority.

Amendment No 16
Section 505.1 Address Identification
Section 505.1 Address Identification. To be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
505.1 Address Identification: New and existing buildings shall be provided with an approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible at all times from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be in Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4” high with a minimum width stroke of one-half inch for single family dwellings and duplexes. For all other occupancies each character shall be not less than 12” high with a minimum stroke of three-quarters inch unless otherwise required by the Fire Chief.

Amendment No. 17
Section 507.5.2 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
Section 507.5.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the Fire Chief. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an Packet Pg. 90
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operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. When required by the Fire Chief, hydrants shall be painted in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 291.

Records of test and required maintenance shall be maintained and forwarded to the Fire Chief upon request.

Amendment No. 18
Section 605.3.1 Spark Arresters
Section 605.3 of the CFC is amended to add Section 605.3.1 to read as follows 605.3.1 Spark arresters.
605.3.1.1 An approved spark arrester shall be installed on all chimneys, incinerators, smokestacks or similar devices using solid fuel for conveying smoke or hot gases to the outer air.
605.3.1.2 Spark arresters shall have openings in accordance with Section 2113.9.2(3) of the California Building Code and Section 1003.9.2 of the California Residential Code with minimum openings of 3/8” and maximum openings of ½”.

Amendment No. 19
Section 901.1.1 Fire Protections Systems
Section 901.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.1.1 to read as follows 901.1.1 Responsibility. The owner of the protected premises shall be responsible for all fire protection systems within the protected premises, whether existing or installed under this code.

Amendment No 20
Section 901.2.2 Additional documentation.

Section 901.2 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.2.2 to read as follows 901.2.2 Additional documentation. Additional documentation as required by the Fire Chief shall be provided to the Fire Chief in an acceptable format.

Amendment No 21
Section 901.4 Fire Protection and System Installation
Section 901.4 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
901.4 Installation. Fire protection systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with the original installation standards for that system. All systems shall be extended, altered, or augmented as necessary to maintain and continue protection whenever the building is altered, remodeled or added to. Alterations to fire protection systems shall be done in accordance with applicable standards.

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Amendment No 22
Section 901.4.8 Nonoperational Equipment
Section 901.4.8 is added to read as follows:
901.4.8 Nonoperational equipment. Any fire protection equipment that is no longer in service shall be removed. A fire department permit is required for any fire equipment modification, including demolition and removal.

Amendment No 23
Section 901.6.4 Qualification of Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Personnel Section 901.6 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.6.4 to read as follows:
901.6.4 Qualifications of Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Personnel. All personnel performing any inspection, testing or maintenance of any fire protection system shall be qualified. Where such inspection, testing and maintenance is performed by an outside service company, the company shall be appropriately licensed by the California Contractors State License Board in accordance with the California Business & Professions Code or by the California State Fire Chief.

Amendment No 24
Section 901.6.5 Additional Records
Section 901.6 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.6.5 to read as follows:
901.6.5 Additional records. All documentation generated during any scheduled inspection or test of any fire protection system, whether required or voluntarily installed, shall be forwarded to the Fire Chiefwithin fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of the inspection or test.

Amendment No 25
Section 901.7.7: Fire Watch Personnel Requirements
Section 901.7.7 of the CFC is added to read as follows:
901.7.1 Fire Watch Personnel Requirements: Unless otherwise approved by the Fire Chief, fire watch personnel shall be California licensed private security individuals with a minimum of two (2) individuals on duty at all times. Fire watch personnel shall be on duty 24 hours per day until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

Amendment No 26
Section 901.11 Fire Protection Features for Plan Processing and Extraction Facilities Section 901 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.11 to read as follows:
901.11 Fire Protection Features for Plant Processing and Extraction Facilities 901.11.1 Scope. This section applies to occupancies regulated by Chapter 39 of this Code.

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901.11.2 Definitions.
901.11.2.1 Plant processing. Plant processing shall include all plant post-harvest operations, excluding retail sales of plant and related products. 901.11.2.2 Indoor cultivation. Indoor cultivation shall be defined as all nursery or cultivation conducted in other than Group U occupancies (greenhouses). 901.11.3 Fire Protection Systems. All buildings or portions thereof housing plant postharvest or indoor cultivation operations shall be protected as defined in this section. 901.11.3.1 Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with 901.11.3.1.1, 901.11.3.1.2, or 901.11.3.1.3
901.11.3.1.1 Fire sprinklers shall be installed in all buildings or portions thereof; such fire sprinkler systems shall be designed to Ordinary Group II design standards in the latest adopted edition of NFPA 13 and Section 903 of this code.
901.11.3.1.2 If the occupancy is classified as a Group H Occupancy the fire sprinkler system may be required to be designed and installed as an Extra Hazard fire sprinkler system
901.11.3.1.3 Where permitted by the Fire Chief and not otherwise required by this code or the CBC, fire sprinklers may be eliminated in approved buildings less than 500 square feet.
901.11.3.2 Fire Alarm Systems. Fire alarm systems shall be installed in all buildings or portions thereof; such fire alarm systems shall include both fire sprinkler system monitoring and complete occupant notification as specified in the latest adopted edition of NFPA 72 and Section 907 of this code.
901.11.3.3 Special Hazard Systems. Where specified by appropriate UL listings for extraction booths utilizing volatile solvents, dry chemical fire protection systems shall be installed according to the latest adopted edition of NFPA 17. If there is no UL listing for the extraction booth, a dry chemical fire protection system shall be installed. Where special hazard systems are required, due to hazardous processes, signage which complies with NFPA 704 shall be posted, visible from the street.

Operational permits may also be required for the processes. 901.11.3.4 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 10 and Section 906 of this code.

Amendment No. 27
Section 903.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
Section 903.2 of the CFC is amended as follows:

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903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in all new buildings and structures constructed, moved into or relocated within the jurisdiction.

Exceptions:
(1) Structures not classified as Group R occupancies and not more than five hundred (500) square feet in total floor area.
(2) Detached agricultural buildings, as defined by this code and the CBC, located at least one hundred feet (100) from any other structure or the property line, whichever is closer, and with a maximum size of 10,000 square feet. (3) Accessory structures not classified as R occupancies associated with existing non-sprinklered R-3 occupancies (one- or two-family dwellings) and less than one thousand five hundred (1500) square feet in total fire area with a clearance from the existing R-3 occupancy of not less than twenty (20) feet. (4) Where an insufficient water supply exists to provide for an automatic fire sprinkler system and where the Fire Chief permits alternate protection.

The following Sections are amended by changing requirements to five hundred (500) square feet for fire sprinkler installation, as follows (the complete text of the section is not provided):
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. Change five thousand (5,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. Change one thousand (1,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.3 Group E. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.4 Group F-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.4.1 Group F-1. Change two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet for woodworking operations to five hundred (500) square feet. 903.2.7-1 Group M. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

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903.2.7-3 Group M. Change twenty-four thousand (24,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.9 Group S-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. Change ten thousand (10,000) square feet (2 story buildings) and twelve thousand (12,000) square feet (1 story buildings) to five hundred (500) square feet. 903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Change twenty thousand (20,000) cubic feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

Amendment No. 28
Section 903.2.8 Group R Fire Area Automatic Sprinkler System Section 903.2.8 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. Exceptions remain unchanged.
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided in all buildings with a Group R fire area, including, but not limited to, oneand two-family dwellings, townhomes, and manufactured homes and mobile homes located outside of licensed mobile home parks hereafter constructed, moved into or relocated within the jurisdiction, including all additions to buildings already equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
(Exceptions remain per 2022 California Fire Code)
Amendment No. 29
Section 903.3.1.1.1 NFPA Sprinkler System Exemption Locations Section 903.3.1.1.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 903.1.1.1-5 to read as follows:
903.3.1.1.1 (5) Passenger elevator shafts or associated passenger elevator mechanical rooms, where elevator shafts are constructed with a 2–hour fire resistive method.

Amendment No. 30
Section 903.1.1.2 NFPA Fire sprinkler 13R Systems
Section 903.3.1.1.2 of the CFC is deleted:

Section 903.3.1.1.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted.

Amendment No. 31
Sections 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems
Sections 903.3.1.2, 903.3.1.2.2, 903,3.1.2.3, 903.1.2.4, 903.3.1.2.5, and 903.1.2.6 of the CFC are deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

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903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in Chapter 47 of this Code. 903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units were the building is of Type V construction, provided there is a roof or deck above. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch to 6 inches below the structural members and a maximum distance of fourteen (14) inches below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.
903.3.1.2.3 Attics. Where NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are installed, all attic areas shall be provided with sprinkler protection in accordance with NFPA 13. 903.3.1.2.4 Sprinkler control valves. Where NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are installed, sprinkler system control valves shall be installed in accordance with NFPA

13. 903.1.2.4 Sprinkler control valves. Where NFPA 13 sprinkler systems are installed, sprinkler system control valves shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13. 903.3.1.2.5 Bathrooms. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all bathrooms, regardless of square footage, where an electrical receptacle is installed. 903.3.1.2.6 Accessible storage areas. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all accessible storage areas.
903.3.1.2.7 Under-stair spaces. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all understair spaces including all under-stair closets.

Amendment No. 32
Section 903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D Fire Sprinklers Systems
Section 903.3.1.3 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.
903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in one and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 congregate living facilities and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D. The requirements of this section supersede the requirements of the California Residential Code. 903.3.1.3.1 All fire sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall be tested for leakage by undergoing a hydrostatic test made at 200 psi for two-hour duration.
903.3.1.3.2 Each water system supplying both domestic and fire protection systems shall have a single indicating-type control valve, arranged to shut off both the domestic and sprinkler systems. A separate shut-off valve for the domestic system Packet Pg. 96
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only shall be permitted to be installed. The location of the control valve shall be approved by the Fire Chief.
903.3.1.3.3 Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all bathrooms and water closets, regardless of square footage
903.3.1.3.4 Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all attached garages and other accessory structures.
903.3.1.3.5 Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all accessible storage areas. 903.3.1.3.5.1 Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all under-stair spaces including all closets.
903.3.1.3.6 Local water flow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems. Local water flow alarms shall be powered from the main kitchen refrigerator circuit. The local water flow alarm shall be clearly audible from within the master bedroom at an audibility level of not less than 75 dBa. Where no kitchen exists in the building, the water flow alarm shall be powered from the bathroom lighting circuit. Where required by the Fire Chief, interior audible notification appliances or additional water flow alarms may be required to be installed at locations specified by the Fire Chief. 903.3.1.3.7 Automatic fire sprinklers shall be installed to protect all furnaces and heating system appliances.

Amendment No. 33
Section 903.3.10 Floor Control Valves
Section 903.3.10 of the CFC shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following;
903.3.10 Floor Control Valves. Approved indicating control valves and water flow switches shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in all buildings over one story in height and shall be individually annunciated as approved by the Fire Chief.

Amendment No. 34
Section 903.4.2 Monitoring
Section 903.4.2 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. Exceptions remain unchanged.
903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved central station, remote supervising station or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA 72, or, when approved by the Fire Chief, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location. The fire alarm system installed to transmit such signals shall be considered a building fire alarm system.

Amendment No. 35
Section 903.4.3 Alarms
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Section 903.4.3 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.
903.4.3 Alarms. One exterior approved audible appliance shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system in an approved location. Sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a building fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Interior alarm notification appliances shall be installed as required by Section 903.4.2.1. A minimum of one audible appliance shall be installed in all occupancies subject to this section. 903.4.3.1 Where an automatic fire sprinkler system is installed in a building with more than one tenant or with over one hundred (100) sprinkler heads, audible and visible notification appliances shall be installed throughout the building as follows:
a) Audible notification appliances shall be installed so as to be audible at fifteen (15) dBa above average sound pressure level throughout the building. b) Visible notification appliances shall be installed in all public and common use areas, restrooms and corridors in accordance with the spacing requirements of NFPA 72. c) Visible notification appliances can be eliminated in normally unoccupied portions of buildings where permitted by the Fire Chief.
d)
EXCEPTION: The requirements of this section do not apply to Group R-3 Occupancies.

Amendment No. 36
Section 904.14.2 System Interconnection
Section 904.14.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. 904.14.2 System interconnection. The actuation of the fire extinguishing system shall automatically shut down power to the makeup air appliance and all fuel and electrical power located under the hood, except for the electrical power to the exhaust air supply. The fuel and electrical supply reset shall be manual.

Amendment No. 37
Section 904.14.5.2 Extinguishing System Service
Section 904.14.5.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. 904.14.5.2 Extinguishing system service. Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be serviced by a CSLB licensed C-16 contractor or a CSFM licensed “A” licensee at least every six months and after any activation of the system. Inspection shall be performed by the owner at least monthly in accordance with the currently adopted edition of NFPA 17-A. The service contractor shall review the records of monthly inspections every six months, and deficiencies shall be reported to the Fire Chief. A service report shall be forwarded to the Packet Pg. 98
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Fire Chief by the licensed service contractor within 15 days after every service on the appropriate AES form.

Amendment No. 38
Section 907.1.6 Multiple Fire Alarm Systems
Section 907 of the CFC is amended to add Section 907.1.6 to read as follows:
907.1.6 Multiple Fire Alarm Systems. Multiple fire alarm systems within a single protected premise are not permitted, unless specifically authorized by the Fire Chief.

Amendment No 39
Section 907.2 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Section 907.2 Exception 1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.
907.2 Exception 1. The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm control units dedicated to elevator recall control.

Amendment No 40
Section 907.6.4.0 Zone Transmittal
Section 907.6.4 of the CFC is amended to add 907.6.4.0 to read as follows. 907.6.4.0 Zone Transmittal. Where required by the official code, fire alarm signals shall be transmitted by zone to the supervising station and retransmitted by zone to the public fire service communications.

Amendment No 41
Section 907.6.5 Access
Section 907.6.5 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. 907.6.5 Access. Access shall be provided to each fire alarm system component for periodic inspection, maintenance and testing.

Amendment No 42
Section 907.6.6 Monitoring
Section 907.6.6 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. 907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems, whether required by this Chapter or the California Building Code or voluntarily installed, shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 and this Section.

Amendment No 43
Section 907.6.6.60 Means of Communication
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Section 907.6.6 of the CFC is amended to add Section 907.6.6.4 to read as follows:
907.6.6.0 Means of communication. The use of either POTS or cable telephone lines with a digital alarm communicator transmitter shall not be permitted.

EXCEPTION. Where no other communications methods are available, the use of telephone lines shall be permitted to be used on a temporary basis not to exceed one year from the date of final acceptance test or until permitted alternate means of communications are available.

Amendment No 44
Section 907.7.2 Completion Documents
Section 907.7.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following 907.7.2 Completion documents. The following documentation shall be provided at the time of acceptance testing for all fire alarm system installations:

1. A record of completion in accordance with NFPA 72.

2. A record of inspection and testing in accordance with NFPA 72

3. A contractor’s statement verifying that the system has been installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and has been 100% tested in accordance with NFPA 72.

4. A contractor’s affidavit of personnel qualifications, indicating that all personnel involved with the installation of the fire alarm system meet the qualification requirements of the Fire Chief.

Amendment No 45
Section 907.8.2.1 Testing and FACU Batteries
Section 907.8.2 of the CFC amended to add Section 907.8.2.1 to read as follows; 907.8.2.1 Testing and FACU Batteries. Batteries installed in the fire alarm control units and remote power supplies shall be verified for battery capacity based on the approved plans and battery calculations. It shall not be permitted to disconnect the system for 24 hours prior to an acceptance or reacceptance test to test the battery capacity.

Amendment No 46
Section 1205.1 Signing and Marking
Section 1205.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1205.1.1 to read as follows:
1205.1.1 Signing and Marking. In addition to signing and marking requirements of the California Building Code and the California Residential Code, the following signing and marking is required:
1205.1.1.1 Main Panel Exterior Marking. A placard is required to be permanently affixed to the main service disconnect panel. The placard shall be red in color with white capital letters at least ½” in height and in a non-serif font, to read “SOLAR DISCONNECT INSIDE PANEL.” The placard shall be constructed of weatherresistant, durable plastic with engraved letters, or other approved material.

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1205.1.1.2 Circuit Disconnecting Means Marking. A permanent label is to be affixed adjacent to the circuit breaker controlling the inverter or other photovoltaic system electrical controller. The label shall have contrasting color capital letters at least 3/8” in height and in a non—serif font, to read “SOLAR DISCONNECT.” The label shall be constructed of durable adhesive material or other approved material. 1205.1.1.3 Secondary Power Sources. Where photovoltaic systems are interconnected to battery systems, generator backup systems, or other secondary power systems, additional signage acceptable to the Fire Chief shall be required indicating the location of the secondary power source shutoff switch. 1205.1.1.4 Installer Information. Signage acceptable to the Fire Chief indicating the name and emergency telephone number of the installing contractor shall be required to be installed adjacent to the main disconnect.

Amendment No. 47
Section 1205.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Group R-3 Buildings Exceptions Section 1205.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Group R-3 Buildings Exceptions 1 and 2 of the California Fire Code are deleted in their entirety.

Amendment No 48
Section 1205.2.1.4 Hip and Valley Layout
Section 1205.2.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1205.2.1.4 to read as follows:
1205.2.1.4 Hip and Valley Layout. Hip and Valley Layouts. Modules shall be located no closer than one and one-half feet (1-1/2’) to a hip or valley if modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where modules are located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the modules shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.

Amendment No 49
Section 1206 Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems
Section 1206 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1206.14 to read as follows:
1206.14 Where stationary fuel cell power systems are installed inside any structure, signage acceptable to the Fire Chief shall be required indicating the location of the stationary fuel cell power system. Placarding shall be required to read “FUEL CELL” in block letters 6” high with a ¾” stroke on a contrasting background.

Amendment No 50
Section 1207.4.1.1 Energy Storage Systems Disconnects Location Section 1207.4.1.1 is added to the CFC to read as follows:

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1207.4.1.1 Location: Energy storage systems (ESS) disconnects shall be located at or adjacent to the main electrical panel with appropriate placarding showing location of equipment and all shutdowns.

Amendment No. 51
Section 1207.4.8 Signage
Section 1207.4.8 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1207.4.8 (6) to reach as follows:
1207.4.8 (6) Where battery energy storage systems are installed inside any structure, signage acceptable to the Fire Chief shall be required indicating the location of the battery energy storage system. Placarding shall be required indicating the location of the battery energy storage system. Placarding shall be required to read “BESS” in block letters 6” high with a ¾” stroke on a contrasting background.

Amendment No 52
Section 3905.5 Fire Protection Systems
Section 3905 of the CFC is amended to add Section 3905.4 to read as follows:
3905.4. Fire Protection Systems. Fire protection systems in occupancies regulated by this chapter shall be in accordance with Section 901.11 of this Code.

Amendment No 53
Section D103.2 Grade
Section D103.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent in grade with a maximum side slope of five (5) percent.

EXCEPTION: Grades steeper than fifteen (15) percent, if approved by the Fire Chief, shall be paved with perpendicularly grooved concrete.

Amendment No 54
Section Appendix R 101 Standard Fire Conditions for Single Family Dwellings The CFC is amended to add local Appendix R to read as follows:

APPENDIX R 101: STANDARD FIRE CONDITIONS FOR SINGLE FAMILY

DWELLINGS

SECTION R GENERAL
R101.1 Scope. Applications for the construction or remodel of single family dwellings, including one- and two-family dwellings, townhomes, modular and manufactured homes, and mobile homes outside of established mobile home parks, shall be subject to the fire conditions in this appendix when conditioned by the Fire Chief.

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R101.2 Conflicting sections. Where provisions in this appendix conflict with other sections of this Code or other appendices, the provisions of this appendix shall prevail unless otherwise directed by the Fire Chief.

SECTION R102 ROADS
R102.1 General. These conditions will be used primarily when conditioning a subdivision or other project that requires roads. Roads identified in this Section are vehicular access to more than two (2) parcels; more than four (4) residential units; or access to any industrial or commercial occupancy. Includes public and private streets and lanes.

R102.2 Road access. (FIRE 001). Access roads shall be required for every building when any portion of the exterior wall of the first story is located more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from fire department access. All roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two (2) ten (10) feet wide traffic lanes with an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than fifteen (15) feet. The roadway surface shall provide unobstructed access to conventional drive vehicles including sedans and fire apparatus and shall be an all-weather surface designed to support the imposed load of fire apparatus (75,000 pounds). Each road shall have an approved name.

R102.3 Roadway engineering. (FIRE 002). The grade for all roads shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) with a maximum side slope of five percent (5%). Where road grades are 8 percent (8%) or less, an all-weather aggregate base is required at a minimum or as required in other sections of the City of Gonzales Municipal Code. Where road grades exceed eight percent (8%), a minimum structural roadway surface of 0.17 feet of asphaltic concrete on

0.34 feet of aggregate base shall be required. The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet. No roadway turn shall have a horizontal inside radius of less than fifty (50) feet. A roadway turn radius of fifty (50) to one hundred (100) feet is required to have an additional four (4) feet of roadway surface. A roadway turn radius of one hundred (100) to two hundred (200) feet is required to have an additional two (2) feet of roadway surface. Roadway turnarounds shall be required on dead-end roads in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet of surface length. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R102.4 Dead end roads.

R102.4.1 Parcels less than one acre. (FIRE 003). For parcels less than one acre, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that deadend road, shall not exceed eight hundred (800) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

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R102.4.2 Parcels greater than one acre and not exceeding five acres (FIRE 004). For parcels greater than one acre and not exceeding five acres, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length
R102.4.3 Parcels greater than five acres and not exceeding twenty (20) acres. (FIRE 005).

For parcels greater than five acres and not exceeding twenty (20) acres, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed two thousand six hundred forty (2,640) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have turnarounds at its terminus and at no greater than one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) foot intervals.

The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R102.4.4 Parcels greater than twenty (20) acres. (FIRE 006). For parcels greater than twenty (20) acres, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed five thousand two hundred eighty (5,280) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply.

Each dead-end road shall have turnarounds at its terminus and at no greater than one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320)-foot intervals. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

SECTION R103 DRIVEWAYS, GATES, AND BRIDGES
R103.1 Driveways. (FIRE 007). Driveway identified in this Section is defined as a vehicle access that serves up to two (2) parcels with no more than two (2) residential units and any number on non-commercial or industrial buildings on each parcel. Driveways shall not be less than twelve (12) feet wide traffic lane and minimum fourteen (14) feet wide unobstructed clearance, with an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than fifteen (15) feet. The grade for all driveways shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) with a maximum side slope of five percent (5%). Where driveway grades are eight percent (8%) or less, an allweather surface such as an aggregate base shall meet minimum fire requirements. Other types of material for driveways may be required by the City of Gonzales Municipal Code.

Where the grade exceeds eight percent (8%), a minimum structural roadway surface of 0.17 feet of asphaltic concrete on 0.34 feet of aggregate base shall be required. The driveway surface shall be capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus forty thousand (40,000) pounds, and be accessible by conventional-drive vehicles, including sedans. For Packet Pg. 104 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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driveways with turns ninety (90) degrees and less, the minimum horizontal inside radius of curvature shall be twenty-five (25) feet. For driveways with turns greater than ninety (90) degrees, the minimum horizontal inside radius curvature shall be twenty-eight (28) feet. For all driveway turns, an additional surface of four (4) feet shall be added. All driveways exceeding one hundred fifty (150) feet in length, but less than eight hundred (800) feet in length, shall provide a turnout near the midpoint of the driveway. Where the driveway exceeds eight hundred (800) feet, turnouts shall be provided at no greater than four hundred (400)-foot intervals. Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum of twenty (25) foot taper at both ends. Turnarounds shall be required on driveways in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet of surface length and shall be thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five (25) foot taper at both ends. Turnarounds shall be required on driveways in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet of surface length and shall be located within fifty (50) feet of the primary building. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the driveway. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R103.2 Gates. (FIRE 008). All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on the road. Gate entrances shall be at least two (2) feet wider than the width of the traffic lane but in no case be less than fourteen (14) feet wide unobstructed and unobstructed vertical clearance of fifteen (15) feet. Where a one-way road with a single traffic lane provides access to a gated entrance, a forty (40) foot turning radius shall be used. Where gates are to be locked, the installation of a key box or other acceptable means for immediate access by emergency equipment may be required.

R103.3 Bridges. (FIRE 009). All new and reconstructed bridges shall be at least the width of the roadbed and berms, but in no case less than twelve (12) feet wide. Bridge width on all roads exceeding tertiary standards shall not be less than the width of the two lanes with berms. All bridges shall be designed for HS15-44 loading and have guardrails. Appropriate signage, including but not limited to, weight ratings or vertical clearance limitations, and one-way road or single-lane road conditions, shall be provided at both entrances to any bridge. One-lane bridges may be permitted if there is unobstructed visibility across the entire bridge, and turnouts are provided at both bridge ends. The Fire Chief may impose more stringent requirements for bridges.

SECTION R104 SIGNS AND ADDRESSES
R104.1 Road signs. (FIRE 010). All newly constructed or approved roads and streets shall be designated by names or numbers, posted on signs clearly visible and legible from the roadway. Size of letters, numbers and symbols for street and road signs shall be a minimum four-inch letter height, ½-inch stroke, and shall be a color that is reflective and clearly contrasts with the background color of the sign. All numerals shall be Arabic. Street and road signs shall be non-combustible and shall be visible and legible from both directions of vehicle travel for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet. Height, visibility, legibility, and orientation of street and road signs shall be meet the provisions of the jurisdiction. This section does not require any entity to rename or renumber existing roads or streets, nor shall a roadway providing access only to a single commercial or industrial occupancy require naming or numbering. Signs required under this section identifying intersecting roads, streets and private lanes shall be placed at the intersection of those roads, streets and/or private Packet Pg. 105 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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lanes. Signs identifying traffic access or flow limitations (i.e., weight or vertical clearance limitations, dead-end road, one-way road or single lane conditions, etc.) shall be placed: (a) at the intersection preceding the traffic access limitation; and (b) not more than one hundred (100) feet before such traffic access limitation. Road, street and private lane signs required by this article shall be installed prior to final acceptance of road improvements by the Fire Chief.

R104.2 Addresses for buildings. (FIRE 011). All buildings shall be issued an address in accordance with jurisdictional requirements. Each occupancy, including detached accessory dwelling units (ADU), except accessory buildings, shall have its own permanently posted address. When multiple occupancies exist within a single building, each individual occupancy shall be separately identified by its own address. Letters, numbers and symbols for addresses shall be a minimum of four-inch (4”) height, 1/2-inch stroke, contrasting with the background color of the sign, and shall be Arabic. The sign and numbers shall be reflective and made of a noncombustible material. Address signs shall be placed at each driveway entrance and at each driveway split. Address signs shall be and visible from both directions of travel along the road. In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter. Address signs along one-way roads shall be visible from both directions of travel. Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single sign. Where a roadway provides access solely to a single commercial occupancy, the address sign shall be placed at the nearest road intersection providing access to that site. Permanent address numbers shall be posted prior to requesting final clearance.

SECTION R105 WATER SUPPLY
R105.1 Water systems. (FIRE 012). The provisions of this condition shall apply when new parcels are approved by a local jurisdiction. The emergency water system shall be available on-site prior to the completion of road construction, where a community water system is approved, or prior to the completion of building construction, where an individual system is approved. Approved water systems shall be installed and made serviceable prior to the time of construction. Water systems constructed, extended or modified to serve a new development, a change of use, or an intensification of use, shall be designed to meet, in addition to average daily demand, NFPA Standard 1142 or other adopted standards. The quantity of water required pursuant to this chapter shall be in addition to the domestic demand and shall be permanently and immediately available.

R105.2 (RESERVED) (FIRE 013).

R105.3 Single parcel fire protection water supply. (FIRE 014). For development of structures totaling less than three thousand (3,000) square feet on a single parcel, the minimum fire protection water supply shall be four thousand nine hundred (4,900) gallons.

For development of structures totaling three thousand (3,000) square feet or more on a single parcel, the minimum fire protection water supply shall be nine thousand eight hundred (9,800) gallons. For development of structures totaling more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet on a single parcel, the reviewing authority may require additional fire protection water supply. Other water supply alternatives, including ISO Rural Class 8 mobile water systems, may be permitted by the fire authority to provide for the same practical effect. The Packet Pg. 106 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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quantity of water required by this condition shall be in addition to the domestic demand and shall be permanently and immediately available.

R105.4 Fire hydrants and valves. (FIRE 015). A fire hydrant or fire valve is required. The hydrant or fire valve shall be eighteen (18) inches above grade, eight feet from flammable vegetation, no closer than four feet nor further than twelve (12) feet from a roadway, and in a location where fire apparatus using it will not block the roadway. The hydrant serving any building shall be not less than fifty (50) feet and not more than one thousand (1,000) feet by road from the building it is to serve. Minimum hydrant standards shall include a brass head and valve with at least one 2 1/2-inch National Hose outlet supplied by a minimum four inch main and riser. More restrictive hydrant requirements may be applied by the Reviewing Authority. Each hydrant/valve shall be identified with a reflectorized blue marker, with minimum dimensions of three inches, located on the driveway address sign, non-combustible post or fire hydrant riser. If used, the post shall be within three feet of the hydrant/valve, with the blue marker not less than three feet or greater than five feet above the ground, visible from the driveway. On paved roads or driveways, reflectorized blue markers shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with the State Fire Chief's Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State Highways and Freeways, May 1988.

SECTION Q106 SETBACKS
R106.1 Setbacks. (FIRE 016). Except as permitted by the Fire Chief, all parcels one acre and larger shall provide a minimum thirty (30) foot setback for new buildings and accessory buildings from all property lines and/or the center of the road. For parcels less than one-acre, alternate fuel modification standards or other requirements may be imposed by the Fire Chief to provide the same practical effect.

SECTION R107 VEGETATION AND DEBRIS DISPOSAL
R107.1 Disposition of vegetation and debris fuels. (FIRE 017). Disposal, including chipping, burying, or removal to a landfill site approved by the local jurisdiction, of vegetation and debris caused by site development and construction, road and driveway construction, and fuel modification shall be completed prior to final clearance of the related permit.

SECTION R108 GREENBELTS
R108.1 Greenbelts. (FIRE 018). Subdivisions and other developments, which propose greenbelts as a part of the development plan, shall locate said greenbelts strategically as a separation between wild land fuels and structures. The locations shall be approved by the Fire Chief.

SECTION R109 DEFENSIBLE SPACE
R109.1 Standard defensible space requirements. (FIRE 019). Defensible space requirements shall meet Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or the City of Gonzales Municipal Code, whichever is more restrictive. Additional or alternate fire protection approved by the Fire Chief may be required to provide reasonable fire safety.

Environmentally sensitive areas may require alternative fire protection, to be determined by the Fire Chief and other jurisdictional authorities. Defensible space shall be maintained per Packet Pg. 107 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

Page 30 of 33 ends

CFC Chapter 49.”
R109.2 (RESERVED) (FIRE 020).

SECTION R110 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
R110.1 Residential fire sprinkler systems (Standard). (FIRE 021). The building(s) and attached structure(s) shall be fully protected with automatic fire sprinkler system(s).

Installation shall be in accordance with the applicable NFPA standard. A minimum of four sets of plans for fire sprinkler systems must be submitted by a California licensed C-16 contractor and approved prior to installation. This requirement is not intended to delay issuance of a building permit. A rough sprinkler inspection must be scheduled by the installing contractor and completed prior to requesting a framing inspection.

R110.2 (RESERVED) (FIRE 022).

R110.3 (RESERVED) (FIRE 023).

R110.4 Residential fire alarm systems. (FIRE 024). The residence shall be fully protected with an approved household fire warning system as defined by NFPA 72. Plans and specifications for the household fire warning system shall be submitted by a California licensed C-10 contractor and approved prior to installation. Household fire warning systems installed in lieu of single-station smoke alarms required by the California Residential Code shall meet the requirements of the California Residential Code.

R110.5 (RESERVED) (FIRE 025).

11.04.090 REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE:

The 2025 edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Referenced Standards Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Standards Code of the City.

11.04.100 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE: The 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California building standards commission, hereinafter referred to as the “California Green Building Standards Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Green Building Standards Code of the City.

11.04.110 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENACE CODE: The
Packet Pg. 108 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to as the “ International Maintenance Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Property Maintenance Code of the City.

11.04.120 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE CODE: The 2025 edition of the California Wildland Urban-Interface Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California building standards commission, hereinafter referred to as the “California Wildland-Urban Interface Code,” one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Wildland Urban-Interface Code of the City.

11.04.130 SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS:

A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to comply with section 65850.5 of the California Government Code that provides: on or before September 30, 2015, every city shall adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

B. Definitions.

1. "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:
a. E-mail;
b. The Internet;
c. Facsimile.

2. "Small residential rooftop solar energy system" means all of the following:
a. A solar energy system that is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal. b. A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of section 714 of the California Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.
c. A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplexfamily dwelling.

Packet Pg. 109 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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d. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

3. "Solar energy system" has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of section 801.5 of the California Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.

C. Permitting Process: The expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with the applicable requirements contained in this title, Building Regulations, and all of the following:

1. The building department shall develop a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.

2. The checklist and required permitting documentation shall be published on a publicly accessible Internet website.

3. As allowed by available resources, the building department shall allow for electronic submittal of a permit application and associated documentation and shall allow electronic signature in lieu of a wet signature.

4. Upon confirmation by the building department that the application and supporting documentation are and meet all requirements of the California building standards codes, the building department shall approve the application and issue all required permits.

D. Inspection Process: Small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited, streamlined permitting process shall only require one inspection, unless the installation is found to be out of compliance with the California building standards codes. Inspection requests shall be made in compliance with this title, Building Regulations.

Section 4 - Severability.

If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Section 5. CEQA Compliance.

The adoption of this ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, based on 14 California Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3), where, as the case here, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; and Section 15060(c ) (3)- the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378.

Packet Pg. 110 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes)

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Section 6. E f f e c t i v e D a t e . This Ordinance shall be in force and effect January 1, 2026, but not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of its final passage and a summary hereof shall be published once within fifteen (15) days in the Gonzales Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the County of Monterey and circulated in the City of Gonzales.

This Ordinance was introduced and first read by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting on the 8th of December 2025, thereafter; adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 12th day of January, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:

Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
Packet Pg. 111 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3434 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Adoption) Chapter 11 Building Codes) City of Gonzales

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council waive reading, read by title only and Adopt Ordinance No. 2025- 155, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Of Gonzales, California, Amending Chapter 12.56 Summary Of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses Of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts.

BACKGROUND
On December 8, 2025, the City Council introduced, waived the first reading, and read by title only Ordinance 2025-155. Staff also presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Public Notice for announcing the consideration and adoption of this ordinance was published November 26, 2025.

In an effort to incentivize investment in the city’s industrial park and potentially find new interest in smaller long-vacant, under-utilized industrial properties, staff has volunteered several new uses and more streamlined permitting processes for the district.

The community is unpleasantly aware that the city has no zoned and available land areas to accept ministorage and RV recreational vehicle storage. Neighborhood character in many instances is defined by “extra” vehicles blocking driveways, parking in front yards crushing landscapes and preventing the safe passage of pedestrians along sidewalks, forcing walkers and children to enter the street. Code Enforcement has been problematic as our citizens have no local options to store their RVs and meet their personal storage needs.

Staff has reviewed Table 1 of Section 12.56 Summary Of Zoning Districts And Permitted Uses to see AGENDA
ITEM
10 Packet Pg. 112
where particular additions and enhancements could be made within the Industrial District, where there are vacant and available properties to effect positive change for the City’s residential neighborhoods, as well as other additions and streamlined processes to effect increased investment and economic return in the Industrial District.

Public notice was provided in the local Salinas Valley Tribune, appearing on October 29, 2025, 20 days before action of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission on Monday November 24, 2025, recommended 5-0 that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance. Notice for the City Council consideration was published Wednesday November 26, 2025.

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The City has on occasion, opportunity to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the City and district users. There are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District and simplifying the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, such as allowing:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions.
• Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrialcommercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district.

Staff has informally approached community members on occasion to determine public interest in allowing Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage in underutilized and vacant industrial areas and has found great interest. The Planning Commission on November 24, 2025, overwhelmingly showed their support for incentivizing these Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses in the industrial district.

Staff has clarified the particular Retail Uses to be (P) permitted in the Industrial District to enhance services for workers, adjacent neighborhoods and provide utility to the citizens of Gonzales, as follows:
• “Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials, industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as determined by the Community Development Director.” Staff has clarified Retail here in this manner to avoid an inappropriate retail use in the Industrial District, such as a dress shop, children’s clothing, or other general-sales type uses that are not of a heavier rugged nature. The retail de cribbed here would potentially be inappropriate in or adjacent to residential areas.

To facilitate access to urgent care or occupational health services within proximity to industrial operations, Medical services will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Packet Pg. 113
Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” from the Community Development Director.

To strengthen existing and proposed business operations by deterring vandalism and theft, Caretaker or live/work dwelling units will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” from the Community Development Director.

Specific amendments are therefore proposed for the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. The following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) Another way to view the suggested amendments to Table 1 of Chapter 12.56 would look like the summarized table below:

TABLE 1

PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Residential Uses
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or
detached
C P
Services
Ministorage C, P
Medical P C P P C, P P
Industrial Uses
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general
sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials,
industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community Development Director.

P
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Recreational vehicle and equipment storage yard C P
The newly proposed permitted “P” uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In support of the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.) (SCH#20091211017) was completed and released on August 2, 2010, for public review of 45 days. On December 3, 2010, Vol. 3 of the Final EIR and the City’s responses to comments was made available to each public agency, group and individual that submitted comments to the Draft EIR. On Packet Pg. 114
January 18, 2011, the City Council determined that the Final EIR reflected the City’s independent judgement and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the 2010 General Plan.

Despite its 15-year age, the underlying goals and objectives regarding growth, land use patterns, and quality of life, remain valid in the City of Gonzales General Plan and the supporting EIR. The General Plan continues to prioritized preserving small-town character and enhancing economic opportunity and investment. As the community still holds these values and there has been no major community disruption, major growth or decline in this timeframe, the General Plan EIR is still timely here in 2025.

An addendum to a previous EIR may be prepared if only minor changes or additions are necessary to make the prior document adequate for the current project and the changes involve no new significant impacts or impacts substantially greater than previously identified in the EIR.

In consideration of the present effort to amend Chapter 12.56, Table 1 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses, an Addendum to the 2010 City of Gonzales General Plan Environmental Impact Report has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164.

The CEQA Guidelines provide that an EIR addendum need not be circulated for public review but is attached to the EIR. The decision-making body considers the addendum together with the certified EIR when making a decision on the current project.

Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15164, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council determine that the proposed amendments do not require a Subsequent or Supplemental EIR. The proposed changes:

1. Do not constitute substantial changes to the 2010 General Plan described in the original EIR that would involve new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects.

2. Do not involve new information of substantial importance that was not known at the time the previous EIR was certified, which would trigger further CEQA review.

The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council determine the amended uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses and will not have a negative environmental effect.

FINDINGS
Section 1. Environmental Findings
A. The Lead Agency finds that the proposed zoning text amendments are within the scope of the previously certified EIR. No new significant impacts would result, and preparation of a subsequent EIR is not required. The Addendum shall be attached to the original EIR.

Section 2. Findings for Amendment of the Zoning Code.

B. The amendments to the zoning code are consistent with the general plan.

The City General Plan land use designation of Industrial/Manufacturing would be affected by these text amendments. The General Plan provides that:
“The primary purpose of this designation is to define those areas that are appropriate for heavy industrial and manufacturing uses, the location of which my create land use conflicts with Packet Pg. 115
residential uses and schools. The emphasis is on agricultural services, but other types of industry compatible with the policies in the General Plan are encouraged. The designation permits industrial parks, light manufacturing, warehousing, wineries, auto and farm equipment sales or repair establishments, feed stores, lumber yards, construction supply companies, and similar compatible uses. Compatible highway serving uses like gas stations, restaurants and motels and truck stops are permitted in this area.”
The proposed amendments and streamlining provisions are consistent with the Industrial / Manufacturing General Plan land use designation.

C. The proposed zoning and/or amendment will be beneficial to and not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.

1. Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions.

2. Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.

3. Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and

4. Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

Allowing the additional uses of recreational vehicle and equipment storage yards, ministorage, industrial serving and neighborhood serving retail, emergency medical services, and caretaker live/work units (aka: 24-hour on-site security) in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to permit such uses more easily, will enhance public health, safety, and welfare.

ALTERNATIVES
Not adopting Ordinance No. 2025-155 would keep the City in its present impasse in finding sufficient available land areas for investor interest to provide mini storage and RV storage areas in the City, extending indefinitely the City’s difficulties and exacerbating our neighborhood visual and safety decline.

Some of the amended uses could be determined by the City Council to benefit from a full Conditional Use Permit requirement before the Planning Commission and could be more bureaucratic and procedural than a Site Plan Review Process. The Commission though, in their deliberation of the matter, were satisfied that sufficient standards and scrutiny would be applied to the new uses and that a public hearing before the Commission was determined not to be necessary.

BUDGET IMPACT
In the spirit of advancing Economic Development, the Community Development Director has absorbed the workload for writing the new ordinance, environmental review, staff reports and public notices around other daily activities as called upon. Should investors wish to invest and propose a development that can include RV Storage and Ministorage, among the other uses proposed, property tax values and revenues will increase for the re-developed property. Code enforcement and police activities attributed to onproperty abandoned vehicles and illegal parked vehicles in neighborhoods are hoped to decrease as well.

SCHEDULE
Packet Pg. 116
Following a second reading and adoption of the ordinance, the new zoning provisions will be in-force 30 days later.

Attachments:

1. Ordinance No. 2025-155
Packet Pg. 117
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-155

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GONZALES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12.56 SUMMARY
OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND PERMITTED USES OF TITLE 12,
PART 3 ZONING DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, the California Constitution, authorizesthe City of Gonzales (“City”) in Article XI, Section 7 to make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district; and
WHEREAS, the City has on occasion, opportunity to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the City and district users; and WHEREAS, there are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District, and streamlining the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, such as:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

WHEREAS, staff has approached community members on occasion to determine public interest in allowing Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage in underutilized and or vacant industrial areas, and has found great interest; and WHEREAS, staff has clarified the particular Retail Uses to be (P) permitted in the Industrial District to enhance services for workers, adjacent neighborhoods and provide utility to the citizens of Gonzales, as follows:
• “Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials, industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as determined by the Community Development Director;” and
Packet Pg. 118 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) WHEREAS, to facilitate access to urgent care or occupational health services within proximity to industrial operations, Medical services will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” by the Community Development Director; and
WHEREAS, to strengthen existing and proposed business operations by deterring vandalism and theft, Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or detached will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” by the Community Development Director; and WHEREAS, the City proposes to now add and streamline several permitted uses particular to the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) WHEREAS, the proposed new “P” principally permitted uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses; and WHEREAS, staff has prepared revisions to the City of Gonzales Code, Table 1 of Chapter

12.56 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses to principally allow Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage, Ministorage Uses, particular Retail Uses, Medical Services and Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, to complement the industrial uses allowed in the City’s Industrial District (See Attachment 3); and
WHEREAS, CEQA. In support of the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.) (SCH#20091211017) was completed and released on August 2, 2010, for public review of 45 days; and WHEREAS, CEQA, On December 3, 2010, Vol. 3 of the Final EIR and the City’s responses to comments was made available to each public agency, group and individual that submitted comments to the Draft EIR; and
WHEREAS, CEQA. On January 18, 2011, the City Council determined that the Final EIR reflected the City’s independent judgement and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the 2010 General Plan; and
WHEREAS, CEQA. In consideration of the present effort to amend Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses, an Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 and Vol. 3.) (SCH#20091211017) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164; and
WHEREAS, an addendum to a previous EIR may be prepared if only minor changes or additions are necessary to make the prior document adequate for the current project and the changes involve no new significant impacts or impacts substantially greater than previously identified in the EIR; and
Packet Pg. 119 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) WHEREAS, the CEQA Guidelines provide that an EIR addendum need not be circulated for public review but is attached to the EIR. The decision-making body considers the addendum together with the certified EIR when making a decision on the current project; and WHEREAS, on Monday, November 25, 2025, at a duly noticed public hearing the Planning Commission considered the addendum and the proposed revisions to the City of Gonzales Code, Table 1 of Chapter 12.56 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing on this Ordinance was given and published by the City of Gonzales in the manner required by law, and the public hearing on this Ordinance was held on _______ , 2025 before the City Council.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City Of Gonzales as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
SECTION 1. Findings for Amendment of the Zoning Code.

The City Council hereby makes the following findings concerning the amendments for the Zoning Code proposed by city staff and the Planning Commission to address public necessity, provide for the general convenience of the population and to improve the general welfare, pursuant to Gonzales City Code Section 12.44 - Amendments:

Finding 1. The amendments to the zoning code are consistent with the general plan.

The City General Plan designation for the subject zoning code text amendments is Industrial/Manufacturing. The General Plan provides that:
“The primary purpose of this designation is to define those areas that are appropriate for heavy industrial and manufacturing uses, the location of which my create land use conflicts with residential uses and schools. The emphasis is on agricultural services, but other types of industry compatible with the policies in the General Plan are encouraged. The designation permits industrial parks, light manufacturing, warehousing, wineries, auto and farm equipment sales or repair establishments, feed stores, lumber yards, construction supply companies, and similar compatible uses. Compatible highway serving uses like gas stations, restaurants and motels and truck stops are permitted in this area.” There are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to permit such uses more easily. • Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and Packet Pg. 120 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

The City Council finds that enabling these additional and streamlined permitted processes would provide for the general convenience of the population and improve the general welfare.

Finding 2. That the proposed zoning and/or amendment will be beneficial to and not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.

The proposed changes to Chapter 12.56 Table 1 below (summarized), will not be detrimental to the public health, welfare and safety. These changes will be inserted into the respective sections of Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code indicating the Permitted and Conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district (See full Table 1 in Attachment 3).

Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MUCCI OS PF
Residential Uses
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units,
attached or detached
C P
Services
Ministorage C, P
Medical P C P P C, P P
Industrial Uses
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and
general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape
materials, industrial and agricultural
clothing and PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community
Development Director.

P
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Recreational Vehicle And Equipment
Storage Yard
C P
Further supporting the evidence presented above for Finding 1, allowing the additional uses of recreational vehicle and equipment storage yards, ministorage, industrial serving and neighborhood serving retail, emergency medical services, and caretaker live/work units (aka: 24-hour on-site security) in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, will provide for enhancement to the public health, safety, and welfare.

SECTION 2. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

The City Council has considered the Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. And Vol.3) (SCH#20091211017) and finds it to be timely, relevant, true and supportive of the minor zoning code enhancements for the particular allowed and permitted uses under consideration.

SECTION 3. The above recitals are all true and correct and are hereby adopted as findings.

Packet Pg. 121 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force after thirty (30) calendar days after its final passage and adoption. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after its adoption, the Ordinance, or a summary of the Ordinance, shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation.

This Ordinance was introduced and first read by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting on the 8
th of December, 2025, thereafter; adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 12th day of January, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:

Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
Packet Pg. 122 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) ATTACHMENT 1
City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. and Vol. 3) (SCH#20091211017).
• https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-1_0.pdf • https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-2_0.pdf • https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-3_0.pdf Packet Pg. 123 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) ATTACHMENT 2
October 2025 Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. And Vol. 3) (SCH#20091211017) Packet Pg. 124 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) CEQA Addendum for Zoning Text Amendments
To Uses in the Industrial District
Project Title: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.56 – Table 1 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts.

CEQA Addendum to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report, Certified January 2011 Lead Agency: City of Gonzales
Introduction
This document is an addendum to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report (2010 GP EIR) which was certified by the City of Gonzales in January 2011 by adoption of Resolution No.2011-01 (SCH#2009121017).

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, this addendum analyzed the City’s proposal to add and streamline several permitted uses particular to the Industrial District to enhance the district’s utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) Industrial uses were analyzed in the 2010 GP EIR, and the City finds now that:

1. No substantial changes are proposed that involve new environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;

2. No substantial changes in circumstances are evident that involve new environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;

3. No new information has emerged that would materially change the analyses or conclusion set forth in the 2010 GP EIR:
a. The project will not have one or more significant effects not previously discussed; b. A significant effect previously examined will not be substantially more severe; c. Mitigation measures or alternatives found to not be feasible would not now, in fact, be feasible (not relevant); or
d. New mitigation measures or alternatives would substantially reduce one or more significant effects, and the project proponent has not declined to adopt the measure or alternative (not relevant).

Packet Pg. 125 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) As a result of these findings, the City of Gonzales, acting as lead agency, finds that the preparation of an Addendum to the 2010 GP EIR is the appropriate level of review under CEQA. This addendum will be used to support City Council approval of the several added and streamlined permitted uses particular to the Industrial District.

Description of the Proposed Zoning Text Changes / Project Description This Addendum addresses proposed amendments to the zoning regulations for the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P) by-right, with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

These changes are intended to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the city and the district’s users.

Environmental Analysis Summary
The proposed zoning changes, particular to Industrial Land Use allowances, were evaluated for consistency with the previously certified EIR. The following findings are made:

Environmental Topic EIR Conclusion Addendum Finding
Land Use and Planning Less than Significant No new impact; consistent assumptions
Population and Housing Less than Significant Less than Significant, no new impact.

Agricultural Resources Significant and Unavoidable No new impact to agricultural resources; consistent assumptions
Aesthetics Less than Significant No new impact; consistent assumptions
Traffic/Transportation Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No change in trip generation
assumptions, no conflict with GP
mitigation measures
Air Quality Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No impact to Air Quality, no conflict
with GP mitigation measures
regarding exposure to toxic air
contaminants and strong odor.

GHG Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Significant and Unavoidable
2010 mitigation measures directing
the City to prepare a Climate Action
Plan, GHG Best Management
Packet Pg. 126 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) Environmental Topic EIR Conclusion Addendum Finding
Practices and Adoption of the Green
Building Code are in place, and the
documents have been prepared. The
provisions of the CAP, BMPs and
Green Building Code are in effect
city-wide. The project does not
contravene these measures.

Energy Conservation Less than Significant Less than Significant Noise Less than Significant No change to land use interface or noise sources
Hydrology and Water
Quality
Less than Significant Less than Significant
Utilities/Services Adequate Capacity No additional demand generated Public Services Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No change to land use intensity, nor
impact to public facilities.

Parks and Recreation Less than Significant Less than Significant Biological Resources Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No increased impact to riparian
resources, or protected wetlands.

Cultural Resources Less than Significant with
Mitigation
All City Projects, regardless of
zoning designation are subject to
protecting cultural resources. No
increased impact from the project.

Mineral Resources Less than Significant Less than Significant Geology and Soils Less than Significant Less than Significant Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Less than Significant with
Mitigation
The project will have a less than
significant effect on site specific
reviews of potential land use
conflicts involving the location of
new schools, and does not involve
development in areas of very high
wildfire potential east of Iverson
Road.

Health and Wellness
Less than Significant, as
determined through June 2018
Addendum to 2010 GP EIR
SCH#2009121017
No increased impact or contravene
of Health and Wellness policies or
programs.

Environmental Analysis
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15164, the Lead Agency has determined that the proposed amendments do not require a Subsequent or Supplemental EIR. The proposed changes:

1. Do not constitute substantial changes to the project (2010 General Plan) described in the original EIR that would involve new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects.

2. Do not involve new information of substantial importance that was not known at the time the previous EIR was certified that would trigger further CEQA review.

Packet Pg. 127 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) Justification:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions. • Medical services are low impact uses with limited traffic or infrastructure demand and serve a vital function in an industrial context.
• Retail uses that are generally small-scale and neighborhood/city-serving, and compatible with mixed industrial-commercial character, are unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

The proposed uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses.

Conclusion
Based on the above, the Lead Agency finds that the proposed zoning text amendments are within the scope of the previously certified EIR. No new significant impacts would result, and preparation of a subsequent EIR is not required.

This Addendum shall be attached to the original EIR.

Prepared by:

Taven M. Kinison Brown
Community Development Director
City of Gonzales, CA
Phone: 831.675.4203
Cell: 831-529-6388
Email: [email protected]
Packet Pg. 128 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) ATTACHMENT 3
Full copy Revised Table 1 - Chapter 12.56
CHAPTER 12.56

SUMMARY OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND PERMITTED USES
SECTION:

12.56.010: Districts Designated

12.56.020: Overlay Districts

12.56.030: Locations And Boundaries; Map

12.56.040: List Of Permitted And Conditional Uses By Zoning District

12.56.050: Other Uses

12.56.040 LIST OF PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES BY ZONING DISTRICT:

Table 1 of this section sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the city by zoning district.

For explanation of numbers in table 1 of this section, see notes at end of table.

C - Conditional use permit
P - Permitted
T - Temporary use land permit
TABLE 1

PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Residential Uses
Accessory buildings and uses P1 P1 P1 P1 P P
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) P P P P P
Boarding house P2 P2
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or
detached
C P
Condominium C P C
Duplex P P P C C
Home occupation/business/office P P P P P P
Manufactured structure (residential) P3 P3 P3 P3 C3
Mobile home park C
Multiple-family P P P P C
Residential care facility, large P P P C C C
Residential care facility, small P P P P C
Second single-family dwelling P P C
Packet Pg. 129 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) Use
R-1R-1DR-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CCI OS PF
Single-family attachedCCPPC
Single-family detachedPPPP
Single room occupancy units (SRO)PP
Agricultural Uses
Agricultural servicesP
Breeding, raising and keeping of animalsCP
Dairy
Employee housing, large
Livestock farming
Plant nurseriesPC
Temporary agricultural stands having no permanent
electricity, plumbing or paving
TTTTTT
Community Service
Art, dance, music or craft studios/schoolCPPPC
Church, other institutions for religious observanceCCCCCCC Club, lodge, hall, fraternal organizationCCC
Convalescent hospitalC
Emergency sheltersPP
Galleries, arts and craftsPPPP
Golf courseCC
HospitalC
KennelC
Large/small family daycare P4 P4 P4 C4 C4 C4
Outdoor recreation servicesCC
Park, playgroundPPCCCCCCCC
Private sports recreation clubPPPCC
Public building: police, fire, community center, libraryCCCCCCCC Public utility service yard, station, facilityCCCCCCCC
Publicly owned historic sitesCCCCCCCCC
School, public or private, nursery schoolCCCCCC
Vocational or trade schoolCPCCC
Commercial
Banks, savings and loanPPPP
Commercial recreation and amusement establishmentCCCCC
HotelPPC
Packet Pg. 130 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) Use
R-1R-1DR-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CCI OS PF
MotelPPC
Outdoor entertainmentCCC
Personal servicePPPP
RestaurantPPPPC
Restaurant, fast foodPPCC
Restaurant limited to up to 6 seatsPPPPP
Retail sales, new clothing, used clothing, footwear,
furniture, appliances, small food market, drugstore,
PPPP **
Retail sales for industrial usesPPPP
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off
premises
PCPP
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on
premises as part of restaurant
CPPCP
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on
premises without food service (bar/nightclub)
CC
Shopping centerCC
Super drugstoreCC
Supermarket/groceryPPPC
TheaterPCPC
Video/movie/music rentalPPPP
Services
AmbulanceCP
Appliance repair, smallPPPP
Carpet, furniture cleaningCPP
Equipment, vehicle, light/heavy, truck or trailer rentalCP Laundromat, self-service for publicPPPP
Laundry, commercialP
Ministorage C,P
Pet groomingPPPP
Photography studioPPPP
Office Uses
Business or professionalPPPPP
MedicalPCPPC, PP
Industrial Uses
Industry, general: uses such as food processing, major
manufacturing, major assembly
P
Industry, limited: uses such as contracting, equipment
repair, laundry and dry cleaning, limited
manufacturing, paint supplies, janitorial services
P
Packet Pg. 131 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) Use
R-1R-1DR-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CCI OS PF
Laboratory, research facilityC
Maintenance and repair facility – majorCP
Maintenance and repair facility – minorPPPPP
Outdoor storageP
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general
sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials,
industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community Development Director.

P
WarehousingP
Wholesale activitiesC
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Car washPCC
Farm equipment sales and serviceCP
Marine and boat sales and serviceCP
New vehicle sales and rentalCP
Recreational vehicle and equipment storage yardC P
Recreational vehicle sales and serviceCP
Recycling facility, heavy, drop offC
Recycling facility, light, drop offPPC
Service station/self-serviceCCCCC
Truck terminalCC
Used vehicle salesCPCC
Vehicle body repair and paintingC
Vehicle repair and service (garage)CP
Vehicle tires and accessories, sales, serviceCCCC
Other
Adult entertainment facility
Bird, animal preserveP
Cemeteries, columbarium, mausoleumC
Conversion of single-family (any) to nonresidential useC Mortuary and funeral servicesCCC
Off-site directional signCCCCCCCCPCC
Parking structures or facilitiesCCCC
Printing, photocopying, lithographicCCCCC
Stables, riding academiesCC
Packet Pg. 132 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts) Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Temporary residence during construction of permanent
residence
P P C
Veterinary hospital without overnight boarding C P P P
Notes:

1. Accessory Buildings: Accessory buildings and uses on the same lot with any of the above uses; provided, however, that no accessory building shall be constructed on a vacant lot unless concurrently with the construction of the main building.

2. Boarding House: A boarding house of more than two (2) persons other than the residents requires approval of a CUP.

3. Manufactured Homes: Manufactured homes certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 USC section 5401 et seq.) on a permanent foundation.

4. Family Daycare House: As defined in sections 1597.40 through 1597.465 of the California Health and Safety Code. ** Retail Sales for Industrial Districts clarified in the Industrial Use Section (Ord. 2010-67, 9-7-2010; amd. Ord. 2014-82, 10-6-14; Ord. 2016-92, 4-4-2016; Ord. 2020-120, 7-6-2020) Packet Pg. 133 Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3435 : Ordinance No.2025-155 (Adoption) Amending Chapter 12.56 Zoning Districts)

Gonzales City CouncilJanuary 12, 2026

Gonzales City Council
January 12, 2026