2025 California
Building Standards
Code Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Megan Martin, Director
Mark Sadowski, Building Official
October 14, 2025
Introduction
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• California Building Standards Code
• Regulations for construction, alteration, and maintenance of all types of buildings:
• Residential, Commercial, Schools, Hospitals
• State mandates update every 3 years, “tri-annual update” • Involves multiple “parts” that govern building design, construction, accessibility, energy, and fire and life safety
Code Adoption Process
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Code
Published
July 1, 2025
Compliance
Tools
September
2025
Residential “Reach Codes”
Adopted
September 30, 2025
Local
Adoption
December
2025
New Code
Mandatory
January 1,
2026
State Agencies
California Building
Standards
Commission
City Council or
Board of Supervisors Builders & Inspectors
Key State Code Changes
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Updates
• New “Part” 7 Consolidated wildland-urban fire risk and associated buildings standards and regulations
• High-Rise Classification
• Occupied roof now counts toward 75-foot high-rise threshold • Two-Way Communication Systems
• NFPA-compliant systems are now required in stairways with locking stair-side doors, elevator lobbies, horizontal exits.
• Enhanced accessibility in multifamily under Chapter 11A and 11B Key State Code Changes Continued
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Structural and Fire Safety Enhancements
• 1-hour rated, or roof protected stairway exterior walls • Egress court exceptions when alternate exit routes exist • New insulated IMP standards (Chapter 14)
• Podium construction flex: Vertical offsets can act as fire barriers • Parking garage floor penetration exemptions.
• Energy and Green Building (CALGreen)
• Increased energy-efficiency (heat pump, window, ventilation standards) Other Legislative Changes Affecting Cycle
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130)
• Signed and effective June 30, 2025
• 2025 – 2031: No new Residential Code local amendments • Local agencies cannot adopt new “Reach Codes” or local amendments, unless for:
• Wildfire safety
• Emergency standards
• Codes adopted prior to September 30, 2025.
• Non-residential code cycles continue as scheduled
City of Grover Beach Code Updates
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Grover Beach Municipal Code Title XV, Chapter 150
• Adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes with local amendments; and
• Adopt by reference the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments
Local Amendments
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• General Updates
• Establishes authority, duties, and appointment of the Building Official under the Community Development Director
• Clarifies permit expiration dates for permits issued to correct code violations
• Property Maintenance Amendments
• Clarifies maintenance standards and enforcement provisions for improved code compliance
• Includes minor administrative revisions with no substantive change to requirements.
Local Amendments Continued
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Building and Residential Codes
• Expand fire sprinkler requirements for consistency with City amendments and State standards
• Clarify thresholds and timelines for when sprinklers are required • Update definitions and administrative provisions for clarity and alignment with State Codes
• Fire Code
• Designates Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA) as Fire Code enforcement agency; clarifying language for enforcement of regulations • Clarifying language for fire lane standards, hydrant types, cost recovery, emergency access
Environmental Review
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• This action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act and CEQA Guidelines Section
15378(b)(5) and is therefore exempt from CEQA. Adoption of the building code is an organizational and administrative activity that will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
Staff Recommendation
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Conduct the first reading and introduce an Ordinance to amend the Grover Beach Municipal Code TItle XV, Chapter 150 – Building Regulations to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Codes with local amendments and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments;
• Consider a Resolution setting forth the findings evidence required by the California Health and Safety Code to support local amendments; and • Schedule a 2nd reading to adopt the Ordinance and Resolution at the next regularly scheduled meeting