CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code, 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Jennifer Jackson, Senior Management Analyst REVIEWED BY: Sonya Bu, Fire Marshal
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Introduce an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 8.20 of the Menifee Municipal Code (MMC) and adopting by reference the 2025 California Fire Code and adding Chapter 8.21 to the MMC and adopting by reference the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including the Model Codes with appendices and amendments related thereto, all of which comprise the Fire and Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the City of Menifee; and
2. Set a public hearing date for November 19, 2025, for the second reading and adoption.
DISCUSSION
On July 1, 2025, the State of California released the updated 2025 California Fire Code. The 2025 edition of the code incorporates the updated standards from the 2024 edition of the International Fire Code into the existing model code text. The code was prepared with amendments intended to further improve fire prevention and public health and safety standards, especially following an increase in wildfire activity statewide.
New and in addition to the California Fire Code update, the State also published the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC). The CWUIC was created as a consolidated code manual that combines existing standards from Chapter 7A of the California Building Code, Section R337 of the California Residential Code, and Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code into the code format utilized by the International Code Council. The consolidation of the codes was intended to create a single, clear standard for protecting communities from wildfires.
The State of California regularly updates its Building Standards Codes, which include the California Fire Code and now the CWUIC, to incorporate updated safety standards. The 2025
City of Menifee Staff Report
2025 California Fire Code Ordinance
November 5, 2025
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editions of the California Building Standards Codes, California Fire Code and CWUIC are the product of the State’s regular triennial update cycle of the State Building Standards.
In August 2025, the City Council adopted by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes, with the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and CWUIC to be presented to the City Council separately at a future date to allow additional time for a comprehensive review of the newly adopted CWUIC provisions.
The 2025 editions of the California Fire Code and CWUIC will take effect statewide on January 1, 2026; the following are some of the key changes and impacts:
Road Width & Fire Access: New requirement for dual-access road separation can be mitigated or exempted where not practical or feasible.
Fire Sprinklers: Businesses undertaking major renovations may face new costs to retrofit fire sprinkler systems.
Defensible Space: New standards mandate the modification or removal of flammable fuels and vegetation around buildings in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Water Supply & Hydrants: Subdivisions In WUI areas will require an increased minimum fire flow, which may necessitate infrastructure upgrades by developers. Fire Command Centers: Large-scale projects must now incorporate dedicated fire command centers. All businesses are required to maintain clear access for emergency equipment.
Commercial Cooking & Food Trucks: New kitchen hood systems must be monitored by a fire alarm system; mobile food truck operators must comply with new maintenance and inspection requirements.
Explosives & Fireworks: The required safety “fallout area” for events involving explosives and fireworks has been increased.
Construction Requirements: WUI fire standards will now apply to all Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Moderate.
The amendments introduced in proposed ordinance are designed to enhance the City of Menifee’s fire resiliency by aligning local codes with evolving wildfire risks, state mandates and best practices. These changes aim to protect lives, safeguard property and ensure that our community is better prepared for future fire events. Through proactive planning, consistent enforcement, and community collaboration, Menifee is building a safer, more fire-adapted future.
City of Menifee Staff Report
2025 California Fire Code Ordinance
November 5, 2025
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City of Menifee Staff Report
2025 California Fire Code Ordinance
November 5, 2025
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STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Safe and Vibrant Community
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance