Introduction of Ordinance Adopting 2025
State Building Code Update and Local Fire
Code Amendments
Community Development Department
October 28, 2025
1 Background
2 • The 2025 State Building Codes goes into effect on 1/1/26 • These codes are adopted by reference into Title 14 of the City Municipal Code
• AB 130 – pauses local residential code updates and
prohibits new local amendments until 2031
• New WUI code consolidates existing Building Code
requirements (e.g., Chapter 7A) and other requirements for new construction in high and very high fire hazard areas State Building Codes
3 • 2025 California Building Code
(Volumes 1 and 2)
• 2025 California Residential Code
• 2025 Electrical Code
• 2025 California Mechanical Code
• 2025 California Plumbing Code
• 2025 California Energy Code
• 2025 California Historical Building
Code
• 2025 California Fire Code
• 2025 California Existing Building Code
• 2025 California Green Building Code
• 2025 California Administrative Code
• 2025 California Referenced Standards
Code
• 2024 International Property Maintenance
Code
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings
• 2025 Wildland Urban Interface Code
State Building Code Updates
4 • Updates to Energy Code continue push for all electric buildings and renewable energy systems
• Enhanced ventilation requirements in multi-family buildings • Enhanced accessibility and safety requirements
Wildland Urban Interface Code
5 • Applies in high and very high fire hazard severity zones • 2025 WUI Code consolidates and strengthens existing
State Building and Fire Code requirements
• Applies to new structures, additions, and some alteration projects
• Does not apply to existing structures
• Does not increase or expand defensible space
requirements
Wildland Urban Interface Code
6 In March 2025, State Fire Marshal designated portions of Morro Bay as high and very high fire hazard severity zones Local Fire Code Amendments
7 • Citywide prohibition on fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
• Spark arrestors required on outdoor fire pits, except those fueled by gas or propane.
Recommendation
8 • Introduce Ordinance No. 673 repealing and reenacting multiple chapters of the Title 14 to incorporate the 2025 California Building Standards Code, including the 2025
Wildland-Urban Interface Code and related local
amendments, including the addition of spark arrestors
and outdoor fire pits and the prohibition of fireworks. • Waive further reading.
• Second hearing scheduled for November 12, 2025.