CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 20, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PLEASANT HILL ADDING SECTION 14.05.090 TO TITLE 14 OF THE PLEASANT HILL MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025
CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE WITH
AMENDMENTS
BACKGROUND:
The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code establishes statewide standards for construction and development in areas subject to wildland fire hazards. It is intended to reduce the risk of loss of life and property due to wildfire through enhanced building materials, design features, and defensible space requirements.
Every three years, the State of California updates the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations). Local jurisdictions are required to review and adopt the new code editions, with the option to make amendments that are more stringent than the state standards when justified by local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
The 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is based on the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code developed by the International Code Council (ICC), with statespecific modifications.
The proposed ordinance formally adopts the 2025 edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including local amendments applicable to Contra Costa County and the City of Pleasant Hill. These amendments are intended to address the county’s unique wildfire risks and community conditions.
Key Amendments Include:
1. Section 1.1.2 – Purpose
Expanded to clarify the intent of the code: to reduce wildfire-related life and property losses through construction and development standards in all designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including both State and Local Responsibility Areas.
2. Section 101.1 – Title
Specifies that these regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code of Contra Costa County, the Crockett-Carquinez Fire Protection District, and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
3. Section [A]101.5 – Additions or Alterations
Clarifies that additions or alterations to existing structures must comply with the code when substantial changes occur.
o Defines conditions when code compliance is retroactive. o Prohibits alterations that would render existing buildings unsafe or noncompliant.
4. Section 202 – Definitions
Adds local definitions for:
o Substantial Addition: New gross floor area exceeding 50% of existing floor area and totaling 5,000 sq. ft. or more.
o Substantial Alteration: Replacement or removal of at least 50% of wall length and 50% of the roof within a one-year period.
5. Section 508 – Non-Combustible Fences in Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas Introduces a new local requirement to enhance fire safety in large residential developments:
o Applies to new residential subdivisions of 30 or more units within WUI fire areas. o Requires all fences within 30 feet of structures to be made of non-combustible or one-hour fire-rated materials.
o Provides exceptions for agricultural, open-space, and temporary construction fencing.
These amendments strengthen the defensible space and ignition-resistance features of structures in high-risk fire zones, consistent with the County’s fire mitigation and community resilience objectives.
Adopting the Ordinance ensures the City remains aligned with the State’s latest building and fire safety standards while addressing local wildfire risks through tailored amendments. The ordinance strengthens community protection, supports consistency in code enforcement, and reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and resilience in the face of increasing wildfire threats.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact on the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) does not apply to activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment or is otherwise not considered a project as defined by CEQA (Section 21605) and CEQA Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(3) and 15378.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
1. Introduce, waive first reading and read by title only an ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PLEASANT HILL ADDING SECTION 14.05.090 TO TITLE 14 OF THE PLEASANT HILL MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025
CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE WITH AMENDMENTS
2. Set a public hearing for November 17, 2025 on the proposed ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A
Proposed Ordinance
Prepared by: Janet Coleson, City Attorney
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager