CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: HOLD PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 14.05.090, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE CODE WITH AMENDMENTS, TO TITLE 14 OF THE
PLEASANT HILL MUNICIPAL CODE
SYNOPSIS
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.
Background
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 WildlandUrban Interface Code developed by the International Code Council (ICC), with state-specific 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 the City of Pleasant Hill.
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.
a. Defines conditions when code compliance is retroactive. b. Prohibits alterations that would render existing buildings unsafe or noncompliant.
4. Section 202 – Definitions
Adds local definitions for:
a. Substantial Addition: New gross floor area exceeding 50% of existing floor area and totaling 5,000 sq. ft. or more.
b. 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:
a. Applies to new residential subdivisions of 30 or more units within WUI fire areas. b. Requires all fences within 30 feet of structures to be made of non-combustible or one-hour fire-rated materials.
c. 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.
The WUI Ordinance was introduced at the November 17, 2025 Council meeting and a public hearing was scheduled for this December 1, 2025 meeting.
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.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public Contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Hold public hearing and adopt an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Pleasant Hill adding section 14.05.090, the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with Amendments, to Title 14 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
ATTACHMENT(S)
Exhibit A
Proposed Ordinance
Prepared by: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Geoff Simmons, Chief Building Official
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager