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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: August 5, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Tanya Romo, Deputy City Manager
Department: Community Development & Housing
Subject: Adoption of Ordinance No. MC-1666 of 2025 Building Code (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, Adopt Ordinance No. MC-1666 approving new Municipal Code language and approve use of the 2025 California Building Code and other minor changes to Chapter 15 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code.
City Manager's Comments
The City Manager recommends approval.
Executive Summary
The adoption of the recommended ordinance will reconcile the City’s plan check practices with the current California State Building Code (2025) rather than the 2022 California State Building Code reflected in the current Municipal Code. Mayor and City Council action is needed to officially adopt MC-1666 Ordinance into San Bernardino Municipal Code.
Background
On January 1, 2026, the new California State Building Codes were implemented Statewide in all jurisdictions. However, the City of San Bernardino did not adopt the new code at that time. The City must now adopt the new Building Codes as required by State law.
On July 15, 2026, Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, conducted a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. MC-1666 to approve new Municipal Code language and approve use of the 2025 California Building Code and other minor changes to Chapter 15 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code. 3 4
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Discussion
The proposed changes to the San Bernardino Municipal Code are strictly for the purpose of adopting the new 2025 Statewide Building Code.
Significant changes made during the 2025 California Building Code adoption include:
1. California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, (CWUIC) introduces stricter wildfire safety requirements for buildings in high-risk zones. The Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI) code is a set of regulations designed to reduce wildfire risks to life and property by setting standards for construction, vegetation management, and emergency access in areas where homes and other structures are located near wildland areas. The areas that will be affect in the City of San Bernardino are mostly those north of the 210and 215 freeways and pockets in the Orange Show area.
2.Temporary Occupancy. Restores the ability for the Building Official to issue Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO) with a slight modification – To ensure that any outstanding work is completed, developers requesting TCO issuance will be required to post a bond in the amount equal to labor and material cost to complete the outstanding work + 20% to account for market fluctuations. TCO Timeframes will be determined by the Building Official based on the scope of the remaining work.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The request for adoption of the proposed new Building Code aligns with Goal No. 1e:
Minimize risk and litigation exposure and Goal No. 4b: Update the General Plan and Development Code. Updating the City’s Building Code is required by State Law and would bring the City in compliance with current building code standards.
Fiscal Impact
There is no General Fund impact associated with this action.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, Adopt Ordinance No. MC-1666 approving new Municipal Code language and approve use of the 2025 California Building Code and other minor changes to Chapter 15 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Ordinance No. MC-1666 Building Code
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
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September 18, 2024 Mayor and City Council held a Public Hearing of Ordinance No. MC-1643 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopting the new Municipal Code language and approving use of the 2022 California Building Code and other minor changes to Chapter 15 of the San
Bernardino Municipal Code.
October 2, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopted Ordinance No. MC-1643 approving the new Municipal Code language and use of the 2022 California Building Code and other minor changes to Chapter 15 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code
July 15, 2026 Mayor and City Council held a Public Hearing of Ordinance No. MC-1666 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopting the new Municipal Code language and approving use of the 2025 California Building Code and other minor changes to Chapter 15 of the San
Bernardino Municipal Code
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Eric Levitt, City Manager