REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Adoption of a Resolution Establishing the Necessary Findings of Fact for Modifications to the California Building Standards; Action on Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 15 ("Municipal Fire and Environmental Code") of "The Code of the City of Santa Clara, California" for the Adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code; and Setting October 21, 2025, for a Public Hearing on Adoption of such Ordinance
Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Deliver and Enhance High Quality, Efficient Services and Infrastructure
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code, governs the design, construction, and regulation of buildings, facilities, and associated processes throughout California. The California Building Standards Commission updates the Building Standards Code on a triennial basis to improve safety, sustainability, resiliency, and incorporate new technologies, designs, and construction methods. Throughout each code adoption cycle, amendments to the fire code are developed through a lengthy public participation process. State Code Advisory Committees provide recommendations to the California Building Standards Commission on the various proposed amendments to the Building Standards. Following this process, the California Building Standards Commission adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code and published it on July 1, 2025. The 2025 California Building Standards Code, including Part 9 (the California Fire Code), will take effect statewide on January 1, 2026.
Local jurisdictions are encouraged to participate in the development of the California Building Standards Code, to be adopted throughout the State, establishing a common level of standards that are universally applicable. Local jurisdictions may then adopt the California Building Standards Code to act as the governing Building Standards Code withi...
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