Reviewing the newest version of the state’s building standards code, Sonoma City Council members are expected to consider provisions to the law during this week’s council session that will encompass local conditions like Sonoma’s wildfire risk, while meeting minimum state requirements for construction and safety. The California code for building standards is the rulebook for all construction, remodeling and building design in the state. Every three years, the California Building Standards Commission adopts an update of the code to ensure new construction uses the best and most recent practices in safety, energy efficiency and technology. Local governments must adopt the latest state regulations and can make adjustments so the code reflects local conditions like earthquake and fire risk and topographical considerations like flooding and erosion, according to the CBSC. During the Wednesday, Nov. 19 regular Sonoma City Council meeting, according to the meeting’s agenda, staff was scheduled to present key components of the 2025 code, which are designed to improve safety and energy efficiency. City officials would discuss changes set to affect Sonoma residents, including wildfire and safety, housing development restrictions and energy and electrification. City Council will likely vote on the changes and adopt an ordinance during a second public hearing on Dec. 3. Once approved, the new codes would take effect on Jan. 1. The city typically makes changes to many of the state building codes to revise administrative provisions and address Sonoma’s needs based on the local climate or geological conditions, according to city staffers. Local governments can amend state standards only if changes are equivalently stringent and are justified by the circumstances and needs of the region. Updated areas of the code include fire-resilience and defensible-space provisions, which have been consolidated into a new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, according to a staff report attached to the meeting agenda. These changes not only clarify construction requirements for exterior walls, roofing and decks being built in high fire-severity zones, they also allow for changes that are made based on Sonoma’s wildfire risk. “Adopting these updated building code standards reflects lessons learned across California over the past three years and the state’s commitment to strengthening safety and sustainability,” City Manager David Guhin said. “These changes support our shared energy, climate and fire-resilience goals, while helping protect the quality of life we value in Sonoma.” Because Sonoma’s topography and terrain includes areas highly susceptible to wildfires, the city can make amendments to construction codes so they reflect the effects of climate and landscape conditions. The CWUIC is particularly relevant locally because of the city’s Wildland-Urban Interface location, where developed areas border surrounding open spaces and wildlands. Other changes to the code reflect a push for decarbonization and energy efficiency. Updates include stronger baselines for heat pump usage, expanded requirements for solar photovoltaic and battery storage in new construction, an increased minimum for Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure in redevelopments and “electric-ready” provisions for commercial kitchens and multi-family dwellings. “Electric-ready” conditions ensure the electrical infrastructure is in place so that converting to all-electric appliances in the future is doable and won’t require expensive remodels down the line. City Council meets regularly at 6 p. m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in City Council Chambers, 177 First St. West. The meetings are broadcast on Channel 27 and available for live streaming on the city’s CivicWeb portal.
https://www.sonomanews.com/2025/11/18/sonoma-city-council-to-review-the-states-new-building-code-standards/
Sonoma City Council to review the state’s new building code standards
