DATE:
February 11, 2026, and March 4, 2026
01
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE:
ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING THE COUNTY BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, GREEN BUILDING CODES, AND AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE, AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (TRIENNIAL COUNTY BUILDING CODE UPDATE) (2/11/2026 - FIRST READING; 3/4/2026 - SECOND READING) (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On February 11, 2026 (07), the Board of Supervisors took action to further consider and adopt the Ordinances on March 4, 2026.
National building codes were developed in response to natural disasters, such as fires and earthquakes. Advancements in building sciences and construction engineering have allowed codes to evolve beyond simply reducing risks. Today's codes establish minimum standards to ensure homes and buildings are designed and constructed to protect public health, safety, community welfare, and built to be more sustainable. Planning & Development Services (PDS) helps establish, use, and enforce up-to-date building codes through the review of proposed plans, issuance of building permits, and onsite construction inspections. These ongoing efforts, including regular code updates, enhance building resiliency and welfare, and maintain a culture of preparedness.
The California Building Standards Code (State Model Code) aims to ensure public health, safety, and general welfare through provisions that address structural strength and stability, emergency egress, fire prevention, electrical hazards, sanitation, air and water quality, energy efficiency, accessibility, and the sustainability of buildings and structures. Structures designed and built to these standards are more likely to maintain their structural integrity in the event of a disaster. This provides building occupants with sufficient time to escape, ensures the safety of emergency responder...
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