Amendment to the San José Municipal Code Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards, with Local Technical Amendments, and Repealing Superseded San José Reach Codes.
HousingCity CouncilAgenda ReadyIntroduced 14 Oct 2025
9Documents on file
5.47 MB · 9 extracted · 9 AI summaries
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
The memorandum outlines proposed amendments to the San José Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards with local technical amendments and repeal superseded San José reach codes. It includes recommendations for adopting various California codes related to building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire, and green building standards. The amendments aim to ensure local codes align with state standards while providing additional protections due to local conditions. The memorandum also discusses the implications of these changes and plans for public outreach and training.
Key points
Proposed amendments to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code.
Includes local technical amendments for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire, and green building standards.
Repeals superseded San José reach codes.
Local amendments are justified by local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.
Public outreach and training sessions planned for stakeholders.
Limitations
The text appears to be a draft, as indicated by the presence of placeholders and incomplete sections.
Specific dates and details regarding the public outreach and training sessions are not fully provided.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 19,198 chars
COUNCIL AGENDA: FILE: ITEM: TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: See Below Approved 10/28/25 25-1131 8.2 FROM: Christopher Burton Robert Sapien, Jr. DATE: October 6, 2025 Date: 10/16/25 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Citywide SUBJECT: Amendments to the San José Municipal Code Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards with Local Technical Amendments, and Repealing Superseded San José Reach Codes RECOMMENDATION (a) Approve an ordinance amending Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code to: (1) Adopt the 2025 editions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Historical Building Code, and California Existing Building Code. (2) Find that the City of San José local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions warrant additional protections in the San José Municipal Code; and (3) Adopt local amendments regarding certain structural design requirements, fire sprinkler regulations, and other building requirements. (b) Approve an ordinance amending Chapter 24.10 and Chapter 24.12 of Title 24 (San José Fire Code)...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
This supplemental memorandum provides additional information regarding proposed amendments to the San José Municipal Code, specifically adopting the 2025 California Building Standards with local technical amendments and repealing superseded San José reach codes. The amendments aim to enhance fire and building code provisions based on recent incidents and stakeholder feedback, focusing on safety, clarity, and efficiency in the permitting process.
Key points
The memorandum discusses amendments to Chapter 17.12 of Title 17 of the San José Municipal Code.
The amendments are intended to improve safety and streamline the permitting process.
There are eight proposed amendments, six clarifying existing policies and two introducing new policies.
The amendments address issues such as firefighter access, communication systems, outdoor cooking operations, and hazardous materials storage.
The San José Fire Department is actively collaborating with various stakeholders to inform these code changes.
Limitations
The document contains unresolved placeholders such as the date and contact information for the principal author.
Specific details regarding the proposed amendments are not fully enumerated in the summary.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 8,976 chars
COUNCIL AGENDA: FILE: ITEM: TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: See Below Approved 10/28/25 25-1131 8.2 FROM: Robert Sapien, Jr. DATE: October 28, 2025 Date: 10/28/2025 SUPPLEMENTAL SUBJECT: Amendment to the San José Municipal Code Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards, with Local Technical Amendments, and Repealing Superseded San José Reach Codes REASON FOR SUPPLEMENTAL This supplemental memorandum provides additional information for the City Council regarding the proposed amendments to Chapter 17.12 of Title 17 of the San José Municipal Code (newly proposed, deleted, and modified). BACKGROUND The San José Fire Department continues to focus on protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and emergency response. Since the last code adoption in 2022, several significant incidents across the state have underscored the importance of enhanced Fire and Building Code provisions. The Home Depot fire on Blossom Hill Road destroyed the building, releasing hazardous runoff and toxic smoke. While an illegal act started the fire, it was exacerbated by another unlawful act when an unidentified person shut off the sprinkler water supply. Energy Storage...
03
230 KB
Memorandum from Mayor, Campos, Tordillos, Cohen, Mulcahy, 10/24/25
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The memorandum from Mayor Matt Mahan and several councilmembers addresses an amendment to the San José Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards, with local technical amendments, and repeal superseded San José reach codes. It recommends approving staff recommendations with specific exclusions and directs the City Manager to evaluate a local building code amendment for constructing buildings up to six stories with a single staircase. The memorandum highlights the rising costs of construction and the need to avoid overly restrictive local codes that could hinder economic activity and job growth.
Key points
The memorandum is addressed to the City Council regarding an amendment to the San José Municipal Code.
It recommends adopting the 2025 California Building Standards with local technical amendments.
The memorandum suggests excluding certain new findings and local amendments from approval.
It directs the City Manager to evaluate a local amendment for six-story buildings with a single staircase.
The background discusses rising construction costs and the impact of additional regulations on economic activity.
Limitations
The document does not provide specific details on the new findings and local amendments that are excluded.
There are unresolved placeholders in the recommendations and background sections.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 3,574 chars
COUNCIL AGENDA: 10/28/2025 FILE: 25-1131 ITEM: 8.2 TO: CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: SEE BELOW FROM: Mayor Matt Mahan Councilmember Campos Councilmember Tordillos Councilmember Cohen Councilmember Mulcahy DATE: October 24, 2025 Approved SUBJECT: Amendment to the San José Municipal Code Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards, with Local Technical Amendments, and Repealing Superseded San José Reach Codes. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Approve staff recommendation except for any new findings and new local amendments added to the building code referenced in (a) (2), (a) (3), c (2), and (c) (3). 2. Direct the City Manager to evaluate a local building code amendment to allow the construction of buildings up to six stories with a single staircase. If implementing this local amendment requires changes to State law, direct the City Manager to include pursuit of those changes in the City’s legislative program. BACKGROUND: In addition to the soaring cost of materials and labor, layers of regulation have made it prohibitively expensive for new construction to proceed in California. According to the California Department of General Services Construction Cost Index, the cost of construction has gone...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
This memorandum from Councilmember Bien Doan discusses an amendment to the San José Municipal Code regarding the adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards, including local technical amendments and the repeal of outdated San José Reach Codes. It recommends deferring discussion on a single fire-exit staircase issue until a workgroup concludes its findings in January 2026, emphasizing the importance of aligning policy discussions with the latest technical analysis to ensure safety.
Key points
The memorandum is addressed to the Mayor and City Council.
It recommends deferring discussion on the single fire-exit staircase issue until January 2026.
The California Building Standards Commission has formed a workgroup to address fire and life-safety in buildings with a single-exit configuration above three stories.
Concerns are raised regarding the safety risks associated with single-exit stairwell designs.
The memorandum aims to balance housing innovation with life-safety considerations.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 2,612 chars
COUNCIL AGENDA: 10/28/2025 FILE: 25-1131 ITEM: 8.2 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: SEE BELOW FROM: Councilmember Bien Doan DATE: 10/28/25 APPROVED: SUBJECT: Amendment to the San José Municipal Code Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards, with Local Technical Amendments, and Repealing Superseded San José Reach Codes RECOMMENDATION: 1. Accept the staff recommendation and defer further discussion of the single fire-exit staircase issue until the working group concludes its work in January 2026. 2. Direct the administration to monitor the workgroup's progress and bring forward a report to the City Council for consideration shortly after the report is published in January 2026. BACKGROUND: As noted in the staff memorandum, dated October 28, 2025, the California Building Standards Commission, in coordination with the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, has tasked a workgroup to develop recommendations addressing fire and life-safety in buildings retaining a single-exit, single-stair configuration that is above three stories. Given recent fire tragedies, and opposition from San José Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This draft ordinance proposes amendments to various sections of Title 24 of the San Jose Municipal Code, adopting the 2025 editions of multiple California codes including the Building Code, Residential Code, and others. It includes findings related to local geological and climatic conditions that necessitate additional safety measures. The ordinance outlines the purpose, exemptions for pending applications, and definitions related to building codes and standards.
Key points
The ordinance amends Title 24 of the San Jose Municipal Code.
It adopts the 2025 editions of several California codes.
Findings are made regarding local geological and climatic conditions.
The ordinance includes provisions for additional safety measures.
It specifies exemptions for building permit applications made prior to a certain date.
Limitations
The document appears to be a draft.
Certain sections contain unresolved placeholders, such as specific dates and item numbers.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 56,885 chars
NVF:AFS:CLS 10/16/2025 DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 24 (TECHNICAL CODES) OF THE SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL CODE TO (1) ADOPT THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE; (2) FIND THAT THE CITY OF SAN JOSE LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, AND TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS WARRANT ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS IN THE SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL CODE; AND (3) ADOPT LOCAL AMENDMENTS REGARDING CERTAIN STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS, FIRE SPRINKLER REGULATIONS, AND OTHER BUILDING REQUIREMENTS WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 17922, 17958, 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety Code, the City of San José (“City”) may adopt the provisions of the California Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Existing Building, and Historical Building Codes with certain amendments to those provisions which are reasonably...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This document is an ordinance from the City of San José amending Chapters 24.10 and 24.12 of Title 24 of the San José Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Green Building Standards and the California Energy Code. It includes provisions for the adoption of technical measures from the California Green Building Standards and repeals certain sections of the existing code. The ordinance is categorized as exempt from environmental review under CEQA. The document appears to be a draft.
Key points
The ordinance amends Chapters 24.10 and 24.12 of Title 24 of the San José Municipal Code.
It adopts the 2025 California Green Building Standards and the California Energy Code.
The ordinance is exempt from environmental review under CEQA.
Certain sections of the existing code are repealed.
A copy of the CALGreen Code is available for public examination at the City Clerk's office.
Limitations
The document is a draft and may not contain final language or provisions.
Some sections of the text are truncated, leading to incomplete information.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 422,649 chars
NVF:BCK:KMF 10/3/2025 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE AMENDING CHAPTER 24.10 AND CHAPTER 24.12 OF TITLE 24 OF THE SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS AND THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE WHEREAS, this Ordinance was found to be categorically exempt from environmental review, per the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, 14 California Code of Regulations Section 15308, and Title 21 of the San José Municipal Code, under File Number ER25-147; actions by a Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San José is the decision-making body for this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, this Council has reviewed, considered, and approves the Statement of Exemption determination under CEQA prior to taking any approval actions on this Ordinance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE: SECTION 1. Section 24.10.100 of Chapter 24.10 of Title 24 of the San José Municipal Code is amended to read as follows: 24.10.100 Adoption of Technical Provisions of the California Green Building Standard Code T-31685.083\ 2251266_2...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This draft ordinance proposes amendments to the San José Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 17.12 and Chapter 17.68, to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code. It includes local amendments addressing structural design requirements, fire sprinkler regulations, and other building requirements based on local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. The ordinance outlines the responsibilities of the Fire Department and establishes compliance requirements for property owners regarding fire safety.
Key points
The ordinance aims to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments.
It addresses local conditions that necessitate additional fire safety measures.
The ordinance includes provisions for compliance, appeals, and responsibilities of property owners.
It reaffirms previous findings related to local geological, topographical, and climatic conditions impacting fire safety.
Limitations
The text indicates it is a draft.
There are unresolved placeholders and incomplete sections in the text.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 189,242 chars
NVF:AFS:CLS 10/17/2025 DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE AMENDING CHAPTER 17.12 AND CHAPTER 17.68 OF TITLE 17 (SAN JOSE FIRE CODE) OF THE SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL CODE TO: (1) ADOPT THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE; (2) FIND THAT THE CITY OF SAN JOSE LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, AND TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS WARRANT ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS IN THE SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL CODE; AND (3) ADOPT LOCAL AMENDMENTS REGARDING CERTAIN STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS, FIRE SPRINKLER REGULATIONS, AND OTHER BUILDING REQUIREMENTS WHEREAS, the Fire Marshal of the State of California has adopted that certain fire code, entitled "2025 California Fire Code", which, with certain deletions, amendments, exceptions and additions, and including certain appendices has been copyrighted and published by the California Building Standards Commission; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 13143.5 and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, certain amendments to the building standards contained in the 2025 California Fire Code, as set forth in this Ordinance, are reasonably necessary to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of San José because of local climatic,...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The document outlines proposed amendments to adopt the 2025 California Building and Fire Codes, updating local amendments to align with current code language and eliminating outdated local amendments. It details specific amendments to Title 24 and Title 17 of the San José Municipal Code, including repeals, modifications, and clarifications based on stakeholder feedback. The presentation also mentions upcoming training sessions for design professionals, developers, and contractors in early 2026.
Key points
Adopts the 2025 edition of the California Building and Fire Codes with amendments.
Updates local amendments to match current code language.
Eliminates local amendments incorporated into the 2025 California Codes.
Repeals one local amendment to the California Building Code.
Retains three amendments to the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes.
Proposes eight amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code, with six clarifying existing policies.
Modifications include 48 amendments for clarity and policy codification.
Training sessions for significant changes will be provided in early 2026.
Limitations
The document does not specify the exact nature of the amendments or the specific local amendments being repealed.
There are unresolved placeholders in the text that may affect the completeness of the summary.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 4,414 chars
2025 California Building Standards Code Adoption City Council Meeting October 28, 2025 – Item 8.2 Lisa Joiner – Deputy Director/Chief Building Official, PBCE James Dobson – Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal, SJFD 2024 International Building Codes 2025 California Building Codes City of San José Municipal Code Title 24 Building Code Title 17 Fire Code 2 www.sanjoseca.gov/building What Does the Proposed Ordinance Accomplish? • Adopts the 2025 edition of the California Building and Fire Codes with amendments • Updates previously adopted local amendments to the 2025 California Codes to match current code language and cross-references • Updates the San José Municipal Code to eliminate local amendments that have been incorporated into the 2025 California Codes 3 www.sanjoseca.gov/building Title 24 Building Code Amendments • Repeal: • One (1) local amendment to the California Building Code • Reach Code Amendments • Retain: • Three (3) amendments to 2025 California Building and Residential Codes • Special Testing and Inspections • Gypsum board shear walls • Braced wall panels • Additions: • No (0) additional amendments to 2025 California Building Codes 4 www.sanjoseca.gov/building Title 17.12 –...
Official source link unavailable.
The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.
Generated summaryAI-assisted
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
The document contains letters from the public supporting a proposed amendment to allow single stair multifamily buildings up to six stories in San Jose. The letters argue that this reform would lower construction costs, maintain safety standards, and facilitate the development of housing on smaller lots. The Housing Action Coalition commends the city council for exploring this amendment and emphasizes the need for evidence-based housing policies.
Key points
Support for the single stair reform amendment proposed in agenda item 8.2.
Single stair buildings can lower construction costs by 6-13%.
Single stair buildings have the same safety performance as two stair buildings.
Single stair buildings are already permitted in cities like New York, Seattle, and Honolulu.
The Housing Action Coalition commends the city for evaluating a local building code amendment.
Single stair buildings can help address California's housing and construction cost crisis.
Recommendations include using Seattle's framework as a baseline and engaging the development community.
Limitations
The text includes placeholders and unresolved references, such as specific dates and names of council members.
The document appears to be a draft, as indicated by the presence of incomplete sections.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 6,191 chars
Dear San Jose Council Members, I’m writing to support the single stair reform amendment proposed in agenda item 8.2. I believe San Jose should allow this single stair reform so we can lower the cost of multifamily housing construction and allow multifamily housing to fit more easily into smaller infill lots. It has also been shown that single stair 4-6 story buildings have the same safety performance as two staircase buildings. Single stair reform lowers construction costs • Pew Research found that requiring one vs two staircases in 4-6 story buildings can lower construction costs by 6-13%.1 In our current climate of high construction costs, where barely any multifamily housing projects can pencil, this cost reduction is badly needed. Single stair buildings have the same safety performance as two staircase buildings • These single stair buildings are already allowed in New York City, Seattle and Honolulu. Pew looked at the safety performance of buildings with single stair vs two stairs in New York City and found no difference in safety performance2. They point out that double staircases made more sense for fire safety before modern safety features became prevalent, like fire...