Item 39 - Resolution and Ordinance Adopting the Updated California and International Building Standars Code Adoption

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California Building Standards Code Adoption December 2, 2025 Page 3 5 4 2 1 The proposed Ordinance also includes administrative and procedural amendments not covered by the above Construction Codes. As part of the adoption of Construction Codes, it will also be necessary to include certain changes and modifications that are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City of Santa Ana. Exhibit 2 is the Resolution delineating the necessary findings and substantiating the necessary amendments to the Residential, Fire, and Building Codes to address specific local conditions. The separate adoption of the Resolution is necessary in order to include the local changes in the proposed Ordinance. The changes to the 2025 California Codes as adopted by the State include revisions to enhance clarity and consistency in the application of the Codes and to include provisions for green and sustainable alternatives. Major changes in the 2025 California Building Code include new seismic design standards based on updated data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), new rules for lithium-ion battery storage facilities triggering fire protection requirements, and updates to the Energy Code to encourage electric-ready buildings for future adoption of electric technologies. Further, with the passage of Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”), effective on June 30, 2025, for a six-year period beginning October 1, 2025 and ending June 1, 2031, cities and counties are prohibited from making changes to building standards that are applicable to residential units, unless one of several conditions can be met. Section 17958(b)(1) provides that re-adoption of changes or modifications that are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications previously adopted by a city and in effect on September 30, 2025 is permissible. In compliance with AB 130, changes or modifications applicable to residential units that have been included as part of the City’s 2025 update are substantially equivalent to those previously adopted by the City and that were in place on September 30, 2025. A finding to this effect has also been included in Exhibit 2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA guidelines, as amended, in that it is not a Project which has the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. No further environmental review is necessary. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. EXHIBITS 1. Exhibit 1 - Ordinance 2. Exhibit 2 - Resolution