Richmond introduces 2025 California building standards with local amendments; council moves toward adoption

The Richmond City Council voted to introduce an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with specified local amendments, moving the city toward formal adoption.

Building official George Khabavanov and Director of Community Development Lina Velasco outlined the rationale: Richmond faces significant natural‑hazard exposure — including seismic, flood and wildfire risk — and the updated state codes include new wildland‑urban interface provisions and other technical changes.

Khabavanov said the code updates are intended "to protect the public health and safety" and to incorporate improved standards for the city's varied geologic and climate conditions. Staff also said the package creates a pathway to legalize certain unpermitted residential work to encourage compliance and reduce hazards associated with undocumented construction.

The public hearing received no speakers. Council moved to introduce the ordinance for first reading; the motion passed by roll call and will return for a second reading and final adoption according to the standard ordinance schedule.

If adopted, the new local code will harmonize municipal code language with state standards and enable enforcement and permitting under the 2025 cycle.