Hawaiian Gardens City adopts 2025 California building standards ordinance

The Hawaiian Gardens City Council on Nov. 12 adopted Ordinance 2025-621 to amend Title 15 of the Hawaiian Gardens City Municipal Code and adopt the 2025 California building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and residential codes, city staff said at a public hearing.

City staff said the statewide building standards are updated every three years and that local jurisdictions may adopt the new codes by reference and apply narrowly tailored local amendments where findings are required for topographical, geographic or climatic reasons. "These updates are intended to improve safety, sustainability, and overall building performance across the state," a staff presenter told the council.

No members of the public spoke on the item, and the council conducted the second reading by title only, waived further reading, and voted by roll call to adopt the ordinance. The clerk read the ordinance title, which directs repeal and replacement of multiple Title 15 chapters and adoption by reference of the 2025 California codes with local amendments.

The ordinance takes effect under the normal post-adoption timeline set out in the municipal code unless otherwise stated in implementing language; staff said they would be available to answer questions on local amendments. The council closed the public hearing with no public comment and moved to the next agenda item.