Ordinance 2052 Amending Title 12 (Building Regulations) of the San Rafael Municipal Code

The City of San Rafael has enacted Ordinance 2052 to comprehensively update its building regulations by repealing and replacing Title 12 of the Municipal Code with the most current editions of state-mandated building codes, effective with the 2025 versions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Energy Code, and California Referenced Standards Code. Additionally, the ordinance adopts the 2024 editions of the International Property Maintenance Code and the International Pool and Spa Code, along with local amendments, to ensure alignment with modern safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability standards. A key component of the update is the adoption of Chapter 12.360, the Single-Family Model Reach Code – FlexPath, which provides a pathway for new and remodeled single-family residences to exceed baseline requirements for electrification, energy efficiency, and water conservation, with the goal of substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resource efficiency. The implementation is supported by formal Findings of Fact that justify the amendments under the California Environmental Quality Act, including categorical exemptions under Public Resources Code sections 15307 and 15308, confirming that the changes are consistent with established environmental protection goals and do not require further environmental review. The place of performance is clearly defined as San Rafael, California, with oversight provided by the City’s Planning and Research department and point of contact Cory Bytof, the Sustainability Program Manager. No federal procurement provisions such as FAR clauses, contract types, pricing data, evaluation factors, or contractor certifications are applicable, as this is a regulatory ordinance rather than a competitive procurement. The ordinance serves as a statutory update to municipal code, with enforcement and inspection responsibilities falling under the city’s building and planning departments using the adopted codes as the sole quality and performance criteria. The amendment process has been completed with a signing date of September 30, 2025, and the changes are now effective for all new construction, additions, and substantial renovations within the city limits.