REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
April 21, 2026
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Ordinance Related to the 2025 Editions of the California Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
1. Consider the proposed ordinance repealing San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Ordinance No. FPD 23-01 and adopting the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Fire Code, which adopts by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, along with certain changes, modifications, amendments, additions, deletions, and exceptions to the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, relating to fire regulations, and the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
2. Make alterations, if necessary, to proposed ordinance.
3. Approve introduction of proposed ordinance.
• An ordinance of the Board of Directors of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, State of California, to repeal San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Ordinance No. FPD 23-01 and to adopt: the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Fire Code, which adopts by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, along with certain changes, modifications, amendments, additions, deletions, and exceptions, relating to fire regulations, and the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4. SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE FOR FINAL ADOPTION ON TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026, on the Discussion Calendar.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Improve County Government Operations.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended actions will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as the proposed ordinance is non-financial in nature.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13869 and Government Code section 50022 et seq., the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) may adopt by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and amend as necessary based on certain findings.
The proposed ordinance will adopt the provisions of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, and provide specific changes, modifications, amendments, additions, deletions, and exceptions that are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological and topographical conditions that exist within SBCFPD. Implementation of the new ordinance allows SBCFPD to address certain local hazards and emergency response needs throughout the region.
On February 28, 2023 (Item No. 79), the Board of Directors (Board) adopted Ordinance No. FPD 23-01 which incorporated by reference with amendments, the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code regarding permits for various uses, requirements for fire access and water supply, fire sprinkler systems, and general fire safety regulations. The proposed ordinance would repeal Ordinance No. FPD 23-01.
Existing local amendments were reviewed to determine applicability and were carried over from the previous adoption and amendment of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code when appropriate. Some of the significant changes to the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Deleted Sections 3 through 26 and Sections 28 through 34 of previous ordinance as they have been included in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 50, 57, and 58.
• Adopted Chapter 1 of California Fire Code.
• Adopted California Wildland-Urban Interface Code by reference.
• Increased “idle pallet” storage height to 20 feet in height to match California Fire Code.
• Amended requirements for mechanically operated security gates to require “exit loops” be installed at all fire access gates and require an “infrared automatic gate system” for all new and existing electrically operated gates.
• Adopted Appendix P to provide codes for temporary haunted houses, ghost walks and similar amusement uses.
• Increased penalties for the transportation and storage of dangerous fireworks from $1,250 to a maximum penalty of $15,000.
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13869.7, the draft ordinance was sent to all cities/towns within the San Bernardino County (County) where the ordinance will apply, as well as the County’s Land Use Services Department for their 30-day review. Any written comments provided by the cities and the County to SBCFPD will be provided to the Board at the public hearing and will be part of the public hearing record. In accordance with Government Code section 50022 et seq., at the May 19, 2026, public hearing the Board may amend, adopt or reject the ordinance.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Rick Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on February 4, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on February 23, 2026.