Pleasant Hill Pivots on Fire Safety and Zoning After Community Pushback

Pleasant Hill's City Council wrapped up 2025's building code overhaul Monday night, tightening fire safety rules citywide while approving a controversial rezoning plan that drew sharp neighborhood opposition — and a promise to revisit the most contentious changes within six months.

• Fire Code adopted with social host liability: Parents now face fines if minors use fireworks at their properties

• 1,072 parcels rezoned to match General Plan: Mixed-use zones advance despite Julian Way residents' traffic fears

• Council pledges early 2026 review: Mayor commits to revisiting zoning amendments in first half of year

• National University expands mental health services: Former JFK University programs offer low-cost counseling locally

• Wildfire fence rules narrowed: Non-combustible fencing limited to perimeter lots near structures

State of play: The Council approved sweeping changes to Title 18 of the municipal code on second reading, rezoning 1,072 parcels to align with the General Plan and maintain state Housing Element compliance. The 4–1 vote, with Member Belle La dissenting, capped months of community debate over mixed-use development near single-family neighborhoods.