Skip to main content
File #: 25-0537    Version: 1
Type: Public Hearing
In control: City Council/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency/Public Financing Authority/Parking Authority Concurrent
Final action:
Title: ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE STOCKTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO REFLECT CHANGES TO STATE LAW AND ACCOMMODATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONSISTENT WITH THE 2040 STOCKTON GENERAL PLAN
Attachments: 1. Attachment A - Planning Commission Resolution, 2. Attachment B - Proposed Amendments (Redline), 3. Proposed Ordinance, 4. PPT - 16.1 - Amending SMC Title 16

title

ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE STOCKTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO REFLECT CHANGES TO STATE LAW AND ACCOMMODATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONSISTENT WITH THE 2040 STOCKTON GENERAL PLAN

 

recommended action

RECOMMENDATION

 

It is recommended that the City Council:

 

1.                     Find no further environmental review is required for the proposed amendments to Title 16 (Development Code) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (State CEQA Guidelines); and

 

2.                     Adopt an Ordinance amending the following provisions of the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) Title 16 (Development Code):

 

a.                     Division 1 (Purpose and Applicability of the Development Code),

b.                     Division 2, Chapter 16.16, Section 16.16.020 (Zoning districts established), Chapter 16.20, Section 16.20.020 (Allowable land uses and permit requirements), Chapter 16.24 (Zoning District Development Standards),

c.                     Division 3, Chapter 16.32, Section 16.32.060 (Graffiti), Section 16.32.070 (Light and Glare), Chapter 16.36 (General Development and Use Standards), Chapter 16.38 (Building Design Standards), Chapter 16.40 (Affordable Housing Incentive/Density Bonus Provisions), Chapter 16.48 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls), Chapter 16.52 (Infill Development Standards), Chapter 16.64, Section 16.64.040 (Number of Parking Spaces Required), Section 16.64.110 (Off-Street Loading Space Standards), Chapter 16.68 (Planned Development (Permit) Standards), Chapter 16.72 (Public Improvements), Chapter 16.80, Section 16.80.020 (Accessory Uses and Structures), Section 16.80.060 (Animal Regulations), Section 16.80.100 (Child care facilities), Section 16.80.120 (Condominium Conversions), Section 16.80.155 (Emergency Shelters), Section 16.80.210 (Mobilehome Parks and Subdivisions), Section 16.80.215 (Multi-Unit Residential), Section 16.80.220 (Multifamily Development), Section 16.80.225 (Co-Living Facilities), Section 16.80.230 (Multi-Use Facilities), Section 16.80.310 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), Section 16.80.350 (Urban Agriculture), Section 16.80.360 (Utility Equipment), Section 16.80.375 (Wind Power Equipment), Section 16.80.400 (Supportive and Transitional Housing),

d.                     Division 5, Chapter 16.112 (Administrative Exception), Chapter 16.164, Section 16.164.060 (Temporary Activity Permits Development Standards), Chapter 16.176, Section 16.176.020 (Waiver Review Authority),

e.                     Division 6, Chapter 16.196 (Condominium Conversions), Chapter 16.212 (Urban Lot Splits),

f.                     Division 7, Chapter 16.214 (Requests for Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act), Chapter 16.220, Section 16.220.105 (Demolition or Relocation of Historic Resources), and

g.                     Division 8, Chapter 16.240 (Definitions/Glossary), and Chapter 16.250 (Use Classifications).

 

body

Summary

 

The proposed 2025 Development Code amendments are to update the housing related provisions of Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) Title 16 to reflect changes in State law and accommodate housing development consistent with the City’s General Plan, Housing Element, and Shape Stockton efforts. While housing related amendments are the focus, the 2025 Development Code update also includes technical updates and revisions for consistency with the General Plan, improved organization and usability, and other amendments to simplify and standardize language, remove redundancies, clarify applicability, and remove obsolete provisions.

 

Amendments related to housing include increasing the density bonuses for affordable housing, reducing some residential setback requirements to allow for a greater range of housing types, incorporation of objective design standards to streamline and create consistency in design approvals, and incorporating State ADU provisions into the Code, including allowance for ADUs to be conveyed separately from the primary dwelling unit as condominiums.

 

Table 1 below summarizes the SMC Sections being amended, listed by division, chapter, or code section number, the subject matter being amended, and the reason for the amendment.

 

Table 1 - Development Code Amendment Summary

Division/Chapter/Section

Subject Matter

Reason for Amendment

Division 1. Purpose and Applicability of the Development Code

Technical edits, reorganization of existing provisions.

Simplify and standardize language and remove redundancies

Division 2. Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Use and Zone-Specific Standards

Technical edits, reorganization of existing provisions.

General Plan Consistency, Clarity, State Law

Section 16.16.020 (Zoning districts established)

Reordering lists and tables, establishing a new Commercial District, CH (Commercial, Heavy) established to eventually replace CI (Commercial Industrial) Overlay District.

General Plan Consistency, Clarity

Section 16.20.020 (Allowable land uses and permit requirements)

Table 2-2 updated to reflect the revised land use classifications and State Law.  Permit requirements updated to reflect project streamlining.  Outdated and/or redundant land uses removed or consolidated.

State Law, Clarity, Streamlining

Chapter 16.24 (Zoning District Development Standards)

Residential development standards updated

General Plan Consistency, State Law, Clarity, Municipal Code Consistency

Division 3. Site Planning and General Development Regulations

Technical edits, reorganization of existing provisions.

Code Consistency, Clarity and Streamlining

Section 16.32.060 (Graffiti)

Deleted redundant language

Code Consistency

Section 16.32.070 (Light and Glare)

Deleted redundant language

Code Consistency

Chapter 16.36 (General Development and Use Standards)

Updating terms and references. Relocation of standards to improve ease of use.

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.38 (Building Design Standards)

New Chapter to establish objective design standards.

General Plan Consistency Clarity, Streamlining

Chapter 16.40 (Affordable Housing Incentive/Density Bonus Provisions)

Increased thresholds for allowable density bonuses

General Plan, Streamlining

Chapter 16.48 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls)

Consolidation of standards throughout Code. Consistency edits.

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.52 (Infill Development Standards)

Density allowance increase, reference and language edits, redundancies removed.

Clarity, Consistency, Streamlining

Section 16.64.040 (Number of Parking Spaces Required)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.64.110 (Off-Street Loading Space Standards)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.68 (Planned Development (Permit) Standards)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.72 (Public Improvements)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.020 (Accessory Uses and Structures)

Portions of this section relocated elsewhere in relevant sections of Code

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.060 (Animal Regulations)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.100 (Child care facilities)

Restructured to align with State law

State Law, Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.120 (Condominium Conversions)

Relocated to Chapter 16.196

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.155 (Emergency Shelters)

Restructured to align with State law

State Law, Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.210 (Mobilehome Parks and Subdivisions)

Removed redundancies

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.215 (Multi-Unit Residential)

Section Removed - Regulations incorporated in new Chapter 16.38, Building Design Standards

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.220 (Multiunit Development)

Section Removed - Regulations incorporated in new Chapter 16.38, Building Design Standards

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.225 (Co-Living Facilities)

Removed redundancies

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.230 (Multi-Use Facilities)

Section Removed - Regulations incorporated in new Chapter 16.38, Building Design Standards

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.310 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)

Restructured to align with State law

State Law, Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.350 (Urban Agriculture)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.360 (Utility Equipment)

Moved to Chapter 16.36, General Development Standards

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.375 (Wind Power Equipment)

Moved to Chapter 16.36, General Development Standards

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.80.400 (Supportive and Transitional Housing)

Section added to comply with State law.

State Law

Division 5. Land Use/Development Procedures

Technical edits, reorganization of existing provisions.

Clarity, Consistency and Streamlining

Chapter 16.112 (Administrative Exception)

Increase the allowable adjustment granted by the Director

Consistency, Streamlining

Section 16.164.060 (Temporary Activity Permits Development Standards)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Section 16.176.020 (Waiver Review Authority)

Reference and language updates.

Clarity, Consistency

Division 6. Subdivision Regulations

Reorganization and added new Chapter 16.210

Clarity and State Law

Chapter 16.196 (Condominium Conversions)

Relocation of standards from 16.80.120

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.210 (Urban Lot Splits)

Chapter added to comply with State law.

State Law

Division 7. Development Code Administration

Technical edits, reorganization of existing provisions.

Clarity, Consistency, Streamlining and State Law

Chapter 16.214 (Requests for Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act)

Updated to comply with State law.

State Law

Section 16.220.105 (Demolition or Relocation of Historic Resources)

Revision to provide additional clarity on procedure and responsibilities

Clarity, Consistency, Streamlining

Division 8. Glossary

Reorganization and update to definitions

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.240 (Definitions/Glossary)

Definitions updated to reflect changes and/or updated terminology.

Clarity, Consistency

Chapter 16.250 (Use Classifications)

Chapter added to consolidate Use Definitions. Outdated and redundant uses removed and/or updated.

Clarity, Consistency

 

To facilitate preliminary review/feedback on the draft ordinance to staff by the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission formed an Ad Hoc Committee to review and provide comments/required adjustments on the proposed amendments prior to a public hearing. The Ad Hoc Committee consisted of Chair Sanguinetti, Vice Chair Muetzenberg, and Commissioner Hull.  The Ad Hoc Committee met on April 8th and April 15th, 2025.  The proposed amendment reflects input from the Ad Hoc Committee members. 

 

On May 8, 2025, at the regular Planning Commission meeting, the Commission considered the proposed amendments. After hearing Staff’s presentation, public testimony, and a robust discussion, the Planning Commission passed Resolution 2025-05-08-0502 recommending the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance amending the Development Code (Attachment A).

 

DISCUSSION

 

Background

 

Due to housing production (supply) not keeping pace with housing demand, the California legislature and Governor have declared the State to be in a housing crisis. To encourage increases in housing production, the State passed a series of bills to allocate funding to jurisdictions. This funding is to be used by jurisdictions to conduct studies, remove governmental constraints (regulations), and create pro-housing policies to encourage local housing development. From 2019 to 2021, the City applied for three housing grants totaling just under $2 million. Those grants can only be used for updating and creating new planning documents to help implement process improvements that accelerate housing production.

 

Between the years 2021 and 2022, staff executed multiple consultant contracts to accomplish several significant planning initiatives including a state mandated update of the Stockton Housing Element and Safety Element, development of a citywide Housing Action Plan and three neighborhood action plans for the South Airport Way Corridor, Little Manilla/Gleason Park, and Cabral/East Cabral areas; and a comprehensive update of the Development Code.  Over the last four years, these efforts required a significant public outreach effort and relations with prominent non-profit organizations to help gather and provide input.  The combined efforts were identified as “Shape Stockton” for ease of the public understanding the activities in conducting outreach and holding workshop meetings in various locations and preparing informational materials.  Workshop flyers were prepared in English and Spanish, and a Spanish interpreter was in attendance at the majority of meetings. Outreach occurred in various manners including participation at pop-up events, farmers markets and scheduled meetings at the Stockton Civic, El Concilio, City libraries, and community centers north, south and central to the City.    

 

City staff and the City’s Consultant team (represented by Martha Miller) conducted informational working sessions with the Planning Commission on July 28, 2022, October 27, 2022, and March 9, 2023, to gather preliminary feedback on the Development Code and Design Guidelines updates. At those meetings, the Planning Commission feedback provided that:

 

                     Housing is a priority and the City should seek to simplify the process to attract more housing options

                     The City’s zoning and design standards are confusing, and new standards should be adopted that are easy to understand, detailed, and oriented to streamlining high-quality development

                     Amendments to the Development Code and Design Guidelines should balance detailed and objective standards with allowing flexibility in design

                     All efforts should have a robust public engagement with multiple methods to seek feedback from residents, business owners, and the development community

 

Since spring 2023, City staff has been working with the consultant team to amend the Development Code to align with the gathered public feedback and Planning Commission’s direction. 

 

The proposed 2025 Development Code amendments are to update the housing related provisions to reflect changes in State law and accommodate housing development consistent with the City’s General Plan, Housing Element, and Shape Stockton efforts. While housing related amendments are the focus, the 2025 Development Code update includes technical updates and revisions throughout the Code for consistency with the General Plan, improved organization and usability, and other amendments to simplify and standardize language, remove redundancies, clarify applicability, and remove obsolete provisions.

 

Present Situation

 

Staff is requesting City Council to adopt the proposed Ordinance amending the Development Code. A redline (track changes) of the proposed Development Code amendments is included as Attachment B. Additionally, the proposed amendments are summarized as follows:

 

Division 1: Purpose and Applicability of Development Code

Division 1 establishes the overall purposes of the development code text and zoning map and the general rules that govern their applicability and use. Amendments to this Division include technical edits, reorganization of existing provisions, and other amendments to simplify and standardize language and remove redundancies. Rules for rounding numbers that result in a fraction are updated to provide exception for calculating affordable housing density bonus.

 

Division 2: Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards

Provisions in Division 2 specify the land use and development standards for each base and overlay zoning district. Each base zoning district has a purpose statement, a list of allowed uses specifying the level of discretionary review required, development standards applicable to those uses, and supplemental regulations. Use regulations and development standards will be presented in a table format, with cross-references to applicable standards in other sections. The following are subsections in Division 2 that summarize proposed updates.

 

Districts and District Purpose Statements

District purpose statements and the zoning district/General Plan designation correspondence table are updated for consistency with the 2040 General Plan. A new Commercial District, CH (Commercial, Heavy) is established with the intention that the existing CI (Commercial Industrial) Overlay District will eventually be applied as a base zoning district. Although the new CH District is included in the Development Code, amending the Zoning Map and applying the zone to a property would be a separate, subsequent effort.

 

Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements

The Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements Table establishes the allowed uses within zoning district throughout the City. Table 2-2 of the current code is updated to reflect the revised land use classifications located in Division 8 of the Code. Outdated and redundant uses have been updated, consolidated, or removed. Permit requirements have been adjusted to encourage and streamline development in the City. The current Zoning District use regulations have been refined consistent with the General Plan, State and federal law, and to reflect common practice.

 

District Development Standards

Existing development standards in each zone have largely been carried forward, except as described below:

 

                     RH (Residential, High Density) District minimum lot area and width, maximum height, minimum front and rear setback, and maximum lot coverage standards are adjusted to accommodate allowed residential densities Outside the Greater Downtown Area, Inside the Greater Downtown Area, and the Downtown Core

                     The front setback requirement is reduced to 15 feet (20 for front entry garages) in the lower density residential districts (RE, RL, and RM)

                     Minimum lot area and side and rear setback requirements in the CO (Commercial Office) District are amended to be consistent with the other commercial districts

                     Height allowances in commercial districts are increased to allow up to 75 feet in the CG, CL, and CA districts; up to 45 feet in the CN District; and 45 feet, up to 60 feet with Commission Use Permit approval in the CO District. The CD District continues to not have a maximum height limit

                     PF (Public Facilities) District Floor Area Ratio (FAR) allowances are updated to reflect the General Plan

                     Clarification is made that either gross or net calculation can be used for determining allowable and required density

                     New requirements for residential open space in multi-unit development are included. Residential open space is to be provided as either common or private open space, in amounts calibrated to the context of the district and allowable densities

 

Division 3: Site Planning and General Development Regulations

Division 3 includes general site development standards, specific use regulations, and other requirements that are applicable in some or all districts such as provisions regarding fencing, parking, landscaping, and treatment of nonconforming situations. Consistency amendments are made to provisions throughout this Division, such as Section 16.52, Infill Development Standards, and Table 3-9, Parking Requirements by Land Use, to reflect amendments to development standards, use classifications, and other provisions. Notable changes in subsections of Division 3 are summarized below.

 

 

 

General Development and Use Standards (and Fences, Hedges, and Walls)

Chapter 16.36, General Development and Use Standards, is amended to consolidate other related standards that are currently scattered in various sections throughout the Code, remove redundancies, and provide clarity. A new section on lighting and illumination applies to all new development and additions that involve light fixtures or systems. Draft regulations include standards for height, design, timing controls, and light trespass. Standards are included to minimize outdoor artificial light that may have a detrimental effect on surrounding property. There is also a new section that establishes design criteria for residential open space, where residential open space is required by the Code.

 

Consistency amendments are also made to other parts of the code, including, but not limited to, 16.32.060, Graffiti, 16.32.070, Light and Glare, and 16.80.020, Accessory Uses and Structures. Additionally, Chapter 16.48, Fences, Hedges, and Walls is revised to remove provisions incorporated into General Development and Use Standards and reorganized for usability and clarity.

 

Affordable Housing Incentives/Density Bonus Provisions

Thresholds for allowable density bonuses are increased to allow up to a 50% bonus pursuant to State Density Bonus, a 50% to 75% density bonus pursuant to a Tier-1 Supplemental Density Bonus, and a 76% to 100% density bonus pursuant to a Tier-2 Supplemental Density Bonus.

 

Building Design Standards

New Chapter 16.38, Building Design Standards, establishes objective design standards for detached single-unit, multi-family and residential mixed-use development. The standards were developed based on public input regarding design preferences gathered through public workshops, staff input, and existing standards and design guidelines. They address building location and orientation, entrance design, building wall articulation, windows and transparency, open space, and parking area design.

 

Objective design standards are important for applicants and neighbors to know what the City’s design expectations are for new projects. Additionally, for certain specific types of development, State law may limit the City’s review of projects to compliance with objective standards. Should an applicant elect not to meet the objective standards, the applicant may request consideration of alternative approaches through the Waiver process. To avoid redundancies, existing Sections 16.80.215, Multi-Unit Residential, 16.80.225, Multi-family Development, and 16.80.230, Multi-Use Facilities are deleted.

 

Standards for Specific Uses

Section 16.80.155, Emergency Shelters, is amended for consistency with California Government Code Section 65583 which states that emergency shelters may only be subject to those development and management standards that apply to residential or commercial development within the same zone except that a local government may apply written, objective standards related to the following:

 

                     The maximum number of beds or persons permitted to be served nightly by the facility

                     Sufficient parking to accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter, provided that the standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone

                     The size and location of exterior and interior onsite waiting and client intake areas

                     The provision of onsite management

                     The proximity to other emergency shelters, provided that emergency shelters are not required to be more than 300 feet apart

                     The length of stay

                     Lighting

                     Security during hours that the emergency shelter is in operation

 

Section 16.80.210, Mobilehome Parks and Subdivisions, is revised for clarity and to remove redundant requirements.

 

Section 16.80.310, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), is revised for consistency with revisions being made in other sections and to allow for an ADU to be conveyed separately from the primary dwelling unit as a condominium, consistent with allowances enabled under Government Code Section 66342.

 

New Section 16.80.400, Supportive and Transitional Housing, is added for consistency with State law which requires transitional and supportive housing to be considered a residential use, subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zoning district. Additionally, supportive housing developments with up to 50 units shall be permitted by right in all zoning districts where multi-unit and mixed use residential development are permitted provided the development meets the criteria established in Government Code Section 65651.

 

Division 4: Application Process

No changes to Division 4 are included in these proposed amendments.

 

Division 5: Land Use/Development Procedures

Chapter 16.112, Administrative Exception, is revised to increase the maximum allowable adjustment from the requirements of the Code the Director may grant for certain development standards to reflect commonly requested and approved Waivers. Corresponding consistency changes are also made to Chapter 16.176, Waivers.

 

Division 6: Subdivision Regulations

Development standards for Condominium Conversions are currently located in Division 3 Section 16.80.120, and are relocated to Division 6 that contains requirements for condominium conversion so all related information is in one place.

 

A new Chapter 16.212, Urban Lot Splits, provides procedures and standards for urban lot splits in accordance with the requirements of Government Code Section 66411.7, which allows lots in the RL (Residential, Low Density) zoning district to be split into two parcels.

 

Division 7: Development Code Administration

Provisions in Chapter 16.214, Requests for Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act Requests for Reasonable Accommodation, are carried forward with organizational and text refinements for clarity, usability, and consistency with State and federal laws.

 

Procedures for a historic resource demolition or relocation permit are revised to provide additional detail and the review process and the responsibilities of staff, the Director, Cultural Heritage Board, and Planning Commission. New provisions codify requirements for a historical or cultural resource study for any demolition of commercial structures, public noticing for findings of no historic significance, and procedures for CHB review, including public notice requirements.

 

Division 8: Glossary

In the current Development Code, land use definitions are mixed with definitions of general terms. This makes it difficult to compare similar uses or understand what uses are allowed. Additionally, there are outdated and overly specific uses, such as ‘printing and publishing’, ‘bridge clubs’, and ‘bed and breakfast inns’, that don’t reflect contemporary land uses. The goal of the proposed revisions is to create a streamlined, user-friendly list of use classifications to improve the functionality of the Code.

 

Chapter 16.240, Definitions/Glossary, is revised to remove land use definitions from the definitions of general terms. A new chapter, Chapter 16.250, Use Classifications, is added and includes a revised set of land use classifications. The new chapter groups all uses by type: Residential Uses; Public/Semi-Public, Recreational, and Institutional Uses; Commercial, Business, and Service Uses; Industrial Uses; Transportation, Communication, and Utility Uses; and Agricultural and Resource Related Uses. Land uses contained in the current Code have been revised and consolidated into use groups based on common function, product, impacts, or physical characteristics. The groups are designed to be broad enough to allow the classification of new, unanticipated uses, to reduce confusion and the need to amend this Section of the Code.

 

Many uses in the existing Code have been renamed to reflect standard terminology in modern land use law and practice. Some outdated uses have been removed from the Code entirely, while other new categories have been introduced to the classification system, such as Pet Training and Day Care. In circumstances where more fine-tuned regulation is necessary, additional subclassifications of standard uses have been proposed. For example, the Eating and Drinking Establishments land use classification is separated into three subclassifications: Bars and Nightclubs, Food and Beverage Tasting, and Restaurants.

 

Environmental Analysis

 

On December 4, 2018, the City Council certified the Envision Stockton 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report (GPEIR) (SCH No. 2017052062). The GPEIR provides a programmatic review of the potential impacts associated with the implementation of the General Plan. The proposed amendments implement the General Plan policies necessary to achieve the General Plan goals. These amendments clarify existing standards and processes and will not result in intensification beyond what was previously analyzed in the GPEIR.  None of the proposed amendments will impact the analysis or conclusions of the GPEIR. The potential impacts of the amendments are within the scope of the GPEIR. Additionally, the proposed amendments do create any specific impacts not considered in the GPEIR, any significant impact not evaluated in GPEIR, any significant off-site or cumulative impacts not evaluated in the GPEIR, or any identified impacts more severe based on new information not known when the GPEIR was certified. Therefore, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15183, the proposed amendments do not require additional environmental review.

 

Planning Commission

 

On May 8, 2025, the Planning Commission considered the proposed amendments to the Development Code to reflect changes in state law and update housing related provisions.  Following staff presentation and consideration of two written communications and two public comments received during the public hearing, the Planning Commission approved a recommendation for City Council approval of the proposed amendments to the Development Code, that included minor adjustments requested in staff bench memorandums provided (by unanimous vote of 6-0).

 

Public Notice

 

Notice for the City Council Public Hearing for this request was published in the Record on May 13, 2025.   As of the publication of this report, no written comments have been received.

 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 

This project has been partially funded through SB2 Planning Grants Program, granted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program (REAP), granted by San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) on behalf of HCD. The requested action to amend the Stockton Municipal Code Title 16 (Development Code) will have no immediate financial impact unless the ordinance is not adopted. Should this ordinance not be adopted, the City will be responsible for reimbursing HCD for the SB2 grant funds received totaling $625,000.

 

Attachment A -Planning Commission Resolution 2025-05-08-0502

Attachment B - Proposed Title 16 Amendments (Redline/Strikeout)