Stockton Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-10-04

Last updated: 2026-10-04Verified: 2026-10-04

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office

City of Stockton Community Development Department, Planning Division(209) 937-8266

Zoning Map

View Official Zoning Map

Building Code Edition

2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24), effective January 1, 2026

ADU / Accessory Apartment

Yes

Example District

RE — Residential, Estate

Max Height

35 ft

Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County and the 11th most populous city in California with approximately 320,800 residents (2020 Census). The city manages land use through its Development Code (Title 16 of the Stockton Municipal Code), available on eCode360.

The Development Code establishes residential, commercial, industrial, and special purpose zones. Development standards for each district are defined in Table 2-3 (SMC Section 16.24.200).

Key Zoning Districts

Residential Zones (Chapter 16.16)

Zone	Name	Density	Notes
RE	Residential, Estate	Low density	Estate-lot single-family
RL	Residential, Low Density	Up to 8.7 du/net acre	Single-family, duplexes, triplexes
RM	Residential, Medium Density	8.8–17.4 du/net acre	Duplexes, townhouses, apartments, mixed use
RH	Residential, High Density	High density	Multifamily; 45 ft max height (60 ft with CUP)

Verified standards: RL/RM front setback 15 ft; garage setback 20 ft; accessory structures 15 ft max height; alley setback 5 ft min (10 ft for garages with alley entrance).

For complete dimensional standards (lot area, width, setbacks, coverage), see Table 2-3 in the Development Code.

Commercial Zones

Zone	Name
CN	Commercial, Neighborhood
CG	Commercial, General
CO	Commercial, Office
CD	Commercial, Downtown
CL	Commercial, Large-Scale
CA	Commercial, Auto

Industrial Zones

Zone	Name
IL	Industrial, Limited
IG	Industrial, General

Special Purpose Zones

Zone	Name
MX	Mixed Use
UC	University/College
PF	Public Facilities
PT	Port
OS	Open Space

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Under California Government Code Section 65852.2, Stockton allows ADUs on residential lots:

Detached ADU: Up to 1,200 sq ft
Attached ADU: Up to 1,200 sq ft or 50% of existing living area, whichever is less
JADU: Up to 500 sq ft within existing structure
Height: 16 ft max for detached ADUs
Setbacks: 4 ft minimum side and rear
Parking: Not required
Rental: Minimum 30-day term
Impact fees: Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft
Pre-approved plans: Available (studio, 1-bed, 2-bed options)
Multi-family lots: Up to 2 detached ADUs allowed

More information: Stockton ADU page

Development Process

Zoning Verification — Check your property's zone using MapGeo or contact Planning at (209) 937-8266
Pre-Application Meeting — Recommended for significant projects
Plan Review — Submit required applications to the Planning Division
Building Permit — Apply through Building & Life Safety
Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

Key Considerations

The Planning Division moved to New City Hall (501 W. Weber Ave, Building 2) as of February 2026
Stockton has a Port (PT) zone for the Port of Stockton area
The University/College (UC) zone serves the University of the Pacific and other educational institutions
The Mixed Use (MX) zone encourages combined residential and commercial development
Verify flood zone status using FEMA's Flood Map Service — Stockton has significant flood-prone areas

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Stockton and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Stockton Planning Division at (209) 937-8266 or review the Development Code on eCode360 before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Stockton

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
View FEMA Flood Map

State — California

Building Code: 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24), effective January 1, 2026
State ADU Override: Yes (California Government Code Section 65852.2)

View California zoning overview

County — San Joaquin County

Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

REResidential, Estate

Min Lot: See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)
Max Height: 35 ft
Front Setback: See Table 2-3
Side Setback: See Table 2-3
Rear Setback: See Table 2-3

RLResidential, Low Density

Min Lot: See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)
Max Height: 35 ft
Front Setback: 15 ft
Side Setback: See Table 2-3
Rear Setback: See Table 2-3

RMResidential, Medium Density

Min Lot: See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: 15 ft
Side Setback: See Table 2-3
Rear Setback: See Table 2-3

RHResidential, High Density

Min Lot: See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)
Max Height: 45 ft (60 ft with CUP)
Front Setback: See Table 2-3
Side Setback: See Table 2-3
Rear Setback: See Table 2-3

CNCommercial, Neighborhood

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

CGCommercial, General

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

CDCommercial, Downtown

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

CLCommercial, Large-Scale

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

ILIndustrial, Limited

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

IGIndustrial, General

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

MXMixed Use

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

District Code	Name	Min Lot	Max Height	Front Setback	Side Setback	Rear Setback	FAR
RE	Residential, Estate	See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)	35 ft	See Table 2-3	See Table 2-3	See Table 2-3	—
RL	Residential, Low Density	See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)	35 ft	15 ft	See Table 2-3	See Table 2-3	—
RM	Residential, Medium Density	See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)	Varies	15 ft	See Table 2-3	See Table 2-3	—
RH	Residential, High Density	See Table 2-3 (SMC 16.24.200)	45 ft (60 ft with CUP)	See Table 2-3	See Table 2-3	See Table 2-3	—
CN	Commercial, Neighborhood	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
CG	Commercial, General	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
CD	Commercial, Downtown	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
CL	Commercial, Large-Scale	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
IL	Industrial, Limited	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
IG	Industrial, General	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
MX	Mixed Use	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—

ADU Rules in Stockton

ADUs:Allowed

State law (statewide context, not city-specific):

California has enacted multiple ADU laws codified primarily in Government Code section 65852.2, including AB 68 (2019), SB 13 (2019), AB 881 (2019), and AB 2221 (2022). These laws collectively limit local ADU fees, set ministerial 60-day permit timelines, prohibit owner-occupancy requirements (through Jan 1, 2025 under AB 881 and extended by later legislation), restrict parking mandates near transit, and require local agencies to allow attached, detached, and junior ADUs in single-family and multifamily residential zones.

Source (California)

For local size, setback, and parking specifics, contact the City of Stockton Community Development Department, Planning Division.

Full ADU rules for Stockton →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Stockton permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Stockton Planning Divisionstocktonca.govOfficial source Stockton Development Code (Title 16, eCode360)ecode360.comOfficial source Stockton Interactive Zoning Map (MapGeo)stocktonca.mapgeo.ioOfficial source Stockton ADU Informationstocktonca.govOfficial source Stockton Open Data - Zoningdata.stocktonca.govOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Stockton?

Use the Stockton MapGeo interactive map at stocktonca.mapgeo.io or contact the Planning Division at (209) 937-8266.

What building code does Stockton follow?

For current 2026 applications, Stockton uses the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) with applicable local amendments.

Can I build an ADU in Stockton?

Yes. Under California state ADU law, ADUs are allowed on residential lots. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, JADUs up to 500 sq ft. Setbacks are 4 ft minimum side/rear. No parking required. The city offers pre-approved ADU plans. Visit the city's ADU page for details.

Where is the new Planning Division office?

As of February 2026, the Planning Division is at 501 W. Weber Avenue, Building 2, First Floor, Stockton, CA 95203 (New City Hall). Counter hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-4:30pm.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Zoning codes and building regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department and building authority before making any decisions.