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Board approves zoning and specific plan for 500‑bed behavioral health campus near Stockton
Summary
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved a map amendment and specific plan to allow a multi‑phase behavioral health campus south of Stockton. County staff say the project—backed by a $137 million state grant—could total about 570,000 square feet and roughly 500 beds across north and south campuses.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 approved a map amendment and specific plan to facilitate development of a comprehensive behavioral health campus south of Stockton.
County planning staff told the board the project site, at the northwest corner of South El Dorado Street and Hospital Road in French Camp near the existing hospital, historically sat in agricultural holding until utilities became available. The approved specific plan rezones the property to mixed use and provides development standards that the applicants said are needed because the campus will be built in phases and depend on grant funding.
Planning Deputy Director Corinne King and Principal Planner Stephanie Stowers said the campus is planned as a North Campus and South Campus totaling more than 570,000 square feet and approximately 500 beds. Stowers said the Planning Commission voted 4–0 on July 17 to recommend approval and staff recommended the board adopt the map amendment and specific plan.
County and contractor representatives said the campus is intended to expand behavioral health capacity and is tied to state funding. During the public hearing Karen Conrad, a project executive representing Herrero Builders and HMH, introduced herself and told the board she supported the project and planned construction work.
The board voted to approve the map amendment and specific plan; a motion to approve carried and the board indicated it would return with implementing actions as needed. Supervisors spoke in favor of the project, and several expressed that development of the campus—with state funding already awarded—would substantially expand local behavioral health services.
The board and staff said the campus design and specific plan were intended to give the county and project proponents flexibility to stage construction, coordinate with local fire districts and utilities, and meet state grant conditions. Staff said the specific plan allows standards to be set without repeated use permits because the project’s schedule depends on phased grant funding.
The board’s approval sets the zoning and policy framework for site development. County staff and the applicant team said additional entitlements, engineering, environmental work, permitting and construction agreements would follow the board action.
Speakers, timing and next steps were summarized by county planning staff; stepwise development and grant conditions were highlighted as key factors shaping timing of site work and occupancy.
