Stockton Planning Commission forms 3-member ad hoc to review draft development code

The Planning Commission of the City of Stockton voted 5-0 on March 13, 2025, to form a three-member ad hoc committee to review a pending draft of the city's development code, naming Chair Sanguinetti, Vice Chair Muetzenberg and Commissioner Hall to the panel.

The ad hoc will review a comprehensive update to Stockton development code that staff said began in 2021 and is intended to make zoning and permitting more user-friendly, update language to reflect state law and streamline rules to encourage housing development. Planning staff said portions of the code update relate to Stockton's housing element and are tied to grant funds; staff cautioned that parts of the update must reach City Council by June to meet grant-related deadlines or risk payback obligations.

Why it matters: The development code (Title 16 of the Stockton Municipal Code) is the primary local rulebook that implements the general plan. The ad hoc committee is intended to allow three commissioners and staff to work through the lengthy draft in detail before it returns for public hearings and recommendations to the City Council.

Staff presentation and chair comments

Planning staff described the code update as a comprehensive overhaul that includes stylistic and legal updates, alignment with recently adopted state housing laws, and changes intended to streamline housing development. A staff presenter said the document is substantial -- roughly "two and a half inches" of materials -- and that ad hoc meetings would likely occur during business hours or lunchtime with hybrid (Teams) options when needed.

Chair Sanguinetti said he would chair the ad hoc committee initially and asked for two volunteers; Commissioners Hall and Vice Chair Muetzenberg volunteered. The chair said he expects to remain involved through the early, time-sensitive sessions and indicated he might step down later to allow newer commissioners a learning opportunity.

Public comment

Two members of the public spoke before the commission took the action. Dan Richardson, who identified himself as a Stockton resident, urged commissioners not to "rubber stamp" business approvals and said he did not want repetitive or excessive clustering of certain businesses in neighborhoods. Jason Michael Smith introduced himself and described brief personal circumstances; he did not address the code update.

Formal action and next steps

Commissioner Hole moved to establish the ad hoc committee with the membership named on the record; Vice Chair Muetzenberg seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Staff said it will schedule ad hoc meetings, coordinate hybrid access where possible, and return materials and recommendations to the full commission and, subsequently, to City Council. The housing-related portion of the code update is targeted for submittal to City Council by June.

What the action did not do

The ad hoc committee does not adopt code changes; it is a working group for staff and commissioners to refine the draft before formal public hearings. Any policy or ordinance changes still must return to the full Planning Commission and, where required, to City Council for decision.

Looking ahead

Staff said it will notify the commission when the first ad hoc meeting is scheduled and will provide materials for review. The full code update will proceed through the public hearing and ordinance amendment processes required under the Stockton Municipal Code.