Stockton Planning Commission forms three-member ad hoc committee to review Development Code update

The Planning Commission of the City of Stockton voted 5-0 on March 13, 2025 to establish a three-member ad hoc committee to review the pending draft Development Code update, a multi-year overhaul staff said is intended to align zoning with the general plan and state housing law.

Commissioners and staff said the ad hoc panel will do detailed line-by-line review with planning staff, identify issues and edits, and prepare a cleaner package for a future public hearing and recommendation to City Council. Staff told the commission the work is extensive and will include housing-related revisions that must be to council by June to meet grant-related timelines.

Planning Manager Scott Spear told commissioners the Development Code rewrite began in 2021 and is meant to simplify language, update state-law references and make the code more "housing friendly." Commissioners discussed that the ad hoc committee is intended to iron out the bulk of changes ahead of formal public hearings so the full commission and the public see a more polished proposal.

Commissioner Hole moved the resolution to form the ad hoc committee and named the three commissioners who will serve: Chair Jeff Sanguinetti, Vice Chair Muzenberg, and Commissioner Hole (who identified himself as Hall in later remarks). Commissioner Eamon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

The commission and staff said the committee's work will be time-intensive and occur largely during daytime business hours, though staff said it will try to accommodate meeting times and offer hybrid (in-person/Teams) options. Staff also told the commission the update covers the entire code, not only housing, and that the committee's early review is intended to reduce later editing during public hearings and to limit the work council and staff must do during ordinance drafting.

Chair Sanguinetti said he intends to chair the ad hoc committee initially to help navigate the June timeframe, but he indicated he may step down later to allow other commissioners to gain experience. Staff said the ad hoc committee will present its work back to the full commission and the public as part of the formal ordinance-amendment process.

Votes at a glance: the motion to establish the ad hoc committee passed 5-0. Commissioners recorded present during the vote were Chair Jeff Sanguinetti, Vice Chair Muzenberg, Commissioner Graves, Commissioner Hole (Hall), and Commissioner Eamon. No commissioner voted against or abstained.

What the committee will do next: staff will schedule the first ad hoc meetings, provide committee members with the draft code and supporting materials, and return to the Planning Commission with a public hearing schedule and a refined draft for recommendation to council.