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Stockton adopts ADU ordinance amendments to align with state housing element
Summary
Council adopted amendments to Title 16 to bring accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU rules into compliance with state law and the city's sixth‑cycle housing element; changes remove certain setbacks, update size and owner‑occupancy rules, and aim to reduce barriers for ADU construction.
The Stockton City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amending Title 16 of the Stockton Municipal Code to support implementation of the city's sixth‑cycle housing element and to ensure compliance with evolving state ADU law.
Stephanie Ocasio, director of community development, summarized the changes: elimination of setbacks for conversions or replacements of existing structures, clarified ADU/JADU definitions to match state law, adjusted floor area and height allowances (in some cases up to 25 feet), removal of owner‑occupancy requirements for JADUs that have separate sanitation facilities, allowances for tandem parking, and streamlined operational standards (including preapproved plan sets available at the permit center). The planning commission recommended adoption on March 26, 2026.
The staff recommendation included a finding that no additional environmental review is required. With no public comment on the item, council adopted the ordinance 6–0. Staff said the rule changes are intended to make it faster and less expensive to build ADUs and to increase the city's capacity to meet its housing allocation.
Council members asked for outreach and promotion of preapproved plans and permitting assistance to make the program work for Stockton residents.
