Planning

You can determine whether a specific land use is permitted on any particular property by checking the zoning designation on the City’s GIS, and then reviewing Table 2-2 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements) of Title 16 of the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC).

Table 2-2 includes a list of:

• approximately 150 land use types, or categories, and
• all of the City's industrial, commercial, and residential zoning designations.

Comparing the two lists shows whether a proposed land use is permitted and what, if any, land use permit is required to initiate that use.  Other sections of the SMC provide additional information regarding development within the City.

If required by Table 2-2, land use permit applications are submitted to staff in the Permit Center to process. Staff reviews applications to make sure that they are complete.  Any missing elements will delay the application until the applicant provides the needed information. Complete applications are referred to specific City departments and outside agencies for comment.  

If the project site is located within a Design Review District, any new building or addition on the subject site is subject to an Architectural Design Review during the application processing.  Those departments and agencies will notify staff of applicable code requirements and may request discretionary conditions in the event the project is approved.

Most planning applications also require staff to publicly notify surrounding property owners and residents about the proposed project.  After reviewing the results of the project's referral and public notification, staff will either take action on the project or formulate a recommendation for any required Planning Commission or City Council hearings on the project.

• Review the Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 16.132 (Home Occupation Permits) to determine if a proposed Home Occupation use is allowable.  Also, review the prohibited activities.  See this link for allowable/prohibited activities.
• Complete a Home Occupation Permit (download here). Note: the property owner must sign and enter their name and contact information.
• Scan the completed applications with signature(s) to PDF format.
• Email the completed applications to planning@stocktonca.gov.  In the subject line, please include: NEW HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT APPLICATION along with the property address.
• Staff will then generate an invoice and provide instructions to the applicant through email for online payment.
• Once payment is confirmed, the Home Occupation Permit will be provided.

• Submit via the Electronic Submittal of Planning Applications.
• Street Tree Removal Permit Application
• Heritage Tree Removal Permit Application 

• Alcoholic Beverages Q & A
• Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements
• Certificate of Appropriateness
• Child Care
• Centers (15 or more children)
• Large Family Child Care Homes (9-14 children)
• Design Review
• Development Standards - lot size, density, set back, height requirements
• Fence Regulations for Residential Properties
• Rezone / Prezone
• Plans Requirements CDD
• Signs 
• Subdivision Map
• Use Permit (Informational)
• Housing Development Snapshot