ADU and JADU applications are submitted to Stockton Building & Life Safety and approved ministerially within 60 days under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b). Both a planning/zoning clearance under Title 16 and a building permit under Title 15 are required.
Stockton's Building & Life Safety Division ((209) 937-8561, 345 N. El Dorado St.) processes ADU permit applications. Per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b), the city must approve or deny a complete ADU/JADU application ministerially — without discretionary review or hearing — within 60 days of submittal; if not acted on, the application is deemed approved. Required submittals typically include a site plan showing setbacks and lot coverage, floor plans, elevations, Title 24 Part 6 energy compliance forms, and CalGreen residential checklist. Plans are reviewed for compliance with the 2022 California Building Standards Code as adopted in SMC Title 15 and the objective ADU standards in SMC Title 16. A recorded deed restriction is required for JADUs (owner-occupancy) and amnesty ADUs.
Constructing an ADU without a permit violates SMC Title 15 and California Health & Safety Code §17920.3 (substandard buildings). Enforcement can include stop-work orders, double permit fees for after-the-fact permits, and administrative citations under SMC Chapter 1.20. Unpermitted units that pre-date Jan 1, 2020 may apply for amnesty legalization.
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