ADU rules in Stockton, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Stockton regulates ADUs and JADUs under Stockton Municipal Code §16.80.310 ('Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)'). Detached and attached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft (attached also limited to 50% of the existing living area), and JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the existing single-family dwelling.
Under SMC §16.80.310, ADUs are permitted on all residentially zoned properties that contain or will contain a single-family dwelling, with one ADU allowed per single-family lot. Lots with existing multifamily buildings may have one conversion ADU. There are no off-street parking requirements for ADUs, and exterior modifications must be architecturally compatible with the main dwelling. ADU rental terms must be longer than 30 days, and the ADU may not be sold or conveyed separately from the main dwelling except as provided by California Government Code §65852.26 (which allows separate condo sale under specified conditions). For JADUs, the property owner must reside in either the main dwelling or the JADU, recorded via deed restriction. A JADU is not allowed in a multi-family building, must be entirely within the walls of the existing single-family structure, and is capped at 500 sq ft.
Unpermitted ADUs are violations of SMC §16.80.310, enforced by Stockton Code Enforcement with administrative citations and fines. Renting an ADU for less than 30 days, or selling a JADU separately from the primary dwelling, violates the code and the recorded deed restriction.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle adu rules.
See how Stockton's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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