Occupancy Limits: Lodi vs Stockton
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Lodi, CA and Stockton, CA?
Lodi has fewer restrictions than Stockton.
Lodi, CA
San Joaquin County
Lodi has no STR-specific occupancy cap. The city does not maintain a dedicated short-term rental ordinance; operators rely on a home occupation permit and pay the city's 6% transient occupancy tax. A short-term rental definition was added to LMC 17.78.020 in Phase 3 of the Incremental Code Update (adopted October 2025), but operational standards such as a guests-per-bedroom rule have not been codified.
View full Lodi rules →Stockton, CA
San Joaquin County
Stockton requires STR hosts to comply with zoning, fire safety, and building code occupancy standards. Properties must not exceed the occupancy limits established for the dwelling type and must maintain neighborhood compatibility.
View full Stockton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lodi | Stockton |
|---|---|---|
| STR Occupancy Cap | None codified | - |
| STR Definition | LMC 17.78.020 (Phase 3, Oct 2025) | - |
| Permit Path | Home occupation permit | - |
| TOT Rate | 6% | 8 percent of rent |
| Registered STRs | ~79 (early 2024) | - |
| ADU STR Use | Restricted by Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2 | - |
| Occupancy Standard | - | Per building/fire code for unit type |
| Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM to 7 AM |
| Gatherings | - | Large parties prohibited |
| Contact | - | (209) 937-8827 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lodi FAQ
How many guests can a Lodi short-term rental host?
Lodi does not set an STR-specific guest cap. Occupancy is bounded by the California Building Code occupant load for the dwelling, fire-code limits, and any nuisance enforcement.
Does Lodi require an STR permit?
There is no STR-specific permit. Operators secure a home occupation permit, register for the 6% transient occupancy tax, and follow residential zoning rules in LMC Title 17.
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental in Lodi?
California Government Code section 65852.2 prohibits using a newly permitted ADU for rentals of fewer than 30 days unless the local agency adopts an ordinance allowing it; Lodi has not codified such an allowance.
Stockton FAQ
Is there a specific guest limit per bedroom in Stockton STRs?
Stockton does not set a per-bedroom guest cap but requires compliance with building and fire code occupancy limits for the dwelling type. Hosts should not exceed what the unit was designed to safely accommodate.
Can I host events or parties at my Stockton short-term rental?
No. The city prohibits large gatherings and party-house operations at short-term rental properties. Violations can lead to fines and loss of your business license.
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