SMC Chapter 8.36 (Minimum Property Maintenance Standards) requires landscape areas to be maintained in a healthful and sound condition at all times. During drought conditions, the city will not enforce dead or dying vegetation provisions due to lack of water. A minimum of 50% of required landscaped areas must consist of live plants or grass.
SMC Chapter 8.36 establishes minimum property maintenance standards for all properties in Stockton. Landscape areas must be maintained in a healthful and sound condition per Chapter 16.56 (Landscaping Standards). At least 50% of required landscaped areas must consist of live plants and/or grass. However, the city expressly does not enforce the dead or dying vegetation provision during declared drought conditions. Weed and vegetation abatement is enforced as a nuisance. The 2024 International Property Maintenance Code took effect April 3, 2025, modernizing enforcement standards.
Unmaintained landscaping: code enforcement notice to correct. Continued violations: administrative citations and fines. Weed abatement: nuisance action.
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content...
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, height, or motor noise. They qualify as exempt holiday decorations under SMC Chap...
Stockton, CA
Stockton expressly exempts holiday decorations from sign permit requirements under SMC Chapter 16.76 (Sign Standards). The only formal requirement is that ho...
Stockton, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Stockton typically requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits from the Building & Life Safety Department u...
Stockton, CA
Stockton has no ordinance specifically addressing residential backyard smokers, but SMC Chapter 16.32 (General Performance Standards) declares dense smoke, n...
Stockton, CA
Stockton adopts the California Fire Code at SMC Chapter 15.12. Under CFC §308.1.4 as adopted, open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible b...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle grass height limits.
See how Stockton's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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