Vacant Commercial Property OrdinanceCity Council MeetingMarch 4, 2025Item 16.1 BackgroundNovember 22, 2022: Stockton PD provided an update to Council regarding tools, tasks, and staffing required to operate a program of this magnitude.October 18, 2023, and January 17,2024 : Updates provided to Legislative and Environmental Committee regarding establishing a Vacant Commercial Registration ProgramFebruary 3, 2025: Legislative and Environmental Committee provided direction to staff to implement the ordinance Vacant Commercial Building Defined:Property is considered vacant after greater than 50% of commercial units in the building have been unoccupied for over 180 days. Approximately 250 vacant commercial buildings within the City.
Vacant Commercial Property Ordinance Overview:Currently: No registration requirement for vacant commercial buildings or lots.Proposed Ordinance requires property owners to:Register their vacant commercial building or lot with the City.Comply with the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC)Maintain the propertyProperty owners may be subject to fees, fines, or abatement costs if property not maintained or in compliance with the SMC.
Proposed FeesFirst Year Fee (and subsequent years if property conforms with SMC 15.32)$250Second Year Fee (if the property does not conform with SMC 15.32)$500Third and Subsequent Years Fee (if the property does not conform with SMC 15.32) $1,000Vacant Lot Annual Fee$250 RecommendationAdopt an ordinance creating Title 15, Chapter 15.34 “Vacant Commercial Property and Vacant Lot Registration”Approve a Resolution to amend the FY 2024-25 Fee Schedule Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take all appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purposes and intent of the ordinance and resolution.