Vacant Commercial
Property Ordinance
City Council Meeting
July 29, 2025
Agenda Item 16.2
Background
November 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 Program
February 3, 2025: Legislative and Environmental Committee provided direction to staff to implement the ordinance
March 4, 2025: City Council provided direction to staff to return to Legislative and Environmental Committee to research the registration fee
June 16, 2025: Legislative and Environmental Committee provided direction to staff to implement the recommended registration fee and to return to City Council for approval Vacant Commercial Property Defined:
Property is considered vacant after greater than 50% of commercial units in the building have been unoccupied for over 180 days.
Vacant Lots are not occupied by any structures or buildings.
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 property
Property owners may be subject to fees, fines, or abatement costs if property not maintained or in compliance with the SMC.
Proposed Fees
Annual Registration Fee (Commercial Vacant Property & Vacant Lot) $826
Recommendation
Adopt an ordinance creating Title 15, Chapter 15.34 “Vacant Commercial Property and Vacant Lot Registration”
Approve a Resolution to amend the FY 2025-26 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.