ORDINANCE NO. 2025-07-29-1602
AN ORDINANCE ADDING TITLE 15, CHAPTER 15.34, TO THE STOCKTON MUNICIPAL
CODE, RELATED TO COMMERCIAL PROPERTY VACANCY AND VACANT LOT
REGISTRATION
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF STOCKTON, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. FINDINGS AND INTENT.
Vacant commercial buildings and vacant lots are a major cause and source of blight, especially when the owner fails to actively maintain and manage the building or property. Vacant lots, and buildings, whether boarded, substandard, unkempt, or long-term vacant discourage economic development, hinder the appreciation of property values, and have a detrimental impact on the economic viability of both commercial and residential areas. Vacant commercial buildings are an attractive nuisance to children, a harborage for rodents, an increased fire hazard and invite criminal activity, such as squatting, vandalism and dumping. These activities and the eyesore of boarded, substandard, and unkempt vacant buildings deter would-be customers from the area and negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods. The lack of maintenance of vacant lots creates fire hazards, invites squatting and illegal dumping, and negatively impacts the value of surrounding properties.
One (1) vacant commercial building or vacant lot that is not actively well maintained and managed can be the core and cause of spreading blight. A long-term vacant building or vacant lot, even in the absence of code violations, is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community and contrary to the intended property use. Vacant commercial buildings and lots require more frequent monitoring by code enforcement, police, and Building Department staff. This is a disproportionate use of resources that diverts staff time and resources away from addressing other issues in the community and results in a greater cost to the City. These costs should be borne by the property owner and not the community at large.
The purpose of the vacant commercial building and vacant lot registration and monitoring program is to discourage property owners from allowing buildings and lots to remain vacant, ensure they are properly secured and maintained, help prevent the buildings and lots from becoming a burden to the residents and taxpayers of the City and provide the basis for returning the properties to their intended use.
The provisions of this section are to be supplementary and complementary to all the provisions of the City Code, State and Federal law, and any other statutes or regulations, and nothing in this section shall be read, interpreted, or construed in any manner so as to limit any existing right or power of the City to abate or prosecute any and all violations and nuisances.
SECTION II. AMENDMENT OF CODE.
Title 15, Chapter 15.34 is hereby added to the Stockton Municipal Code as follows:
Chapter 15.34 VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AND VACANT LOT REGISTRATION
15.34.010 Title.
This ordinance codified in this chapter shall be known as "Vacant Commercial Property and Vacant
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A