Amendments to the Vacant Commercial Property and Vacant Lot Registration ProgramCity Council Agenda Item 16.2November 18, 2025 Background
July ‘25Ordinance 15.34 & Fees Adopted
August ‘25CDD Assigned Registration Program Management
August – September ‘25Implementation Analysis• SMC 15.32 – Maintenance Requirements• SMC 15.34 – Registration Program• Start-up costs October ’25Council Legislative Committee Concurrence
Proposed Amendments to 15.32 – Maintenance, Security, and Rehabilitation of Abandoned and Vacant Properties Strengthens City’s Enforcement Tools•Expands City’s inspection authority•Expands Code Enforcement’s ability to assess penalties for violators Proposed amendments bring 15.32 into alignment with 15.34 Incorporates Commercial Properties
Establishes Liability Insurance Requirement•Current SMC focused on Residential properties•$1M General Liability•Applicable only to vacant commercial properties
15.34 Proposed Amendment 1 of 4: Typo correction in definition of Vacant Commercial Building (15.34.030.D) 7/29/25 Presentation to Council during ordinance adoptionProposed redlines to correct the adopted ordinance
15.34 Proposed Amendment 2 of 4: Focus definition of Vacant Lot based on zoning (15.34.030.E)Proposed amendment would remove the following zones from registration requirements: Justification for ExclusionZones Excluded from Registration RequirementsThe Port exercises a high degree of autonomy over land within its boundaries, including its own environmental review and project approval processes, outside of the City’s authority.PT– Port (Industrial, Institutional)The nature of this zoning district precludes private development.PF- Public Facilities (Institutional, Parks, and Recreation)By the nature of this zoning district minimal development should occur on these parcels.OS- Open Space (Open Space, Agriculture)No parcels currently zoned UC; placeholder for possible future application.UC- University/College
15.34 Proposed Amendment 3 of 4: Remove registration exemption for properties & lots maintained in accordance with SMC 15.3215.34.030 Sections D.4 & E.3 Definitions for Vacant Commercial Property and Vacant Lot both contain exemptions from registration for properties being maintained in accordance with SMC 15.32.Based on direction from the Council Legislative Committee, the proposed amendment would remove these exemptions.
15.34 Proposed Amendment 4 of 4: Add Administrative Guidelines Provision Recommended addition to SMC to allow Staff to work out necessary implementation details without requiring further SMC amendments.
Start-Up CostsYear 1 Program Cost Allocation needed from General Fund$21,000Program anticipated to be self-funding after Year 1 based on initial estimates of 1,400 properties with a program participation rate of 30%, leading to an estimatedtotal revenue generation of $348k annually. Note, excess revenue beyond costs identified above will be applied to staff costs and further enforcement costs for non-compliant properties.
CostItem$0Software Implementation (vendor)$13,000Software license (vendor)$8,000Mailers$21,000Total Year 1 Start-up Cost Moving Forward
Nov – Dec ‘25• Council decision on program updates (11/18)• Tolemi software contract Jan ‘26 –April ’26• Software configuration & testingApril/May ’26• Property data analysis• Initial mailers sent for registration Recommendations
It is recommended that the City Council:1. Adopt an ordinance amending the Stockton Municipal Code Section 15.32; and2. Adopt an ordinance amending the Stockton Municipal Code Section 15.34; and3. Approve a resolution authorizing a budget amendment to appropriate $21,000 from the General Fund Contingency to the Police Department’s Neighborhood Services Division for program implementationIt is further recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of these resolutions.