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Permit guides

ADU Permits in Stockton: a Homeowner's Guide

Free pre-approved plans, a waiver of city impact fees under 750 square feet — and a separate solar permit you can't skip. Here's how Stockton handles ADUs.

Last updated October 2026. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the city before you build.

Who handles your permit

The City of Stockton Community Development Department runs ADU permits through its Permit Center at 345 N. El Dorado Street (the Building & Life Safety Division sits at 501 W. Weber Ave, Bldg 2). Before you submit, call the Planning Division at (209) 937-8266 or email planning@stocktonca.gov — they need to confirm whether a planning permit applies to your lot first. The city's ADU fact sheet and permit-ready ADU guide are posted at stocktonca.gov/ADU.

What you can build

Stockton's free permit-ready plans

Stockton publishes three pre-approved ADU designs — a Studio, a 1-Bedroom, and a 2-Bedroom — available at no charge from the Building & Life Safety Division. They were drawn up by city staff with drafting help from Lincoln High School's Engineering and Construction Academy students, and using them buys you expedited permit review.

You'll still need a to-scale site plan, a signed Hold Harmless Agreement (form BLDG-0078), and any Planning clearance before submittal — and the pre-approved plans may not be an option inside certain design districts. If you modify them for field conditions or preference, the city can require a licensed design professional to prepare the revisions.

What goes into the submittal

• Building permit application, plus an owner-builder form if you'll hold the permit yourself.
• Site plan (digital copy), drawn to scale: property lines, structures, setbacks, easements, utility locations, and electrical service.
• Hold Harmless Agreement for use of the city's pre-approved plans.
• School fee compliance form and receipt — school districts are separate from the city, and their fees aren't waived.
• Separate solar permit for new detached ADUs — its final inspection must pass before the ADU gets final approval.

Where applications usually get stuck

• School district fees. The city waives its own impact fees under 750 sq ft, but school district developer fees are a separate bill — budget for them.
• Solar sequencing. The PV permit is separate and its final must clear first; people who start it late stall their ADU final.
• Flood zone review. Much of Stockton sits in Delta floodplain — finished-floor elevation requirements can change the foundation design and the budget.
• Design districts. Properties in certain design districts can't use the free pre-approved plans and need full custom design review.
• Electrical service upgrades. Older panels and overhead drops get flagged — coordinate service capacity early.