Section R105.1, Chapter 1 of the California Residential Code and Section 105.1, Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition is hereby amended to read:
Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure, any boathouse, nonregistered houseboat, wharf, boat dock, or other water-related structure or make any installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or remodel of any equipment, system, or private parking lot regulated by the adopted administrative provisions and model codes, without first obtaining a permit for each building, structure, equipment, system, or private parking lot from the Building Official.
Section R105.2, Item 2 of the California Residential Code and Section 105.2, Item 2 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition is hereby amended to read.
2. 
Fences meeting all of the following:
a. 
Not over 7 feet high.
b. 
Not used as a pool, spa, or hot tub barrier.
c. 
When constructed of concrete or masonry not over 4 feet in height above adjacent finished grade.
(Prior code § 13-301; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 3; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
Section R106.1.1 of the California Residential Code, and Section 107.2.1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition is hereby amended to read:
Information on Plans and Specifications: Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale upon suitable material or electronic media and formatted as approved by the Building Official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the model codes, relevant laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations as determined by the Building Official. The first page of each set of plans shall give the street address of the work and the name and address of the owner and person who prepared them. Plans for buildings and structures shall include a plot plan showing the location of the proposed building and of every existing building on the property. In lieu of detailed specifications, the Building Official may approve references on the plans to a specific section or part of these codes or other ordinances or laws.
(Prior code § 13-302; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 3; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2018-09-18-1104 § I; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
Sections R105.5, R106.3, R106.3.1, R106.3.3, R106.4, and R106.5, Chapter 1, of the California Residential Code and Sections 105.5, 107.3, 107.3.1, 107.3.3, 107.4, and 107.5, Chapter 1, of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, are hereby amended to read.
A. 
Procedure for Issuance.
1. 
Review of Plans: The application, plans, specifications, computations, and other data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the Building Official. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of the City of Stockton and other enforcement agencies to verify compliance with the applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the Building Official is satisfied that the work described in the application for a permit and the plans, specifications, and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of these codes and other pertinent laws, ordinances, and resolutions, and that the fees specified in Section 15.04.280 and Title 16 et seq., and accompanying resolutions have been paid, a permit shall be issued to the applicant.
2. 
Endorsement: Modification of Approved Plans: When a permit for which plans are required is issued, the Building Official shall endorse in writing or stamp on electronic sets of plans and specifications "Reviewed for Code Compliance." Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified, or altered without prior written authorization from the Building Official, and all work regulated by these codes shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.
3. 
Permits for Partial Construction: The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building, structure, or system before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building, structure, or system have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of these codes. The holder of such permit shall proceed at their own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure, equipment, or system will be granted.
B. 
Denial of Permit: A permit shall not be issued for work on property within an area which has been determined by the Building Official to be unsafe for such work, and because of the hazard there is no way in which the structure can be erected on such land so that it will be safe.
C. 
Retention of Construction Documents: One set of approved plans, specifications, and computations shall be retained by the Building Official for a period of time set forth in State and local statutes, and one set of plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant and said set shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.
D. 
Expiration of Permit.
1. 
Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of these codes shall expire by limitation and become null and void in the following circumstances:
a. 
If the building or work authorized by such permit for a project is not commenced and at least one approved inspection recorded on the permit within three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of issuance of such permit; or
b. 
If the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days. Work shall be deemed abandoned or suspended if one hundred eighty (180) days has passed between approved inspections recorded on the permit.
2. 
Before such work can be recommended a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefore shall be one-third (1/3) the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded three (3) years.
3. 
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may be commenced under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for a period of not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each.
E. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code to the contrary, in the event, after issuance of a Building Permit, the Building Official finds that work has been suspended or not prosecuted diligently during the validity period, then upon recommendation to the Building Board of Appeals and upon majority vote of the Building Board of Appeals, the Board may terminate the permit, add conditions to said permit, including the requirement of a faithful performance bond guaranteeing completion of the structure within a reasonable time as specified by the Board if the permit is renewed or extended, or impose other penalties and sanctions as it may deem appropriate. A copy of the Building Official's recommendation shall be sent to the holder of the building permit at the same time that said recommendation is sent to the Building Board of Appeals.
Any action taken by the Building Board of Appeals as herein provided shall be taken only after a public hearing, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Title 15 of the Stockton Municipal Code. At least ten (10) days' written notice shall be given to the holder of the Building Permit prior to the date set for public hearing.
(Prior code § 13-303; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 3; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
Section R108, Chapter 1, of the California Residential Code and Section 109, Chapter 1, of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition is hereby amended to read.
A. 
Establishment of Fees: Permit fees shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Council of the City of Stockton.
B. 
Determination of Value:
The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated permit value at time of application. The value to be used in computing the building permit and building plan review fees shall be the total of all construction work for which the permit is being issued, as well as roofing, electrical, plumbing, gas, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems, and any other permanent equipment and systems. Value for donated and/or discounted materials and labor shall be established at typical market value and rates. The permit shall include additional valuation for work on the project site such as lighting, sewer, water service, and other items requiring inspection. In no case shall the valuation for new construction or additions be less than determined by the International Code Council based cost tables. When permitted work includes an alteration to an existing structure, or includes work outside of the standard calculated fee areas determined by the International Code Council based square footage cost tables, the applicant shall provide actual/contracted project costs to establish the additional non-calculated valuation of the total permitted project. If, in the opinion of the Building Official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the Building Official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the Building Official.
C. 
Work Without a Permit — Investigation Fee: Where work for which a permit is required is started or proceeded prior to obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee shall be collected at the time the permit is issued. The investigation fee shall total twice the amount of the permit fee. The investigation fee shall be in addition to the permit fee.
The payment of the investigation fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work or from any other penalties prescribed by law.
D. 
Investigation Fee — Appeal: Any person required to pay an investigation fee under subsection C above, may appeal the imposition of such investigation fee to the Board of Appeals. Such appeal shall be filed according to the rules and regulations of the Board of Appeals.
Whenever the Board of Appeals finds that there is a reasonable excuse for the failure to obtain a building permit, the Board of Appeals may reduce the amount of the investigation fee to one-ninth (1/9) of the amount of the investigation fee as set forth in subsection C above.
In determining whether there is a reasonable excuse for the failure to obtain a permit, the Board of Appeals may consider such factors as unfamiliarity with the Code or demonstrable negligence on the part of an employee.
E. 
Record Fees Collected: The Director shall keep a permanent, accurate account of all fees collected and give the name of each of the persons upon whose account the same were paid, the date and amount thereof, together with the location of the building or premises to which they relate.
F. 
Plan Review Fees: When a plan or other data is required to be submitted, a plan review fee shall be paid. Said plan review fee shall be collected either at the time of submitting plans and specifications or at the time of issuance of the permit, at the discretion of the Building Official. Said plan review fees for buildings or structures shall be those established by resolution of the Council of the City of Stockton.
G. 
The plan review fees specified in this subsection are separate fees from the permit fees specified in subsection A of this section and are in addition to the permit fees.
H. 
The plan review fees specified in this subsection shall be charged at the rate established by resolution of the Council of the City of Stockton.
I. 
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate established by resolution of the Council of the City of Stockton.
J. 
Combination Permit: Combination permits are required for any project for which there is more than one trade involved in the construction of a project, including building, mechanical, plumbing, and/or electrical.
K. 
Expiration of Plan Review: Applications for which no permit is issued within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official unless said application is pursued diligently within the validity period. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days upon request by the applicant allowing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. The Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding ninety (90) days each. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
L. 
Fee Refunds:
1. 
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.
2. 
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this Code. The plan review fee shall be retained.
3. 
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than eighty percent (80%) of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.
4. 
The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not later than three hundred sixty-five (365) days after the date of fee payment.
(Prior code § 13-304; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 3; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
The City shall participate in the strong-motion instrumentation program established by Chapter 8 of Division 2 of the California Public Resources Code, commencing with Section 2700 and collect fees on the total value of proposed building construction as set therein.
(Prior code § 13-304.1)
Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 34090 and 34090.5, and California Health and Safety Code Section 19850, the City is required to preserve certain building construction plans and documents. In order to pay for the electronic imaging of such records, a fee shall be collected from each applicant for a building permit as set by resolution of the Council of the City.
(Prior code § 13-304.2; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 3)
Section R109, Chapter 1, of the California Residential Code and Section 110, Chapter 1, of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition is hereby amended to read.
A. 
General. All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and all such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Official. In addition, certain types of construction shall be subject to continuous inspections as specified in Section 15.04.320.
Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of these Codes or of other ordinances of the City of Stockton. Inspections purporting to waive or authorize violation of any provisions of these Codes or of other ordinances of the City of Stockton shall be void.
It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Building Official nor the City of Stockton shall be liable for any expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
A survey of the lot may be required by the Building Official to verify that the structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
B. 
Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Building Official that such work is ready for inspection. The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least twenty-four (24) hours before such inspection is scheduled. Such request may be online or by telephone at the option of the Building Official.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspection required by these Codes to provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work.
C. 
Permit Card. Work requiring a building permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or their agent shall have posted the official permit record card in a conspicuous place on the front premises and in such a position as approved by the Building Official. This card shall be maintained in such position by the permit holder until final approval has been issued by the Building Official.
D. 
Approvals Required; Conformity with Approved Plans. No work shall be done on any part of the building, structure, or private parking lot beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official. The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate that portion of the construction is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the permit holder or their agent wherein the same fails to comply with these Codes and the approved plans, specifications, and permit conditions. Any portions which do not comply shall be corrected and such portions shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official. Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection shall have been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the inspections required in subsection E, below.
There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings and building service equipment when completed and ready for occupancy.
E. 
Required Inspections. Reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.
The Building Official shall make the following inspections upon notification by the permit holder or their agent providing all other requirements of this section have been met. The Building Official may require additional inspections other than those listed below at his/her discretion. The Building Official shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or their agent wherein the same fails to comply with these Codes, the approved plans and specifications, or other permit conditions.
1. 
Foundation Inspection: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected and when all materials for the foundation are delivered on the job. Where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the job.
2. 
Concrete Slab or Underfloor Inspection: To be made after all in-slab or underfloor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories, and other auxiliary equipment items are in place, inspected, and approved but before any concrete is poured or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.
3. 
Lowest floor elevation: In flood hazard areas, upon forming of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to concrete pour or further vertical construction, the Building Official shall require an elevation certificate certifying the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement.
4. 
Frame Inspection: To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys, and vents are complete and rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes, and ducts are approved.
5. 
Insulation Inspection: To be made after all insulation has been installed.
6. 
Fireplace Inspection: To be made when any masonry fireplace has been constructed to mantel height with reinforcing steel, combustion air openings, and dampers in place.
7. 
Hollow Concrete Block Masonry: To be made after first block courses are laid up with the first bond beam course steel in place and before bond beam blocks are grouted.
8. 
Lath and/or Wallboard Inspection: To be made after all lathing and/or wallboard, interior and exterior, is in place but before any plastering is applied or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
9. 
Weather-Exposed Balcony and Walking Surface Waterproofing Inspection: Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces have weather-exposed surfaces, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.
10. 
Fire and Smoke Resistant Penetrations Inspection: Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barrier and smoke partitions shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.
11. 
Final Inspection: To be made after all work required by the building permit is complete and the building is ready for occupancy, and public improvements have either been accepted by action of the City Council, or upon application of City Public Works, when the subdivision is otherwise in compliance with all pertinent regulations. If located in a flood hazard area, documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor or the elevation of dry floodproofing, if applicable, shall be submitted to the Building Official prior to final inspection.
F. 
Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Private Parking Lot Inspections.
1. 
General: All equipment, systems, or private parking lots for which a permit is required under these codes shall be inspected by the Building Official. No portion of any equipment, system, or private parking lot intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the building or private parking lot shall be concealed until inspected and approved. When the installation of any equipment or system is complete, a second or final inspection shall be made. Equipment or systems regulated by these codes shall not be connected to the fuel or power supply until authorized by the Building Official.
2. 
Operation of Equipment: The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any equipment or systems installed to replace existing equipment or systems serving an occupied portion of the building if a request for inspection of such equipment or system has been filed with the Department not more than forty-eight (48) hours after such replacement work is completed and before any portion of such equipment or system is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.
3. 
Final Inspection Revoked: A final inspection approval may, upon notice, be revoked by the Building Official if it is found that the equipment or system fails in any respect to comply with the requirements of these codes, plans, or specifications or that the installation is unsafe, dangerous, or a hazard to life or property.
G. 
Other Inspections. In addition to the called inspections specified above, the Building Official may make or require other inspections of any construction work or of any existing building to ascertain compliance with the provisions of these codes and other laws which are enforced by the Building Official.
For the purpose of determining compliance with Section 15.04.040, the Building Official may cause any structure to be inspected.
H. 
Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.
This subsection is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of these codes, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the permit card is not properly posted on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefore in writing upon a form furnished for the purpose, and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with Section 15.04.280.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(Prior code § 13-305; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 5; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
In addition to the inspections to be made as specified in Section 15.04.310, the owner or the engineer or architect acting as the owner's agent shall employ one or more approved special inspectors who shall provide the special inspections as follows:
A. 
As specifically required by the Building Official.
B. 
As required by Chapter 17 of the 2025 California Building Code.
C. 
Electrical Special Inspection: In addition to the inspections required by the 2025 California Electrical Code (CEC), electrical special inspection shall be provided for the following items:
1. 
Installation or alteration of high voltage electrical systems and equipment which fall within the scope of CEC, Article 490.
2. 
Installation or alteration of that portion of a healthcare facilities electrical system which falls within the scope of CEC, Article 517, including such systems installed in facilities where outpatient surgical procedures are performed (OSHPD 3).
3. 
Installation or alteration of electrical systems within locations classified as hazardous by provisions of the CEC, except for gasoline dispensing installations and systems located within storage garages, repair garages or lubritoriums.
4. 
Installation of Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS) which fall within the scope of CEC, Article 708.
5. 
Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems greater than 100 kW which fall within the scope of CEC, Article 690.
6. 
Installation of unlisted equipment.
7. 
Where required by the Registered Design Professional in responsible charge for the electrical design.
(Prior code § 13-306; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
Sections 111.1 and 111.2 Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, and Sections R110.1 and R110.2 Chapter 1 of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, are hereby amended to read.
A. 
Change in Occupancy. Changes in the character of use of a building shall not be made except as specified in Section 506 of the California Existing Building Code. A building or structure undergoing a change of occupancy shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part, until the Building Official has issued a certificate of occupancy.
B. 
Certificate Issued. After final inspection when it is found that the building or structure complies with the provisions of these codes, the Building Official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy which shall contain the following.
1. 
The building permit number.
2. 
The address of the structure.
3. 
The name and address of the owner.
4. 
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. 
A statement that the described portion of the structure complies with the requirements of these codes for group and division of occupancy as classified.
6. 
The name of the Building Official.
7. 
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. 
The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. 
The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. 
The design occupant load.
11. 
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12. 
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
C. 
Posting. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the Building Official.
(Prior code § 13-307; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 7; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)