Code Enforcement Adopts International Property Maintenance Code - Effective April 3

On April 3, 2025, the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code will take effect in the City of Stockton, following adoption of an ordinance at the City Council Meeting of March 4, 2025. The newly adopted code will modernize and streamline code enforcement within the City of Stockton, replacing an outdated 1997 code that has not significantly changed in nearly three decades.

“What we enforce and how we enforce will not change,” shared Almarosa Vargas, Neighborhood Services Section Manager. “The new code is the model code for our industry and is updated on a regular basis, similar to our building codes that are updated every three (3) years. Our standards of enforcement will not change. What is changing are the code section numbers and a code with more common, easily understood terminology that is consistent with other codes used by the City, including building and fire codes.”

The new code sections used by the Neighborhood Services Section for code enforcement purposes will align with the city’s other codes. The property maintenance code identifies the minimum standards for the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

“When property owners need additional time to address issues or are contesting fees, they will still have the same opportunity to address concerns with an Administrative Hearing Officer,” continued Vargas. “Any property owner appealing a code violation, or what they have been cited for, will have the opportunity to address their concerns before a separately established Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals will be made up of community members, appointed by the Mayor and Council, who are qualified by experience and training in the fields of building construction and fire protection and hazards.”

Property owners in good standing will not be impacted by these changes. Those who are cited will find it much easier to understand the reasons and to make corrections consistent with the appropriate building and fire codes.

“Code Enforcement Officers will provide information with each citation. To make certain that the community is aware of the newly adopted code, we will reach out to building trades organizations and contractors, as well as realtors and organizations that represent property owners, for example, rental property associations,” confirmed Vargas.

For more information, including a link to the code section that will go into effect in April, please visit the Code Enforcement webpage, or call (209) 937-8813.