City Council Agenda
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Memo to: |
Manteca City Council |
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From: |
Brad Wungluck, Director of Development Services |
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Date: |
October 21, 2025 |
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Subject: |
Building Permit Amnesty Program |
Recommendation:
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Adopt a resolution approving a 2026 Building Permit Amnesty Program commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2026, to Assist Residents in Legalizing Unpermitted Residential Construction.
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Background:
At the February 4, 2025, City Council meeting, staff received direction to explore options for assisting residents with the legalization of unpermitted dwellings and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). City Council expressed interest in developing a program that would encourage voluntary compliance, increase safety in the community, and reduce financial and legal barriers for property owners.
Following this direction, staff conducted several months of research, including a review of best practices from other jurisdictions in California and consultation with regional building officials. The findings confirm that amnesty programs can be an effective tool for bringing unpermitted structures into compliance while building community trust and prioritizing safety.
The proposed Building Permit Amnesty Program would be offered during the 2026 calendar year. Its primary purpose is to provide property owners with a clear, affordable, and time-limited pathway to legalize unpermitted residential construction.
Common examples of eligible work include, but are not limited to:
• Garage conversions and room additions
• Unpermitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Installation of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels
• Structural alterations or improvements completed without a building permit
Staff will launch a public information campaign in late 2025 to inform residents of the program’s requirements and benefits. Outreach will include utility website updates, social media posts, and community workshops.
Fiscal Impact:
The program will temporarily reduce revenue from fines and fee collections due to the suspension of Code Enforcement actions for participating property owners. However, these impacts are expected to be offset in part by an increase in building permit activity and associated plan check and inspection fees. The program may also reduce long-term enforcement costs by encouraging voluntary compliance and resolving outstanding violations.
Documents Attached:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - Building Permit Amnesty Program Guidebook