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You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!
The City of San José Presents:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions


Q
There is a pothole in the street. Where can I report this?

A
Contact the City's Department of Transportation, Street Maintenance at (408) 277-4373 for assistance Monday – Friday 7a.m. – 4 p.m.


Q
People are constantly speeding down my street. Can speed bumps or a stop sign be installed to slow the traffic?

A
Contact the Department of Transportation, Traffic Calming, at (408) 277-4304 to inquire about a traffic study.


Q
My street tree is pulling up the sidewalk in front of my house. How can I get it removed and get the sidewalk fixed?

A
Contact the City's Department of Transportation, Sidewalk section at (408) 277-3158 for assistance, Monday – Friday, 7a.m. – 4 p.m. Street tree removal questions and permission can be obtained by calling the City Arborist at 408-277-2762.


Q
My street light is out. Can you tell me who to call to get it replaced?

A
You can get your streetlight repaired by calling the City's street light recorder. You will be asked to provide the number from the street pole. The number is stenciled on the pole at eye level, facing the street. Contact the street light recorder by calling (408) 277-5517 and leave a message.


Q
Who do I call when my sewer is backed up?

A
Contact the Department of Transportation, Sewer, at (408) 277-4373, Monday – Friday, 7a.m. – 4p.m .


Q
Where can I get information about starting my own business?

A
The City’s Finance Department, Treasury Division, has a business packet that explains the licenses and permits that must be obtained before doing business in the City. To contact the Treasury Division, call (408) 277-5051.


Q
I would like to start a business out of my home. Can you tell me how to find out about the zoning regulations for my area?

A
Contact the City's Planning Department at (408) 277-4576 to find out about zoning regulations for your area.


Q
Does the City have a program for gang prevention?

A
The City has many youth programs offered through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. The numbers are listed below:

The Right Connection (408) 251-6026
San Jose BEST (408) 277-4693
STAND:
(408) 277-2739
Clean Slate:
(408) 277-2824
Youth Employment Services (408) 277-4661


Q
Does the City sponsor any after school programs for youth?

A
The City has many after school programs offered through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS). For program
information please visit the PRNS website to review the Citywide Activity Guide. Specifically the After-School Programs can be reached at (408)
794-1660.


Q
Does the City of San José have a first time homebuyers program?

A
The City has a first time homebuyers program offered through the City's Housing Department. For information call (408) 277-4900.


Q
Does the City of San José offer any financial assistance to repair or paint my older home?

A
The City has a program for low interest rate home repair loans for qualified residents. Call (408) 277-3969 for more information about the program. The City also has a program to assist residents who can't afford to get their homes painted. For more information about that program call (408) 277-5273.


Q
Does the City of San José have rent control?

A
The City of San José enforces a rent control ordinance pertaining to triplexes, apartments, and mobile homes. For information call (408) 277-5431.

Q
How do I report an abandoned vehicle on my street?


A
Contact the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at (408) 277-5305. You will be asked
to provide a description of the automobile, its license plate number and its location. The City will then tag the vehicle and have it towed away if it has not been moved within 72 hours. Removal of the vehicle from the street may take up to 45 days.


Q
My neighbor has a large accumulation of garbage in his backyard. Is there anything that can be done about this?

A
The City's Department of Planning Building and Code Enforcement has a division that provides assistance by enforcing the Municipal Code so that neighborhoods throughout the city can be clean and safe. The number to call for assistance is (408) 277-4528 and ask to speak with the complaint desk.


Q
Is there a way I can dispose of my refrigerator through the garbage service?

A
The City's Recycle Plus program has a “ large item pick-up” service that can be ordered by calling (408) 277-2700, and then selecting the option for “large item pick-up” service from the menu.


Q
Can the City send someone to pick up an old appliance (or other large item) that has been left in the street?

A
The Department of Transportation is responsible for keeping the city's streets clear of obstructions. To have discarded items or garbage removed from a city street, contact the Department of Transportation Maintenance Division at (408) 277-4373,
Monday – Friday, 7a.m. – 4 p.m.


Q
Where can I get a calendar of downtown City events?

A
A calendar of downtown events is available through the City's Office of Cultural Affairs by calling (408) 277-5144. In addition, you can contact the San Jose Downtown Association at (408) 279-1775 or visit the “Things to Do” section of the San Jose Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
website,at http://www.sanjose.org.


Q
Where do I get a police clearance letter necessary to open a daycare, be a coach, or for immigration purposes?

A
You can obtain a police clearance letter by contacting the San Jose Police Department Records Office at (408) 277-4141.


Q
Where do I get a flood zone identification number that my insurance company has requested?

A
For information about flood zones and related information, contact the Department of Public Works Development Services at (408) 277-3133. You’ll be asked to provide your name, address, parcel number and phone number on a recording. After your inquiry is researched someone will contact you with the flood zone information.


Q
Do I need a permit to put a new roof on my house?

A
Many building projects require permits. To find out if you need to obtain a permit prior to construction, contact the City's Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement at (408) 277-4541, Option 5 to speak with a live person at the permit center.


Q
What can be done about parking problems in my neighborhood?

A
To request a study to determine if residential parking permits can be used in your neighborhood contact the City's Department of Transportation at
(408) 277-4304.
To request additional enforce-ment; contact the Parking Enforcement Office at (408) 277-5545.


Q
Are there any local programs or services for seniors?

A
The City's Office on Aging has information about programs and services for the city's senior population. For more information call (408) 277-4561.


Q
Where can I report noise from airplanes that fly over my house?

A
The City's Airport Noise Office establishes operating guidelines to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on the surrounding community. The Airport Noise Office investigates airport noise events and monitors compliance with the time of day restrictions. More information can be obtained by calling (408) 452-0707.

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