Planning Official to Return to Pasadena – With much regret, John Poindexter is leaving his role as our City’s first Planning Official due to personal reasons that necessitate his return to his family in Pasadena. This was a very difficult decision for him and one that he did not make lightly. Drawn to San José by the “unique direction and activity level being experienced by the city,” John described his short tenure as “inspirational and exciting.” His arrival in September 2007 capped the integration of our two former Planning Divisions and he was an integral part of the executive management team for the Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement. He will remain in his role until February 29th and, among other things, will focus on completing the Project Manager’s Guide for planners and continuing to develop the Green Building Policy work plan. A recruiter is now helping the Department find an equally talented replacement. Until that time, Department Director Joe Horwedel and Assistant Director Laurel Prevetti will jointly manage the Planning Division.

‘Vision North San José’ Wins Statewide Planning Award – The California Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) selected the City’s Vision North San José planning effort as the 2007 winner for the Outstanding Comprehensive Planning Award: Large Jurisdiction. This award recognizes comprehensive plans of unusually high merit that employ innovative concepts, have elements applicable to other areas, and demonstrate excellence in thought, analysis and presentation. The City received the award at the APA’s Annual State Conference held in San José in October. The City’s submittal won previously in 2007 at the local chapter level and included letters of support from Cadence, BEA, the Sierra Club, the Greenbelt Alliance, and Orchard Partners. Application information for 2008 APA award submittals is now posted on the Northern Section California Chapter of APA website.

2nd Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey In Progress – For the second year in a row, a consultant is asking 1,000 of our customers to assess their satisfaction with the permitting process. The results of the survey will help the Development Services partners – Planning, Building, Public Works and Fire – continue to identify specific areas for improvement and quantifiably measure progress in those areas going forward. Last year’s data established an important baseline which will now be compared to the new 2007 data and used for performance measures, budgetary decisions, and business process improvements. The consultant is currently in the field with the survey and is scheduled to provide the partners with a report on the results in March. Once the results are available, the partners will post them online, review them during customer roundtable meetings, and present them to Council.

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Third and Final Phase of County Annexations Set to Begin – Nearly two years after the City Council launched the County Island Annexation Program, San José has now annexed 31 “islands” consisting of approximately 193 acres. The City began the annexation process by focusing initially on the smallest and least populated areas. Phase 3 will include larger areas and will begin with islands located in Council Districts 1 and 6. Over the next several months, City planners will conduct community meetings for County residents and businesses affected by the change to explain the process and answer questions. In addition, the City will distribute an Annexation Answer Book that has complete information about the process, timeline, and service changes. The unincorporated islands are currently governed by and receive services from the County even though they are completely or substantially surrounded by incorporated, or City, lands. The annexations are being completed in cooperation with and at the request of the County to reduce the inefficiencies associated with providing services to small areas within the various communities throughout the County. At the outset of the program, San José had a total of 49 unincorporated islands smaller than 150-acres which were all proposed for annexation. Once the annexations are complete, the City will add approximately 16,650 residents and 1,500 acres of land to San José. For information about the annexations, contact Justin Fried at (408) 535-7871.

Bonsai Nursery Blossoms Into New Retail Development – At the busy intersection of De Anza Boulevard and Bollinger Road, the Bonsai Nursery building sat vacant for years awaiting a transformation. The distinctive structure, built in 1960 and reflective of post-war modernism construction, qualified for San José’s Historic Resources Inventory. When the development company Hunter/Storm approached the City with a proposal, City planners worked with them to include the nursery structure in the project. The final site plan proposed to move it to the prominent corner location resulting in more retail square footage than had been originally proposed by the applicant. The proposal was approved in June 2007 and work at the site has progressed rapidly. Construction crews have relocated the nursery building and begun grading and construction work. The nursery building will be occupied by Starbuck’s which plans to retain as much of the unique character of the building as possible, including keeping the bright orange interior paint common in mid-century modern design and using the large panels on the front façade that open up to create an indoor-outdoor feel to the space. Other planned tenants on the site include Trader Joe’s, Wachovia Bank, and a Fed-EX Kinko’s.

High Rises on the Rise – Construction and planning continues for residential high rises in the City. This summer, construction will be completed on the 22-story Axis San Jose high-rise with 329 condominiums at 38 Almaden Boulevard. Model homes are now open and floors four through ten will be available for occupancy in May. The 88 high-rise containing 197 condominiums at 88 E. San Fernando Street is nearing completion and will be available for occupancy this fall. The 88 developers also have filed a land use permit for a second residential tower north of the San Jose Repertory Theater containing 204 high-rise condominiums. A public hearing is anticipated for March 2008. The 19-story, 213 condominium 360 Residences tower at 170 S. Market Street is under construction. It is expected to be ready for occupancy by the winter of 2009. Finally, up to 600 residential units are currently proposed in four buildings up to 175 feet in height on the Japantown Corporation Yard site. A Draft EIR is now circulating for public review with public hearings anticipated for spring 2008. For more information about residential high rise projects, contact Ron Eddow at (408) 535-7848.

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Sign Code Update Underway for Downtown, Commercial/Industrial Development –The Planning Division is embarking on a major update to the City’s Sign Code based on direction given by the City Council in December (Council Meeting Minutes 12/11/07, Item 4.2). The update efforts, expected to take about 20 months, will focus on signage in the Downtown area and the City’s commercial and industrial Zoning Districts. The City is in the process of hiring a code consultant and developing a work plan which will include extensive public outreach to businesses, the development sector, and the community at large. For more information, visit the Sign Ordinance webpage or contact Carol Hamilton at (408) 535-7837.

New Codes Change Use of Portland Cement Plaster and Gypsum Wallboard – For many years, the Uniform Building Code permitted use of shear wall assemblies made with gypsum wallboard and Portland cement plaster. However, these materials have exhibited poor performance in tests and earthquakes. Tests have shown that reversed cyclic loading, representative of moderate to major seismic events, can cause a significant degradation in the capacity of these materials. Consequently, San José and most other Bay Area jurisdictions have disallowed the use of Portland cement plaster and gypsum wallboard in shear walls and braced wall panels. As such, the shear values for these materials have been deleted from the San Jose Code Adoption Ordinance. The only exception to this is that Portland cement plaster is still allowed in one-story structures of R-3 and U-1 occupancies which are constructed under the “Conventional Light-frame Construction” section of the California Building Code. For information about this and other code changes, visit the Code Adoption webpage or contact Homer Maiel at (408) 535-7765.

450 Attended Free Building Code Seminars – The City’s Building Division had an overwhelming and very positive response to its two free seminars offered in the fall to review the new California Building Codes that went into effect January 1st. Many of the 450 attendees followed up with positive feedback and praised the City for “taking this proactive approach to help architects, consultants and applicants ‘hit the ground running’ with the new code.” San José was the only local city to provide this service to design professionals and contractors which not only gave participants technical information about the code changes, but also encouraged collaboration between the City and the development community. For more information about the new codes, including details about San José’s local amendments, visit the Code Adoption webpage

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We’d like to thank our many customers for taking the time to let us know when our service has impressed you. The following are excerpts from letters and survey responses we’ve received:

Thank you so much for providing the neighborhood clean-up program. I am a single mom with two kids and until Saturday I had a huge pile of junk next to my house. I was very concerned that it would attract rodents or worse, catch fire. It was way too big a task for me, I don't have a truck and I didn't have the money to hire someone to haul it away.  On Saturday my neighbor let me throw some things in her truck, to take to the dumpster and when we went over to drop it off, we met Henry Machens. He was so very helpful. I told him about my problem and he dispatched a flatbed and a crew to load the junk and haul it away. This was an answer to my prayers. Thank you so very much for protecting the health and safety of my family. I can't tell you how much this program and your wonderful staff have meant to me.  [excerpt of letter from San Jose resident to Code Official and Council member Williams]

You were an awesome guide and we thank you for it.  Thank you for your patience with all our queries, for your easy to understand instructions and most of all for making my dream come true - the CUP in time for our 10th anniversary celebration!  [letter excerpt to Planner Martina Davis from owner of daycare, Beginning Steps to Independence]

I want to thank you and Avril Baty for all of the hard work you both put in bringing the [mixed use project at King & Dobbin] through the zoning process. We are very grateful for your quick and accurate feedback and your expertise at coordinating all of the various City departments to make this project happen.  [letter excerpt to Senior Planner Lee Butler from project manager with Core Development]

Thank you so much for your assistance on [our] project.  Your role as a small business ambassador is CRITICAL in the big city San Jose has become.  It is critical in a big city like San Jose, with many projects that involve older existing buildings, established well before current zoning standards, that someone like you is available to help the smaller fish in this big pond.  From the moment I was able to speak to you, I felt a sigh of relief, because I knew I finally was speaking to someone who understood the process as a whole, and would be able to speak to or have US speak to, the right people. I have consistently reached you early in the morning, and late at night, a testament to how hard you are working, and how important it is to have you in the position you serve. Thank you again for your assistance and ability to get us through the process. [letter excerpt to Permit Specialist and Small Business Ambassador Annie Esget from project architect]

The purpose of this is to tell you how pleased we are with the positive experience working with Ron Eddow and Michelle Stahlhut of the San Jose Planning Department. Ron and Michelle always returned phone calls and e-mails promptly and were always there when we needed assistance. We feel that the planning department's correspondence with business and professional attitude should be a model for all City of San Jose departments to follow. Even when Michelle was sick, she still managed to give us a ring regarding project status before she went home early. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to your employees for everything that they have helped us with and for really understanding and believing in our project from start to finish with no preconceived notions.  [letter excerpt from Lawrence Clay, Restaurant Consultant for the Reserve Art Gallery & Restaurant]

I have been meeting with cities for over 25 years – never have I experienced the level of knowledge or professionalism I received today.  [survey comments from Philip Murphy, CEO of GNU Group, about help received from Planner Lesley Xavier and Senior Permit Specialist Amanda Lopez.

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Field Coordinators Provide Guaranteed 2nd Opinion During Inspection – In most cases our building inspectors are able to resolve issues on site during your inspection. However, in case you or they need a second opinion, we have six Supervising Inspectors designated as Field Coordinators. Each Field Coordinator serves as a single point of contact for projects within a certain geographic area of the City. Their role is to ensure safety and consistency by providing a “guaranteed second opinion” for any field inspection conflicts and coordinating resolution of those issues. You will find your Field Coordinator’s name and phone number printed on your permit card and all field inspection notices.

BusinessOwnerSpace.com Links Permitting, Business Resources – “We see it all too frequently,” says Annie Esget, one of our Small Business Ambassadors in the Development Services Permit Center. “Business owners will sign leases or buy property without first checking with the City to ensure their proposed business is viable with the zoning at the location.” Being able to reach more businesses to convey this message was one of the driving factors behind the Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement becoming a Charter Partner of BusinessOwnerSpace.com, a new online resource to help with all facets of starting, growing, and sustaining a business. Launched in October 2007 by a network of public and private organizations, ‘BOS’ integrates a variety of free or low-cost business resources into one location. “BOS is a win-win for us all,” emphasizes Annie. “We get our message out and customer referrals, and business owners learn how important it is to check with the City’s permit center early, even when their business is just an idea.”

Tell Us What You Think – Any Time! – As you move through the development process, you now have a new, easier way to give us feedback at any point using our online “take one” customer satisfaction survey. This new survey consolidates multiple versions previously distributed by Planning, Building, Public Works and Fire at various stages of the process. Please take the time to fill out the survey to let us know when you have been happy with our service or where you think we can improve. Supervisors review all of the surveys related to their area of the organization and the survey results help us recognize and train staff, identify improvement areas, and keep in touch with customers. If you wish to leave your contact information, a supervisor will be in touch with you to discuss your comments. Surveys are available online and at all reception desks and permit counters in the Permit Center.

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Five-Year Development Forecast Predicts Impacts of “Rise and Fall” Activity – Development activity levels are presently undergoing a sharp reversal of the trends that had held throughout this decade. Residential construction levels, which remained steady during and beyond the last recession in 2001, are faltering in the face of economic challenges more specific to the housing sector and potentially more severe and widespread than those experienced during the “dot com bust.” In contrast, non-residential construction is now rebounding to levels not seen since that time. In the short term, this concurrent “rise and fall” of activity should yield an overall flat building permit valuation of $875 million in fiscal year 2007/08 – a dip of just 3% from the prior year. However, due to expectations for modest improvement in residential activity in the years ahead, permit valuation is forecast to rise and hover around the $1 billion mark over the remainder of the five-year forecast period (2008-2013). A more detailed discussion of current development activity, trends for each major land use category (residential, commercial, and industrial), and insight as to what may occur over the forecast period are now available in the Development Activity Highlights and Five-Year Forecast (2008-2013) report. This report is published annually by the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement to assist the Office of the City Manager in estimating future construction-related tax revenues that generate funds for the City’s Capital Improvement Program; provide key data for periodic assessment of the rate, type, and location of development activity in San José; and inform the community about major development projects.

2007 Year End Summary of Building Permit Activity – Total construction valuation during calendar year 2007 rose to $977 million, a 15% increase from the prior year and a four-year high.  This increase was due to a surge in non-residential activity in the final quarter, stemming primarily from a handful of office construction and renovation projects. For example, Phase 1 permits were issued in December for the America Center, an approximately one million square foot office/hotel development by Legacy Partners in Alviso. This fourth quarter surge, combined with weakness in residential development in the latter half of the year, caused non-residential valuation to outpace residential valuation by a 2 to 1 margin, where a 50 / 50 split is the historical norm. Visit the Building Permit History webpage to compare year-end results going back to 1980.

Building Permit Activity for December 2007 and January 2008 – In December, residential building permit activity fell to low levels not seen since late-2001 (37 units); activity in January set a six-month high, but still remained low (144 units). Commercial activity in December vaulted to a five-and-a-half year high with a total permit valuation (new construction and alterations) of $85.5 million, and then dipped in January to a fiscal year low of $13 million. Industrial activity was at its lowest level in three-and-a-half years in December (total permit valuation, $3.0 million) and had no showing in January.

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January Winners of the Director’s Customer Service Award – Each month, we recognize employees who have distinguished themselves with their dedication and proactive, positive customer service-oriented approach to their jobs. Mike Enderby’s regular planning and development presentations to community groups and his recent service as Acting Principal Planner are examples of how he continues to demonstrate his commitment to excellent customer service. Code Enforcement Inspector Sue Welsh recently worked “tirelessly” to handle the removal of over 300 illegally stored tires from a residence; the tires posed a danger as a potential fire hazard and as an incubator for mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. Finally, Amanda Lopez has served in many capacities within the Building Division, starting as a receptionist and now as a Senior Permit Specialist. Her technical expertise and ability to clearly explain often complex information continues to generate a steady stream of commendable customer comments.

Mike Enderby

Sue Welsh

Amanda Lopez

Year of the Rat Welcomed During 10th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration – About 130 staff and their friends ushered in the Chinese New Year with their 10th annual luncheon on February 7th. The group welcomed and celebrated the Year of the Rat, which signifies creativity, wealth, charm, and order, and is the first year of twelve Earthly Branches or Lunar Cycles. The organizing committee (Victor Chen, King Wong, Michael Hsieh, Joyce Liu, Carol Lau and Robert Khalipa from the Building Division and Lai Lam from Fire) produced a magnificent menu and fantastic entertainment for all to enjoy. The entertainment for the event reflected the wide-ranging talent of staff and included the Manila Dancers, Mariachi trio, Asian Dancers with their soloist, and the show-stopping David Johnson singing “My Girl.” All were thrilled to see Nadia Naum-Stoian win the Grand Prize Ming Vase and Du Lam win the hard fought guessing game among dozens of other assorted door prizes. The only thing the crowd missed was the traditional Chinese firecrackers set off to scare away the last remnants of the Year of the Pig.

Three Building Inspection Managers Promoted in January – We’re pleased to announce that Steve Houlihan, Dan Leveque and Richard Betti are the Building Division’s new Building Inspection Managers reporting to the Chief

From left are Steve Houlihan, Dan Leveque and Richard Betti

Reena Racks Up Another LEED Accreditation – Congratulations on going for the GREEN, Reena Mathew! Reena just passed her LEED AP exam and joins two other LEED accredited employees in the Department – Michelle Stahlhut and Joyce Liu. 

Passion and Commitment Earns Juan Borrelli District 5 Award – Alofa Taliva’a is effusive with her praise. “Juan’s commitment and dedication continue to improve East San Jose and continue to make a difference in this great city that we live and work in.” Taliva’a is the chairperson for one of the three Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) organizations that make up the District 5 Community Coalition – the East Valley/680 Communities, Gateway East, and Mayfair. The Coalition awarded Juan with their District 5 Award in 2007, which is his second such award. Taliva’a made special note of how Juan proactively notifies the community when plans are submitted for projects in their neighborhoods, his Spanish translation services during meetings, and his one-on-one assistance to businesses navigating the permitting process. “Juan has attended all of the District 5 Summits. No other City department has attended voluntarily. He does this in order to make sure he understands the community’s perspective on the various problems and also the needs and concerns of the community.” Congratulations Juan!

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Customer Forums

• February 27th, Construction Roundtable, City Hall Tower, Room T-332, 7:30 – 9:00 AM

• March 11th, Neighborhood Roundtable, City Hall Tower, Room T-332, 7:00 – 8:30 AM

• March 28th, Developer’s Roundtable, City Hall Tower, Room T-332, 8:00 – 10:00 AM

Public Hearings/Task Force Meetings

• February 25th, General Plan Update Task Force Meeting, City Hall Wing, Rooms 118-120, 6:30 – 9:00 PM
• Land Use Existing Conditions Report – Understanding land use and development characteristics of the San Jose 2020 General Plan, including patterns, trends, accomplishments, and holding capacities since adoption of San Jose 2020 General Plan 
• Housing Element Process Overview – Understanding housing element process and need to proceed on parallel, separate timeframe

• March 10th, Coyote Valley Specific Plan Task Force Meeting, City Hall Wing, rooms W118-120, 5:30 – 8:30 PM; Check CVSP Website for meeting agendas and materials

Seminars/Events

• Neighborhood Clean-up Days – Looking to get rid of large, bulky items such as tires, mattresses, and appliances from your home in San José? Nearly every Saturday of the year, Code Enforcement employees take large dumpsters to designated locations in San José’s neighborhoods to help residents dispose of their unwanted items. Call (408) 277-4528 for a schedule of clean-up events for your Council district.

• Free Wastewater Facility Tours Highlight Bay Protection – What happens to the wastewater from your sinks, drains and toilets? Take a FREE TOUR of the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant and nearby premiere national wildlife refuge to find out! View the treatment processes and lush marshland while hearing about the exciting greener technologies planned for this 50-year old facility. New technologies for the Plant are the subject of a three-year Master Plan being launched by the eight cities that rely on the Plant. The overall goal is to achieve a world-class, sustainable Plant that is an asset to the community.  Register online at www.sanjoseca.gov/esd or contact Carolina Camarena at (408) 975-2551.

Training Courses/Workshops

Sign up for free energy-efficiency and Green Building classes offered through the Silicon Valley Energy Watch Program, a partnership between the City of San José and PG&E. Visit PG&E Energy Efficiency Classes for course and registration information. Coming up:

• March 21st, LEED for Homes (LEED-H), San José Adobe Headquarters (345 Park Ave, San Jose), 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Join Ann Edminster, one of the principal developers of LEED-H, as she discusses key elements of the program including the rating measures, delivery system, participation process, costs of certification, and the relationship between LEED-H and other green home programs in California.


• April 4th, Putting the V in Residential HVAC, San Jose JATC (908 Bern Court, San Jose), 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Everything architects, builders and mechanical contractors need to know to select, design and install affordable and effective ventilation systems for new or existing homes.


• April 17th, Direct Digital Control Retrofit: From Project Planning through Verification, San Jose Chamber of Commerce (310 South 1st Street, San Jose), 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• A practical course with case studies for building engineers, owners, and control system designers covering the process for a successful DDC control upgrade.


• April 29th, Energy Management for Commercial and Small Businesses, San José Pipe Trades Training Center (780 Commercial Street, San Jose), 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Energy efficiency measures specifically for business facilities; methods for assessing your operation to identify, evaluate, and implement cost effective options; using a checklist audit form to identify and prioritize efficiency opportunities to improve system operation.

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) provides workshops and online courses to help increase your knowledge, expand your practice, and maximize your success in the green building industry. Visit USGBC Courses for course and registration information. Coming up:

• LEED for New Construction Technical Review, Full-day seminar on LEED-NC (New Construction and Major Renovations) rating system.
• March 21st, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM,  San Francisco State University Campus
• April 2nd, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM,  Sacramento Municipal Utility District Office


• LEED for Existing Buildings Technical Review, Full-day seminar on LEED-EB (Existing Buildings) rating system.
• February 20th, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM,  Sacramento Municipal Utility District Office
• April 11th, – 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM,  Pacific Energy Center, San Francisco


• LEED for Commercial Interiors Technical Review, Full-day seminar on LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) rating system.
• February 29th, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM,  StopWaste.org Offices, Oakland
• May 9th, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Adobe Systems, San Jose


• LEED 101: Green Building Basics, A starting point for anyone, particularly those considering more advanced instructor-led workshops.
• Online Course – Available Any Time

Recurring Meetings

Planning Director’s Hearing – Held every Wednesday (excluding holidays)

Planning Commission – Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month (excluding holidays)

Historic Landmarks Commission – Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month (excluding holidays) 

For more upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit our Master Calendar.

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