Questions and Answers

Q: What is SNI?
Q: How is Code Enforcement helping in this process?
Q: What is the SNI driveway team?
Q: How are the sweep areas selected?
Q: What will the Driveway Team be looking for?
Q: What will happen if a violation is observed?
Q: Where can I get more information?

Q: What is SNI?

Q: How is Code Enforcement helping in this process?

A: In response to this goal, Code Enforcement’s SNI Driveway Team will be touring your neighborhood to identify conditions that detract from the quality of life and create a visual blight.

Q: What is the SNI Driveway Team?

A: The SNI Driveway Team is made up of Code Enforcement Inspectors focused on rapid response to these resident driven priorities.

Q: How are the sweep areas selected?

A: The areas selected for Driveway Team sweeps are in response to requests by Neighborhood Associations and Neighborhood Advisory Committees within the Strong Neighborhood Initiative Areas.

Q: What will the Driveway Team being looking for?

A: The Team will be pro-actively identifying and addressing the following community priorities:

Visible accumulations of trash, garbage and debris and other items in the front yard

Storage of debris/appliances/furniture and other items are not allowed in the front yard for more than 72 hours. Storage of these items not only detracts from the appearance of a neighborhood but also can harbor rodents and be a fire hazard.

Improper storage/overflowing garbage or recycling containers

Garbage cans and recycling containers need to be stored in the side or rear yard of a property, except on your garbage collection day. Garbage containers that are overflowing create a health hazard.

Inoperable and abandoned vehicles

Vehicles can not be stored on the street for more than 72 hours. Inoperable vehicles can not be stored on private property for more than 72 hours when visible from the public right of way or neighboring properties. They may be stored in the garage or in the rear yard/side yard as long as they do not block a window or door preventing escape in the event of a fire. If you have an old vehicle you would like to get rid of, and have the pink slip, the City has a free towing program. For details call 277-4528 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and ask for the free tow program.

Graffiti

The City of San Jose has a program to assist residents and businesses that need to remove graffiti from their property. Graffiti not only creates blight but also may attract crime to an area if not removed in a timely manner. To receive free paint or further information, please contact the City of San Jose Anti-Graffiti Program at 277-3208.

Parking on lawns, parkstrip or sidewalks

Parking a vehicle on any unpaved surface is not allowed. Parking a vehicle on an unpaved surface can be hazardous.

There can be utilities underground, which can be damaged from the weight of the vehicle. The dirt from the front yard may be dragged into the gutter and eventually into the storm drains and into the bay, causing harm to the marine life. Also, this can be a pedestrian hazard, as most people do not expect a car to pull out from the front yard. Parking vehicles on the park strip and/or sidewalk is also a pedestrian hazard as it may cause some people to have to walk into the street.

Q: What will happen if a violation is observed?

A: During the tour, if a violation is observed, a courtesy warning letter will be sent to the property owner advising them to make necessary corrections. The team will make a return inspection after the date listed on the courtesy letter. Violations that have not been corrected by the compliance date may be subject to an Administrative Citation with fines ranging from $75.00 to $500.00.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: If you would like more information, please phone the Code Enforcement’s Driveway Team Hotline at 277-4528.