San Jose has a Mediterranean climate with no measurable snowfall. The City does not have a snow removal or sidewalk clearing ordinance. Property owners are responsible for general sidewalk maintenance including keeping sidewalks clear of debris, vegetation overgrowth, and obstructions under SJMC Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places). Sidewalk repairs for damage caused by street trees may be addressed through the City's sidewalk repair program.
While snow clearing is not applicable, property owners must maintain the sidewalk adjacent to their property free of obstructions, overgrown vegetation, and hazards. The City's Department of Transportation manages sidewalk repair programs for damaged sidewalks, particularly those damaged by City-maintained street trees.
Failure to maintain clear sidewalks adjacent to your property can result in code enforcement notices. Trip hazards from damaged sidewalks may create liability for property owners.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.
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