San José splits complaints between two channels. Problems on private property go to Code Enforcement. Problems on public streets and public property go to San José 311. This guide covers how to report either one, what happens after, and how to look up a case on any address, with the City source linked for every point.
- Code Enforcement handles conditions on private property. For public streets, public grounds or public property, the City says to use 311.1
- San José 311 works by web, app or by dialing 3-1-1, and you can submit requests anonymously.2
- You can look up active and closed Code Enforcement cases from the past two years by address or case number.3
- The City does not publish a response time. It says timelines vary with the type and complexity of the case.4
Which channel to use
- Private property, Code Enforcement: the City says its Code Enforcement Division works with residents and businesses to maintain safe, desirable conditions on private property.1 For a non-emergency inspection of exterior conditions, use the City's Request Code Service form.1
- Public property, San José 311: the City's 311 page lists graffiti removal, illegal dumping, potholes, streetlight repairs and junk pickup among its popular requests, and 311 staff route each request to the right department.2
How to report through 311
- Online: San José 311 on the web at sanjoseca.gov/311.2
- App: San José 311 for iPhone and Android.2
- Phone: dial 3-1-1 to speak with a customer service representative.2
- Anonymous: the City says you can submit requests anonymously.2
What happens after a Code Enforcement complaint
The City describes six steps:4
- Request received. The City confirms the complaint is within Code Enforcement's authority. If not, it forwards it to the right department.
- Case opened. An inspector is assigned and investigates, usually with a site inspection and a review of codes and records.
- Violation confirmed. The inspector documents findings and decides the enforcement action.
- Notice issued. An enforcement notice lists the violations, the corrections, possible fines and a deadline.
- Compliance review. A follow-up inspection checks the work. An extension may be granted.
- Case closed. If the violation is not corrected, the City says further action can include citations, per-day fines, abatement or receivership.
The City says it strives for voluntary compliance, and timelines vary.4
How to look up code enforcement cases on an address
The City offers two ways to search active and closed cases from the past two years:3
- The Code Enforcement Inquiry form, by address or case number.
- An interactive map of open and closed cases, by address.
Results show the case status, the assigned inspector and their supervisor, the Council District and the case number.3 Two limits matter. The complaint description is what the reporting party alleged, not necessarily a confirmed violation, and the City says the data is not to be used for commercial solicitation.3 There is no downloadable list: the City's open data portal publishes permit datasets for this department, not code enforcement cases.5 For older history, check permits at SJPermits.org.6
If you are the owner and a case was opened
To meet with an inspector, email CodeEnforcementInformation@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-535-7770.1 Then see what to do after a San José code enforcement notice and fines and appeals. If the case is about work done without a permit, see code violation and permit resolution. All of our guides are on the San José code compliance page.
Common questions
Can I report a code violation anonymously in San José?
How long does Code Enforcement take to respond?
Sources
- 1. City of San José: Code Enforcement
- 2. City of San José: About San José 311
- 3. City of San José: Code Enforcement, Request Service and Check Status
- 4. City of San José: Code Enforcement Process
- 5. San José Open Data: Planning, Building and Code Enforcement datasets
- 6. City of San José: Legalizing Construction
This page explains the construction side of San José's rules. It is not legal advice. The City and its inspectors decide what applies to your property.