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Code Enforcement - Retail Businesses

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1. What are common code violations regarding retail businesses?

• Junk and other debris on private property
• Illegal dumping of garbage on private property
• Overgrown weeds and hazardous vegetation
• Work conducted without Building permits
• Unsecured / Non-Maintained Vacant Buildings
• Fences and structures in violation of City codes
• Illegal auto repairs/dismantling
• Unsightly buildings in disrepair
• Illegal dumping of garbage on private property.
• Inoperable, disassembled or abandoned vehicles on private property.
• Zoning requirement violations for structures and land use requirements, including the use of the structure, location, configuration and size.
• Illegal signs, including garage sale signs placed on public property
• Parking violations on unimproved surfaces. Unimproved surfaces can include but are not limited to: lawn dirt, gravel and plywood.
• Illegal and disruptive businesses in residential neighborhoods
• Graffiti on private property.
• Substandard housing conditions

Issues that are NOT code violations

• Civil disputes between private parties
• Evictions
• Personal grievances
• Vehicles or RVs abandoned or illegally parked on the street

2. How do I find out what kinds of uses are allowed on my property?

First determine the what zoning your property is in by viewing the San José Land Use Zoning map.

Once you have determined the zoning of your property, review the zoning ordinance in the San José Municipal Code to see what uses are allowed in zoning of your property.

• Residential Zoning Districts (20.30)
• Commercial Zoning Districts and Public/Quasi-Public Zoning District (20.40)
• Industrial Zoning Districts (20.50)

For planning, zoning, and sign questions, request to speak with a planner at (408) 535-3555.

3. What sign types and sizes are permitted for me to use to advertise my business?

Find out the zoning of the property where you wish to advertise your business. Refer to the San José Land Use Map.

After you have determined the zoning, please refer to the Sign Ordinance (Title 23) to see the sign regulations of your zoning.

For planning, zoning, and sign questions, request to speak with a planner at (408) 535-3555. Visit the Planning division's Sign Ordinance page

4. How do I get Planning approval for the changes I want to make to my business?

You must submit a Planning permit application and pay for the filing fees in order to have Planning staff review and approve your changes. Visit the Planning Division's Application webpage to download a permit application and to learn more about the submission process.

For interior changes and tenant improvement, you may need to apply for a Building Permit. Please see the Building Division's Commercial/Industrial Buildings webpage for more information.

5. How can I search permit history for my property?

You can search your property's permit history on the City of San José's Online Permits website.

6. How can I get information about tenant improvements for commercial and industrial buildings?

You can get information about about tenant improvements on the Building Division's Commercial/Industrial Buildings webpage.