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DOT - Sidewalks & Curb Ramps

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1. Why is it my responsibility to maintain the sidewalk adjacent to my house?

Per San José’s Municipal Code (Sections 14.16.2200 – 14.16.2270), all property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, parkstrip area, and curb and gutter adjacent their property.

2. How long do I have to finish completing concrete repairs?

You have 60 days from the date of notification to complete all repairs.

3. Can I request additional time to make repairs?

The city will grant an extension of time (up to 30 days) as long as progress is being made in completing the repairs.

4. Do I need a permit for concrete repairs?

Yes, permits are required for repair or replacement of the sidewalk, curb and gutter, driveway approaches, or curb ramp.

5. Why is there a permit fee?

Permits fees are charged as a means to partially recover the cost of the sidewalk program.

6. When and where do I pay my permit fees?

You will receive an invoice for permit fees after all of the work is complete and has passed a final inspection by the city. Permit fees should be paid to:
City of San Jose
Finance Department
200 E Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408)535-3570

Do not send in a payment until you have received an invoice.

7. What if I can't afford to make the repairs?

The City may be able perform the required sidewalk and/or tree work for qualifying low-income owner-occupied properties if the property owner’s income is at or less than twice the National Poverty level.

8. What if I don’t qualify for hardship assistance?

You are still responsible for the repairs and failure to complete the repairs in a timely manner will result in the work being assigned to a City of San Jose contractor and an invoice being sent to the property owner.

9. What happens if I don't pay the invoice?

In some cases the Finance Department will allow you to set up a payment plan. However, failure to pay for services rendered will result in a lien being placed on the property and the balance paid on the following year’s property taxes.

10. Does any of the work require an inspection?

Yes, an inspection is required to help identify the sidewalk, curb, and gutter or parkstrip areas deficiencies, after the curb and gutter or driveway forms are installed, and after all work has been completed.

11. How long does it take to schedule a forms inspection?

Forms inspections require 24 hour notification.

12. Do I need to be present during the inspections?

No, The inspector will leave a door hanger on your door with the inspection results.

13. How will I know if I passed my inspection?

The city inspector will leave a door hanger on your door with the inspection results.

14. What is the parkstrip?

The parkstrip is the area between the sidewalk and the curb and gutter.

15. Who can do the work?

You may perform the work yourself, hire a licensed contractor, or authorize the City of San Jose to arrange and make any needed repairs.

16. How do I authorize the City of San Jose to make the required repairs?

You can authorize the City of San Jose to make the required repairs by returning the signed property owner authorization form which was included with your original notice.

17. When will the Asphalt repair along my new curb and gutter be completed?

Typically the asphalt will be repaired within 30 days from the date of the final inspection.

18. How do I request ramps in my neighborhood?

Priority for new ramps is given to those locations and routes that are used by those with disabilities. The city has a large number of requests for ramps already and is only able to construct a small percentage of requested ramps each year.

19. What is the black bumpy thing on the curb ramp?

The bumps are truncated domes that are warning devices for the visually impaired indicating that they are about to enter a motorized travel way.

20. Why do the ramps need top be so big?

The ramps are designed to meet all ADA slope requirements.