May 20, 2004

Quality and safety through code enforcement

By Lee Dimmitt
Vice President, AVCA

At our last AVCA Meeting (Almaden Valley Community Association) there was an important subject presented: code enforcement. It was pointed out that safety and quality of life can be maintained by reporting abandoned vehicles, keeping trimmings off the street, and observing garage sale ordinances.

After years of observing our neighborhood, one can see an atrophy that can be thwarted by adherence to the city code. Code enforcement inspector for the city of San Jose, Cleon Eccles, during her presentation to AVCA, stated that code enforcement is a “complaint driven” department of city government. The code is designed to improve and maintain a safe environment within the community. Some of these codes, which help keep the city from becoming unsafe or hazardous, are enforced by several departments, but a call to the code enforcement operator (277-8440) can direct your call to the proper place.

One of the most nagging violations is early set out of yard trimmings. Yard waste should be placed in the street for collection no more than 24 hours before your collection day. If you set yard waste out early, you may receive a fine from the city’s code enforcement division, and the amount of the fine increases with each violation. There is more reason to it than just the fine, however, the use of citations is a fair and appropriate method of making sure everyone follows the rules. The 24-hour limit helps keep the streets and storm drains free of debris, and it keeps the street free of unwanted obstacles obstructing the street traffic. Trimmings set out before the 24-hour limit may also unnecessarily hinder parking, and other activities. Always remember code enforcement’s edict for trimmings: “Never on Sunday.”

On Sundays, though, we see a lot of garage sales that also have certain code restrictions that help keep things orderly and unimposing to your neighbors. There are a few things to consider when you finally turn your unwanted items into some spare cash. The code only allows a residence two garage sales a year, and they can last only four days. If you cannot sell your things within four days, then it must be worthy of a giveaway or the recycle bin. The much needed signs announcing the sale must never be placed in the public right-of-way like street meridians, park strips, or on the sidewalk. By the way, after the sale is over, be sure to remove the signs.

In essence the code enforcement of the city’s ordinances is “complaint driven” requiring the citizens of the valley to inform the department of alleged violations. The code enforcement inspector for Almaden Valley is Tony Swanson. He can be reached at 277-4528. Without these voluntary reports, your neighborhood may become undesirable, unsafe, and unsightly. It is always much better not to ignore; but to implore, through code enforcement and impede the atrophy of our city’s quality of life. For the “webites” among us, check out http://www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/code/ for more information.

The next AVCA meeting is Monday, June 14. The issue at this meeting will be the 2 percent mandate for art on city building projects. Check www.avca-sj.org for information regarding issues concerning residents within the 95120 zip code.