Willow Glen Resident

News

City implements pilot program targeted at fixing blighted properties

By Eli Segall

San Jose code enforcement is testing a three-month pilot program that aggressively targets blighted neighborhoods. During this 90-day period that began in January, code enforcement will issue citations instead of warnings to residents with blighted property.

Code officers will conduct weekly patrols and target property owners with overflowing Dumpsters, debris-filled carports, graffiti and appliances dumped on front lawns. Prior to the program, code enforcement would issue a number of verbal and written warnings before levying a fine. Now the division issues only one written warning before handing out a citation.

This approach contrasts with the division's traditional reliance on local residents to report blight information. Those neighbors have operated anonymously through the city's Blight Buster program.

Fueled by resident concerns, the San Jose Planning Department launched the program, which is being tested only in the Almaden Valley. San Jose has not decided if it will take the program citywide.