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San Jose, in short
Which trees in San Jose need a permit to remove?
A permit is needed to remove a street tree, a heritage tree or an ordinance-size tree, which is a single trunk 38 inches or more around at four and a half feet up. On a single-family or duplex lot that includes a tree that is unhealthy or dead. The City’s page says 38 inches around is 12.1 inches across.
The story of San Jose
San Jose, founded as a pueblo in 1777 and the site of California’s first State Capitol, by the State’s landmark entries.
San Jose began in 1777 as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, by the State’s landmark entry, and a second State landmark entry marks the site where California’s first Legislature assembled in December 1849. History San José says one building is left from the pueblo, the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe of 1797.
The City says its public-art piece The Weavers’ Gifts, on the land along the Guadalupe River, “commemorates and celebrates the indigenous Costanoan-Ohlone Peoples, especially the Tamien Ohlone”.
The State’s landmark entry dates the founding of “El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe near the present civic center” to 1777. The National Park Service’s article says, “San Jose was California’s first town.”
History San José says the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe, “built in 1797, is San José’s oldest surviving address, and is the only structure remaining from El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe.”
The State’s landmark tablet for the site says the first State Capitol Building stood opposite it, “in which California’s first Legislature assembled in December 1849.”
San José State says, “Founded in 1857, San José State’s history began before the Civil War, as the first State Normal School, which trained teachers who educated the people of a young California.”
History San José says its activities “began in 1949 following the centennial celebration of the California Gold Rush and statehood.”
History San José says, “The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe was purchased by the City of San José in 1966.” and “The Adobe was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1974.”
The Tech Interactive says, “In 1990, The Garage opened on San Carlos Street in the former home of downtown San Jose’s convention center.” The museum says that since opening in 1998 it “has welcomed more than 10 million visitors.”
History San José says that “In November 1999, History San José, working with the National Park Service, dedicated the Adobe as the first official site of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.”
Fire safety
The State’s map and San Jose
The State published its 2025 fire hazard maps for local areas in four phases between February 10 and March 24, 2025. Read from that map, the Very High class reaches inside San Jose. By our count on a grid of sample points over the city, about 6 percent of it is in the Very High class, about 14 percent in the High class and about 5 percent in the Moderate class, and about 70 percent is non-wildland land.
State layer read Oct 27 2026
Finding your zone
The City’s page says, “You can use this City of San José Fire Hazard Severity Zone finder to check which zone you’re located in by typing in your address in the top left field.”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
See 7 more
The City’s Fire Code
The City’s Fire Code, chapter 17.12 of its Municipal Code, says, “The San José Fire Code shall consist of the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC)”. The code’s note says Ordinance 31258, adopted November 18, 2025, “amended Part 1 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety”.
City Code read in Chrome Oct 27 2026
The City’s wildland-urban interface area
The Fire Code says its Wildland-Urban Interface Area “also includes all moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones as designated by the State fire Marshal”, and further areas shown on the map “San José Fire Department Wildland Urban Interface”, which “shall be on file with the San José Fire Department.”
City Code read in Chrome Oct 27 2026
Vegetation and fuel management
The Fire Code applies its section on hazardous vegetation and fuel management to “Land designated as a Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone by the City of San José.” and to “Land designated by the City of San José as a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.”
City Code read in Chrome Oct 27 2026
Defensible space and clearing debris
The City’s defensible space page says to “Remove dead or dry leaves, grass, branches, and other plant debris from your yard, roof, and gutters.” CAL FIRE’s page tells homeowners, “Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles, etc.) from your roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and under any areas of your home.” It is CAL FIRE’s guidance for homeowners across the state.
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026; CAL FIRE page undated, read Oct 20 2026
Burning leaves and brush
The Fire Department’s FAQ answers “Can I burn leaves or brush on my property?” with “The City of San José has an ordinance against residential open burning” and “the state has an ordinance against residential open burning in Santa Clara County.”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
Weeds
The City’s weed abatement page says, “The program is focused on vacant parcels in San José and seeks voluntary compliance.” The County’s page says, “All areas of the county are required to maintain the standards until October 31, every year.”, and its date list gives “March 1 = Campbell and undeveloped parcels in San Jose”.
City page undated; County page prints no year on its date list; read Oct 27 2026
Zone 0, the State’s rule: where it stands
The State’s rule for the first five feet around a home, called Zone 0: adopted by the Board; in final review with the Office of Administrative Law; no effective date known. This is the status on our standing check of October 22, 2026.
Standing check of Oct 22 2026, copied onto the sheet Oct 27 2026; next re-read due Nov 7
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San Jose this month
Storm season: Valley Water says its sandbag sites and sandbags are “only available from November 1 through April 15 of each year”. The City of San Jose says it keeps “several distribution facilities at our yards”, stocked with filled sandbags or with loose sand and empty bags for self-filling. Its page gives no dates or hours, so check back.
The San Jose blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
History San Jose
History San José says it has “three sites: History Park, the Gonzales/Peralta Adobe – Fallon House Historic Site, and the Collection Center/Research Library & Archives.” History Park, in Kelley Park, is “a 14 acre town-like assemblage of 32 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San José and Santa Clara Valley.” The museum’s home page lists the Fallon House and the Adobe as “By appointment only.”
Museum pages read Oct 27 2026 (refresh before use)
Chinese American Historical Museum
At History Park, “the museum building is a reconstruction of the original Ng Shing Gung (Temple of the Five Gods) that served as a community center for the Chinese American community.” The page says, “The Chinese American Historical Museum is open every Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.”
Page read Oct 27 2026 (refresh before use)
See 7 more
Alum Rock Park
The City’s page says, “Alum Rock Park was founded in 1872 and is California’s oldest municipal park.” It adds, “At the time you could ride from downtown San Jose to the park on the Alum Rock Steam Railroad, a ride that cost a quarter.”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
The Municipal Rose Garden
The City’s page describes the Municipal Rose Garden as “a one-time prune orchard” that is “exclusively devoted to shrubs of the rose family”.
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
Japanese Friendship Garden
The City says the garden in Kelley Park, built in 1965, “was built as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the City of San Jose and its Sister City of Okayama” and “is patterned after the world famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama.”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
San Jose Jazz
San Jose Jazz says, “Founded in 1986, San Jose Jazz is a 501(c)(3) public benefit organization that celebrates jazz as a dynamic, evolving art form.” Its home page says, “What a Summer Fest! See you next year, Aug 13-15 2027!”
Organization’s home page read Oct 27 2026
A pueblo of 1777
San Jose began as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe in 1777. More in The story of San Jose, below.
State landmark entry read for the county sheet Oct 14 2026
California’s first State Capitol
The State marks the site of California’s first State Capitol in San Jose. More in The story of San Jose, below.
State landmark entry read for the county sheet Oct 14 2026
The oldest structure from the pueblo
History San José says one building is left from the pueblo, the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe of 1797. More in The story of San Jose, below.
Museum page read Oct 27 2026
Community
Neighborhood associations
The City’s Planning Division keeps a map of neighborhood groups, which includes “the contact information and approximate geographic areas of interest” for neighborhood, business and homeowner associations. The page for Council District 1 says, “This is a list of all known active neighborhood, homeowner, and property owner associations as of January 2025.”
City pages undated, read Oct 27 2026; the District 1 list is dated January 2025
Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
The City’s wildfire page lists the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council as a local resource: “Santa Clara County FireSafe Council (SCCFSC) is a non-profit organization”. The Council’s City Programs page says, “The following programs are available FREE to WUI residents residing in Santa Clara County.” The page does not name San Jose, so it is not known whether a given San Jose address qualifies.
City page and Council page read Oct 27 2026
See 1 more
History San Jose, the museum
The museum says Clyde Arbuckle and Theron Fox “helped to preserve San Jose’s history by saving important buildings, collecting historic materials, and founding the San José Historical Museum, which later became History San José.” Its non-profit association was, the museum says, “incorporated in 1971”.
Museum page read Oct 27 2026
City rules and regulations
Re-roofs
A re-roof takes a permit and inspections. The City’s re-roof page says, “We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor.” and “Whoever signs the building permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit.” It adds, “You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections.”
City page headed “Updated: 04/12/2026”; read Oct 27 2026
Historic properties and re-roofs
The City’s re-roof page says, “If the property is listed on the Historical Resources Inventory, a clearance or permit from the Planning Division is required before a reroof permit will be issued;” and “If the property is a City Landmark or within a City Landmark District, a Historic Preservation Permit is required.”
City page headed “Updated: 04/12/2026”; read Oct 27 2026
See 7 more
Applying for the permit online
The City’s page says, “At SJPermits.org, you can pay fees, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit, and find permit records and property information.” It adds, “Only property owners and qualified contractors may apply for an online building permit.”
City pages undated, read Oct 27 2026
The 2025 codes
The City’s building page says, “Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the 2025 state building codes have replaced the 2022 codes.” It also says, “Plans submitted after Jan 1, 2026 will be reviewed under the 2025 codes (including Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, Fire, CALGreen, and Energy).”
City pages undated, read Oct 27 2026
Which trees need a permit
The City’s Tree Removal Permits page says, “A permit is needed if the tree is:” a street tree, a heritage tree or an ordinance-size tree, “live or dead”, or any tree on multifamily, commercial, industrial or mixed use property or in a common area. An ordinance-size tree has a single trunk “38 inches or more in circumference at 4 1/2 feet above ground”, or trunks that add up to that. On single-family or duplex lots, “a permit is required to remove an ordinance-size tree, even if it is unhealthy or dead.” The page says, “If none of the above conditions apply, you can remove the tree without a permit.”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
Dead, hazardous or unsuitable trees
The City’s page says a permit application for an ordinance-size tree is considered if the tree is “a safety hazard;” “dead, dying, or diseased;” or “unsuitable”. On a single-family or duplex lot a tree is unsuitable if its “trunk is 5 feet or less from the existing residence, secondary unit or garage.” A tree is also unsuitable if it is on the City’s List of Unsuitable Trees, which “includes: Eucalyptus, Liquidambar, Pine, Tree of Heaven, Tulip tree, and Palm tree (unless in the Palm Haven Conservation Area).”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
Street trees
The City’s page says, “Street trees are those located in the public right-of-way between the curb and sidewalk”. The Forestry page says, “Maintenance of street trees, including watering, pruning, and pest management, is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.” It adds that “a free permit is required before trees can be pruned, removed, or planted.” and the Tree Removal Permits page says, “It is illegal to prune or remove a street tree without a permit”.
City pages undated, read Oct 27 2026
Heritage trees
The City’s page says, “it is illegal to prune or remove a heritage tree without first consulting the City Arborist and obtaining a permit”.
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
When you buy or sell Street trees when you sell
The City’s street tree rule says, “Not less than seven business days before the sale or other transfer of residential real property concludes a selling or transferring property owner must disclose to the acquiring property owner, on a disclosure form provided by the city, whether the residential real property to be sold or transferred fully complies with the city’s street tree maintenance and replacement requirements of Section 13.28.400.”
City Code read in Chrome Oct 27 2026
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Storms, flood and drainage
Check back Sandbags
Valley Water’s page says, “Sandbag sites and sandbags are only available from November 1 through April 15 of each year.” It adds, “Subject to change depending on the weather.” and “There are additional sandbag sites managed by various cities within Santa Clara County.” The City of San Jose says, “We assist Valley Water and residents by maintaining several distribution facilities at our yards.” Its page says, “These sites are stocked with either filled sandbags or loose sand and empty burlap bags for self-filling.” Valley Water’s list names San Jose sites in Alviso, at the City Central Service Yard on Senter Road and at the Winfield warehouse on Winfield Boulevard, and says, “Supplies may be limited.” The City’s page gives no dates or hours, so check back.
Valley Water page read Oct 26 and Oct 27 2026; City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
Storm drains in the street
The City’s storm drain page says, “The storm drain system transports untreated storm water runoff into nearby creeks and other waterways and eventually to the San Francisco Bay.” The City says it prepares for each storm season by “inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining 35,000 storm drain inlets and 31 stormwater pump stations.” These are the street’s inlets and pumps.
City pages undated, read Oct 27 2026
See 3 more
Before the rains
The City’s storm preparedness page tells property owners to “Clear the roof of debris and check that shingles or tiles are in good condition.” It warns, “Saturated soil and high winds create risk for downed trees.”
City page current (it announces an October 21, 2026 workshop), read Oct 27 2026
Check the flood map for your address
The City’s page links a “City of San José GIS flood map”, and Valley Water’s Flood Ready page says, “Check if your home or business is in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Special Flood Hazard Area.” Valley Water adds, “You don’t have to live next to a creek to be impacted by flooding.”
City and Valley Water pages undated, read Oct 27 2026
Coyote Creek
Valley Water’s project page says the project “will construct and maintain” “a series of flood risk reduction improvements to reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas along approximately 9 miles of Coyote Creek in the City of San José”. A Valley Water news item of January 23, 2026 says, “In June 2025, Valley Water completed the Coyote Creek Flood Management Measures Project, one of two major initiatives to reduce flood risk along Coyote Creek.”
Valley Water pages read Oct 27 2026; the news item is dated January 23, 2026
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Programs, loans and insurance
Check back Home repairs: the City with Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and Habitat
The City’s Home Repairs page says Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley “manages the Emergency, Minor Repair and Accessibility” “Grant Programs through the City of San José Housing Department.” It adds that Habitat for Humanity “receives funding from the City of San José to provide safety” “and accessibility repairs and upgrades to qualified homeowners, including mobilehome owners.” The page’s repairs “include, but are not limited to, roofing, heating/cooling, flooring, ramps, stairs,” “and plumbing.” Habitat’s own San Jose page lists no roof item, so we cannot say roof repair is available. The page does not say whether applications are open now, and it gives no income limit, amount or deadline.
City page undated (read Oct 27 2026)
Check back Minor repair grants: Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
Habitat’s San Jose page says to qualify you must “Own and live your home.” and that “Single-family, condominium, or mobile home located in the city of San Jose are eligible.” It sets a maximum income by household size, and the page lists the limits. It says, “At no costs to the homeowners, these grants will only be approved for repairs” “that resolve health and safety problems.” and “A limited number of repair grants are available.” Its list of repairs includes flooring, lighting, water heaters, fencing and gates, and door, stair and handrail repair, and it has no roof or gutter item. The page gives no deadline and does not say whether applications are open now.
Habitat’s page read Oct 27 2026
See 8 more
Check back EcoHome Rebate: San Jose Clean Energy
San José Clean Energy’s EcoHome Rebate page lists as eligible a “Current San José Clean Energy customer.” and says the new heat pump heating-and-cooling system or heat pump water heater “must replace an existing gas-powered appliance.” It says, “Each residence is eligible for one rebate per appliance type.” and “Rebate applications must be approved before installation begins.” The page has nothing on roofs or gutters and does not say whether funds remain, so check back.
SJCE page read Oct 27 2026
Check back Electric Homes San Jose: check back
The City’s page says that “As of September 17, 2024, the Electric Homes San José program closed” “its acceptance of new applications.” It adds, “As of December 10, 2024, the City of San José is offering new residential” “building electrification programs for San José Clean Energy customers.”
City page undated, read Oct 27 2026
Water check-ups: San Jose Water
For its customers, San Jose Water says, “To help educate our customers about water conservation” “we offer complimentary water check-ups, educational materials, and free low-flow devices.”
Company page undated, read Oct 27 2026
County-wide Rainwater Capture Rebate: Valley Water
Valley Water’s Rainwater Capture Rebate is for a home with “an existing gutter or downspout system not currently capturing rainwater”: “Valley Water will help you install rain barrels, cisterns, and rain gardens.” Its page says, “Current program funding lasts until June 30, 2027, or until depleted.” Valley Water says, “Residents and business owners are eligible for the Rainwater Capture Rebate” and that applications are accepted “in the order received as long as funds remain available.” The City’s Municipal Water System lists “Install rain barrel(s), a graywater irrigation system, or a cistern (Rebates available)” on its rate-notice postcard. As we read it, Valley Water’s page names no town or water retailer. The steps to qualify are on Valley Water’s online application portal; the rebate amounts, how many times you can use it and how long the benefit lasts are not on the pages we read, and whether funds remain today is not known.
Valley Water pages (undated) as read for the county sheet of Oct 14 2026 and again Oct 27 2026
County-wide Energy weatherization: BayREN and PG&E
BayREN’s EASE Home program, which lists Santa Clara County, is for households that “Are a PG&E customer”, “Have a household income under or at 120% AMI”, and “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010”. It says, “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing”, with your portion “capped at 20% of the project cost”, and “Households can only benefit once from CPUC incentives for the same improvement, product, equipment or service.” PG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance Program offers to “Improve the energy efficiency of your home at no cost to you” in a house, mobile home or apartment “at least five years old”, with furnace and water heater repair or replacement for eligible homeowners “if PG&E determines that existing natural gas units are inoperable or unsafe.” Neither program’s page says whether it is open now, no page we read for San Jose names either, and PG&E’s page names no county, so it is not known whether a given San Jose home qualifies.
Program pages (undated) as read for the county sheet of Oct 14 2026
State-wide LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program
LIHEAP, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is run in California by the Department of Community Services and Development through local service providers, and the household applies to the local provider. The Department’s page says, “Eligibility for LIHEAP services can vary depending on income, household size, place of residence, and other factors.” It describes one-time help with a utility bill, help in an energy crisis and free weatherization upgrades. The Department also works with local providers on the federal Weatherization Assistance Program for eligible homeowners and renters, and says, “Use the Find Services in Your Area function to locate the agency in your area, then contact them to apply for assistance.” The pages do not say whether LIHEAP is open or closed, and no page we read names the provider for San Jose.
Pages read Oct 20 2026
State-wide Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
Earthquake Brace + Bolt is a program of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body. Its page says, “An EBB seismic retrofit is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation.” It says, “EBB program registration is open for a limited time each year.” When the registration page was read on Oct 20 2026 it said, “The EBB Program is currently closed.” The City’s Earthquake Retrofits page says, “This project requires a building permit.” and “For this grant program, you must use a state-certified contractor” “as listed at the Earthquake Brace & Bolt(EBB) website.” The program’s 2025 Northern California ZIP list, as the county sheet read it, names San Jose; its ZIP page is a search form, and the search has not been run for a San Jose address.
Program pages read Oct 20 2026; City page “Updated: 03/23/2026”, read Oct 27 2026
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes, the State’s grant program for roof replacement and the first five feet around the home, is not open.
Standing check of Oct 8 2026
Who serves your home in San Jose
- Fire: The San Jose Fire Department, a City department, is “a full-service, all-hazard metropolitan fire department that serves the City of San José” “and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.” The department says it is made up of “34 fire stations that are organized into six battalions.”
- Water: More than one provider brings water to San Jose homes, depending on the area, so check your bill to see which one serves yours. San Jose Water says it serves “the greater San Jose area”. The City runs its own San José Municipal Water System, which “supplies water to more than 100,000 people”. Great Oaks Water Company names the “Blossom Valley – Santa Teresa – Edenvale – Coyote Valley-Almaden Valley area of the City of San Jose”. Valley Water, the county’s water district, provides “wholesale water and groundwater management services” to the local retailers.
- Sewer: The City says, “We maintain the sanitary sewer system located within the City streets.” The sewage is treated at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, which is “jointly owned by the cities of San José and Santa Clara”.
- Garbage and recycling: The City’s Environmental Services Department says it provides “essential services to residents including garbage and recycling collection.”
- Electricity: San José Clean Energy is the City’s electricity service, and says it “is governed by your San José City Council, with input from a Community Advisory Commission.”
- Streets, trees and storm drains: The City’s storm drain page says, “We inspect and clean out all storm drain inlets within the public right-of-way throughout the city once a year.” It adds, “Please note that this service is limited to infrastructure in the public right-of-way. Issues on private property remain the responsibility of the property owner.”
- Valley Water: The General Plan says, “The Santa Clara Valley Water District has the primary responsibility for flood protection” “through the construction, operation and maintenance of flood protection capital projects.”
Useful links: City of San Jose: Fire Department · City of San Jose: Fire Hazard Severity Zone finder · City of San Jose: Re-roof projects (permits) · City of San Jose: Tree Removal Permits · City of San Jose: Storm Drain System and sandbags · City of San Jose: Home Repairs · Santa Clara County Weed Abatement Program · Valley Water (sandbags) · San Jose Recycles · San Jose Clean Energy · History San Jose · San Jose Jazz
The homes of San Jose
San Jose’s median home was built in 1976, by the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 survey. About 60 percent of the homes were built before 1980, and about 56 percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied, our own calculations from the survey’s tables. The State counted 350,935 housing units in January 2026, about 52 percent of them single detached houses, about 29 percent in buildings of five or more units and about 3 percent mobile homes, our own calculations from its count.
1856 to 1918
Victorian-era homes in Hensley
The City says the Hensley City Landmark District “has the largest concentration of Victorian-era residences in the City of San José and is notable as a residential district with the most complete concentration of architectural styles popular between 1856 to 1918 in the City.”
1906 to 1935
Queen Anne, Craftsman Bungalow and Spanish Mission Colonial Revival
The City says the homes of the Hanchett and Hester Park Conservation Area “date from ca. 1906 to 1935 and include Queen Anne, Craftsman Bungalow, and Spanish Mission Colonial Revival styles as well as several Prairie style in Hanchett Park.”
Early 20th century
Bungalows and Spanish Colonial Revival in Naglee Park
The City says Naglee Park “is noted for fine early 20th century residences in an eclectic variety of architectural styles including bungalows and the Spanish Colonial Revival styles, many architect designed.”
1885 to 1955
Small-lot homes in North Willow Glen
The City says the North Willow Glen Conservation Area “contains mostly small-lot residential properties” “reflective of residential development beyond the southwest boundaries of the original city of San Jose between 1885 and 1955.”
1950s to 1960s
Eichler homes
The City’s page says, “San José has seven residential tracts that were developed by Eichler Homes from the 1950s to the 1960s”.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of San Jose
History and character
The City says its public-art piece The Weavers’ Gifts, on the land along the Guadalupe River, “commemorates and celebrates the indigenous Costanoan-Ohlone Peoples, especially the Tamien Ohlone”.
The State’s landmark entry dates the founding of “El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe near the present civic center” to 1777. The National Park Service’s article says, “San Jose was California’s first town.”
History San José says the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe, “built in 1797, is San José’s oldest surviving address, and is the only structure remaining from El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe.”
The State’s landmark tablet for the site says the first State Capitol Building stood opposite it, “in which California’s first Legislature assembled in December 1849.”
San José State says, “Founded in 1857, San José State’s history began before the Civil War, as the first State Normal School, which trained teachers who educated the people of a young California.”
History San José says its activities “began in 1949 following the centennial celebration of the California Gold Rush and statehood.”
History San José says, “The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe was purchased by the City of San José in 1966.” and “The Adobe was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1974.”
The Tech Interactive says, “In 1990, The Garage opened on San Carlos Street in the former home of downtown San Jose’s convention center.” The museum says that since opening in 1998 it “has welcomed more than 10 million visitors.”
History San José says that “In November 1999, History San José, working with the National Park Service, dedicated the Adobe as the first official site of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.”
San Jose, roof and gutters
The State counted 980,434 people in San Jose on January 1, 2026, and the Census Bureau lists 178.26 square miles of land. The City’s General Plan says its boundaries “extend from the below-sea level Baylands to its highest elevation of 2,970 feet” “along Pine Ridge in the Diablo Range.”
Yearly rain on the valley floor is 14.81 inches, our own average of NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two nearest stations with a published normal: the San Jose cooperative station, 16.14 inches, and the airport station, 13.48 inches. Both stations are on the valley floor, and the city runs from the Bay to the Diablo Range, so rain differs across it.
The City’s Tree Species List names the coast live oak, blue oak and valley oak among its Large canopy trees and the California buckeye among its Small ones. The City says, “The environment of an average street tree is often harsh due to dry and compacted soils and extensive areas of surrounding asphalt and concrete.” For those native trees, the Forest Service’s Fire Effects Information System says of the valley oak, “leaves fall: November” and “acorns ripe: October to November”; of the coast live oak, “Leaves emerge from February to April; and old leaves are shed at the same time.” and “Most of its acorns are dropped in fall, but some remain attached to trees until spring.”; of the blue oak, “leaves fall: August to mid-November”; and of the California buckeye, “Fruits ripen from September to October and are dropped from November to December.” These are the Forest Service’s general accounts of the species, not San Jose’s trees in particular.
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Gonzales-Peralta Adobe
History San José says, “The Adobe is owned by the City of San Jose and managed under long-term contract by History San José.”
Fallon House
History San José says, “The 1855 Victorian Carmela & Thomas Fallon House showcases 15 furnished period rooms.”
Winchester Mystery House
The house’s own site says, “The Winchester Mystery House is the former home of Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune.”
The Tech Interactive
The museum’s page says, “Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta was selected to design The Tech Museum of Innovation.”
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The museum’s own site says it “houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America”.
St. James Square
The City says its park is “the only public square in the Downtown Core Area” and was laid out in 1848 by Chester Lyman.
How we can help in San Jose
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
San Jose questions
What San Jose homeowners ask us
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in San Jose?
A permit and inspections apply. The City’s re-roof page says, “We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor.” and “You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections.” If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in San Jose?
The City’s page says, “A permit is needed if the tree is:” a street tree, a heritage tree or an ordinance-size tree, “live or dead”, or any tree on multifamily, commercial, industrial or mixed use property or in a common area. The page says, “If none of the above conditions apply, you can remove the tree without a permit.”
Who looks after the street tree in front of my house in San Jose?
The City’s Forestry page says, “Maintenance of street trees, including watering, pruning, and pest management, is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.” It adds, “a free permit is required before trees can be pruned, removed, or planted.”
Where do I get sandbags in San Jose?
The City says, “We assist Valley Water and residents by maintaining several distribution facilities at our yards.” Valley Water’s page says, “Sandbag sites and sandbags are only available from November 1 through April 15 of each year.” The City’s page gives no dates or hours, so check back.
How do I find out if my San Jose home is in a fire hazard severity zone?
The City’s page says, “You can use this City of San José Fire Hazard Severity Zone finder to check which zone you’re located in by typing in your address in the top left field.”
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Where we work
San Jose neighbourhoods we serve
Downtown
The City says the Downtown Commercial National Register District “contains architecturally and historically significant buildings dating from the 1870s to the early 1940s and continues to serve as Santa Clara Valley’s mercantile and financial center.”
Japantown
The General Plan lists “Japantown and North 13th Street / Luna Park” among its neighborhood business districts, and the City’s 2018-2019 budget document calls Japantown “a cornerstone neighborhood full of tradition.”
Little Italy
The City’s District 6 page lists a “Little Italy” among its neighborhood associations.
Naglee Park
The City says the Naglee Park Conservation Area is “the former 140-acre estate of General Henry M. Naglee”.
Hanchett Park
The City says the Hanchett and Hester Park Conservation Area “consists of two adjacent neighborhoods”.
Rose Garden
The City’s District 6 list of neighborhood associations includes the Rose Garden Neighborhood Association (RGNA).
Willow Glen
The General Plan lists “Willow Glen and Willow Street” among its neighborhood business districts, and the City’s District 6 list includes the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association.
The Alameda
The City says The Alameda, “part of the former Hispanic Period El Camino Real (The King’s Highway) was the best road in the region – though at times impassable – connecting the Pueblo de San José with Mission Santa Clara.”
Santana Row
The City lists “Santana Row/Valley Fair” among its “Commercial Corridor and Center Urban Villages”.
Alviso
The City has an “Alviso Master Plan”, and its list of historic districts includes the “Alviso National Register District”.
Berryessa
The City’s District 4 page says, “It’s An Honor to Serve the People of Alviso, Berryessa, and North San José.”
Almaden Valley
The City’s District 10 page says the district “includes the neighborhoods of Almaden Valley, Blossom Valley, and the Santa Teresa Foothills”.
Alum Rock
The City’s District 5 page says, “District 5 encompasses the neighborhoods of Alum Rock, Mt Pleasant, and the greater East Side area.”
Evergreen
The City lists an “Evergreen Specific Plan” and an “Evergreen-East Hills Policy”.
Communications Hill
The City lists a “Communications Hill Specific Plan”.
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