The typical process for the enforcement of codes is as follows:

1. A City staff member will check if a code violation exists.
2. City staff will request that the code violation be corrected. You may receive a door tag, an in-person verbal request, or a mailed letter with the violation identified. All these methods are official requests.
3. If the violation has not been corrected within the given timeline, an administrative citation or fine will be issued.

If a violation occurs, you may be notified by an in-person verbal request, a mailed letter detailing the violation, or a door tag.

All three of these notifications are official and are used to document/track violations and administer future citations. Citations may be issued without prior warning for repeat violations.

Below is an example of a door tag used by Planning Code Enforcement, but all notices typically will have these details:

• which violation has occurred
• when (day and time) the violation must be corrected by
• how to contact us

Any person disputing an administrative citation may contest the citation by completing a Request for Hearing Form. This must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the citation issuance to the City Clerk's Office. Request for Hearing Forms are obtainable via these methods:

• Download the PDF.
• Call our staff and request one be sent to you.
• Come in person to City Clerk's Office at 1500 Warburton Avenue.

If applicable, any person may also submit a Request for Financial Hardship Waiver Form (PDF).

University Area Code Enforcement

Planning Code Enforcement provides proactive code enforcement around SCU in partnership with the University and the Santa Clara Police Department.

Brochures are used to teach those living in the SCU area about the most common violations that we respond to. These brochures are handed out during the Annual Walkabout and throughout the year as we interact with the community:

• Understanding Common Code Violations - SCU Brochure (PDF)
• Roll In Your Cart Brochure (PDF)

Annual Walkabout

The Annual Walkabout is done once a year by Santa Clara University staff and students, with participation by City of Santa Clara Code Enforcement and Police Department staff. Groups go door-to-door and teach students how to be good neighbors.

Planning Division Code Enforcement focuses on common zoning infractions that can trigger a citation from the City. Whereas the Department of Public Works – Street Code Enforcement provides information on storm drain violations.

Party/Loud Music

Contact the Santa Clara Police Department at 408-615-5580 to report this issue.

NURC exists for ongoing communication and problem-solving among City officials, neighborhoods, property owners, SCU officials, and students. Meetings are held three times annually on Monday evenings during the SCU school year.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to join! Learn more about NURC.

The following provides information about some common issues and who to contact for them.

Public Streets, Street Trees, Storm Drains, or Traffic Signs

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of those parts of the city’s structure. Contact 408-615-3080 for questions or violations in these areas.

These are some examples of issues that they could address:

• abandoned shopping carts
• illicit discharge or illegal dumping for storm drains
• trimming or removal of street trees
• Trees in the public right of way

Odors, Chemicals, Smoke, or Weeds

The Santa Clara Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division is responsible for fire code enforcement. Contact 408-615-4970 for questions or violations in these areas.

These are some examples of issues they could address: odors, chemicals, smoking complaints, or dry overgrown weeds.

Solicitation, Vehicles, Street Vendors, or Graffiti

The Santa Clara Police Department manages violations of the vehicle and penal codes. Contact them at 408-615-5580 for violations such as:

• Door-to-door solicitation without a permit
• Illegal street vendors
• Barking dogs
• Vehicles illegally parked on public streets
• Abandoned vehicles
  • Call the 24-hour Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 408-615-4778.
  • report online.
• Graffiti
  • Call the 24-hour Graffiti Hotline at 408-241-9495.
  • report online.

Rodents, Wildlife, or Insects

The Santa Clara County Mosquito and Vector Control District offers services and teaches the public how to protect themselves from harmful animals and insects.

Make an online service request or call 408-918-4770 for an on-site consultation for rodent, wildlife, and mosquito problems. Service technicians usually respond within 2-3 business days.

Lost animals, adoptions, licensing, cruelty, and other wildlife issues

The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority manages these issues. Contact 408-764-0344 to report an issue or report online for non-urgent matters.

Smokefree Santa Clara

Our City Council adopted regulations to expand smoking restrictions in many public areas and multi-unit residences. These regulations aim to protect Santa Clara residents, employees, and visitors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

For more information, visit Smokefree Santa Clara or call the City Manager's Office 408-615-2210.