Calling All San Jose Home Owners!

Ever tried to do a major remodel on your home? Feel like you're getting gouged? Time to speak up: This Tuesday, September 10th at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at San José City Hall, the City Council will be considering my proposal to reduce the cost of home improvements, which you may view here: http://sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19953. It is item 3.3 (Amendment C, number 20) on the Council agenda. My colleagues, Councilmembers Kalra, Herrera, and Chu, have co-authored a memo with me in support of this initiative, but in order for this item to be prioritized for work by City staff, it requires the support of a minimum of six Councilmembers.

This proposal is being offered in the context of a larger set of initiatives from me and my colleague Councilmember Liccardo that focus on improving the customer experience for those interacting with the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department, and making San José an easier, more affordable place to do business.

Below, I have provided a sample message that you may send to Mayor Reed and the City Council. Please feel free to personalize this message as you see fit.

“Subject: Reducing the Cost of Home Improvements – Item 3.3"

I support the proposal from Councilmembers Khamis, Kalra, Herrera, and Chu to explore ways of reducing the permitting cost for home improvements and remodels. Neighboring cities not only issue these types of permits faster, but at a much lower cost.

Permits for small projects can cost upward of 20% of total project costs. Reducing the cost of the permitting process will encourage homeowners to undertake projects they might otherwise not have done and to follow the permitting processes that they otherwise might have tried to circumvent. This benefits the homeowner by ensuring that work is done safety, according to current building codes, and it benefits the City by improving the value of our housing stock and generating a stream of additional property tax revenue.

I urge you to support the proposal to add the “Reducing the Cost of Home Improvements” initiative to the list of priority projects for City staff at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.”

Please email your letters of support to: mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov; district1@sanjoseca.gov; district2@sanjoseca.gov; district3@sanjoseca.gov; district4@sanjoseca.gov; district5@sanjoseca.gov; pierluigi.oliverio@sanjoseca.gov; district7@sanjoseca.gov; district8@sanjoseca.gov; district9@sanjoseca.gov; district10@sanjoseca.gov