Not sure who is responsible for the sidewalk or the street tree in front of your Cambrian home? You are not alone. The rules can be confusing, especially with most of Cambrian inside San José and small pockets in unincorporated Santa Clara County. This guide explains what you must maintain, how inspections and permits work, what to do when roots lift concrete, and what buyers and sellers should check before closing. Let’s dive in.
First confirm jurisdiction
Before you do anything, confirm whether your address is inside the City of San José or in an unincorporated pocket of Cambrian. Processes and permits depend on jurisdiction. You can check your parcel using the City’s planning maps and GIS tools on the San José Planning maps page.
Sidewalk duties in San José
In San José, adjacent property owners are responsible for keeping the sidewalk, park strip, driveway approach, curb, and gutter next to their property in safe condition. The City inspects on request, issues repair notices, and enforces timelines. You can review responsibilities and the overall process on the City’s Sidewalks and Curb Ramps page.
When a sidewalk counts as unsafe
San José uses clear field criteria to decide when repairs are required. Typical triggers include a vertical separation greater than 1/2 inch and ramping or depressions greater than 1 inch within 8 inches when combined with a vertical offset. Inspectors also flag holes or openings at joints of 1 inch or more, and spalling deeper than 1/2 inch. If you see these conditions, request an inspection.
How inspections and deadlines work
You can request an inspection through the Trees and Sidewalks team. An inspector will evaluate the site, note all issues, and determine repairs. After a notice is issued, you generally have 60 days to finish concrete repairs, with possible extensions up to 30 days if you show progress. If you do not act, the City may complete the work and bill you.
Permits, costs, and liens
You must obtain the required sidewalk or encroachment permit before starting repairs so your work meets City standards. San José invoices permit fees after final inspection. Property owners are responsible for repair costs. If you fail to comply and do not pay the City’s invoice, a lien may be placed on the property. Limited hardship assistance is available for qualifying owner-occupied households. Details are on the Sidewalks and Curb Ramps page.
Street trees in the park strip
Street trees in the park strip are public trees managed by the City, but you are responsible for routine care such as watering, basic pruning, and pest management. Any pruning, removal, or planting of a street tree requires a City permit. Learn more about rules, permits, and City forestry programs on the San José Forestry page.
What you maintain vs. what needs a permit
- You handle routine maintenance like watering and general care.
- You must obtain a no-fee permit for pruning, and separate approvals for removal or planting.
- Unauthorized tree work can lead to significant fines. Contact the City Arborist before any tree work in the right-of-way.
Protected trees and replacements
Some trees have special protections. Heritage or ordinance-size trees require permits and often replacement trees if removal is approved. For removal rules and replacement ratios, see the City’s Tree Removal Permits page.
Roots vs. sidewalks: what to do
When roots uplift concrete, outcomes depend on the tree species, health, and site conditions. The City’s Forestry and Sidewalks teams inspect, then recommend options like root pruning, barriers, grinding or ramping, or in some cases tree removal. Policy focuses on arborist review and safe outcomes rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can start with the Sidewalks and Curb Ramps page and request an inspection.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm jurisdiction for your address using the City’s planning maps.
- Document issues with dated photos and notes, including where uplift or cracking appears.
- Request an inspection from the Trees and Sidewalks team ([email protected], 408-794-1901).
- Obtain permits before you start concrete or tree work.
- Ask for a City Arborist evaluation if roots are involved, then follow the recommended solution.
- If cost is a concern, ask about hardship assistance and payment plans. Keep all emails, notices, permits, and receipts.
Buying or selling in Cambrian: disclosures to expect
If you are selling, gather permits, receipts, and any City notices related to sidewalks or street trees and disclose them early. If you are buying, ask about any open notices, recent inspections, or pending assessments. City permit records and title reports often flag these items. You can also research parcels using San José’s planning maps and related systems.
Liability basics without the legalese
California’s Streets and Highways Code §5610 requires adjacent owners to keep sidewalks safe, but the statute alone does not automatically make you liable to third parties for injuries. Local ordinances and case law shape how liability works in practice. You can read the statute text on Streets and Highways Code §5610 and a key appellate decision explaining San José’s ordinance in Gonzales v. City of San Jose. Outcomes depend on specific facts and how a condition was created or controlled.
Helpful city contacts and links
- Trees and Sidewalks inspections: [email protected], 408-794-1901.
- Sidewalk repair process, criteria, permits: San José Sidewalks and Curb Ramps.
- Street tree rules, permits, and City Arborist: San José Forestry.
- Protected and heritage trees: Tree Removal Permits.
- Parcel and jurisdiction check: Planning maps and GIS.
Ready for next steps?
Whether you are planning repairs, preparing to sell, or evaluating a home to buy in Cambrian, a clear plan saves time and reduces risk. If you want practical, neighborhood-level guidance on disclosures, timing, and how these items can affect your move, reach out to Michal Amodai. You will get calm, clear advice tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Who fixes a broken sidewalk in Cambrian?
- If the property is inside San José, the adjacent owner is responsible for repairs and permits, with inspections and enforcement handled by the City.
How long do I have to complete repairs after notice in San José?
- You generally have 60 days, with a possible extension of up to 30 days if you show progress.
Can I prune or remove the street tree myself?
- No, you need a City permit for pruning, removal, or planting of any street tree in the right-of-way.
What if roots from a street tree lifted my sidewalk?
- Ask the City for an inspection and City Arborist review, then follow the recommended solution, which may include root pruning, barriers, or other treatments.
Will the City always pay if a City tree caused damage?
- No, outcomes are case by case and policy emphasizes inspection and arborist review rather than a universal payment rule.
What should buyers and sellers check during escrow?
- Look for any open sidewalk notices, permits, or assessments, and review City records early to avoid delays.
