Part 2 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY — San Jose Municipal Code

4.16.100 - Delivery to chief of police.¶

The following types of property shall be delivered to the chief of police:

Property found on public property; or

Property which has been otherwise placed in the custody of the chief of police and which has remained unclaimed by the owner for more than the period of time during which the property may be claimed pursuant to state law.

(Ord. 24761.)

Exceptions & meaning →

4.16.110 - Owner notification.¶

Whenever any unclaimed property comes into the possession of the chief of police, the chief shall notify the owner in accordance with the applicable provisions of law, if the owner's identity is reasonably ascertainable, that the police department possesses the property and where it may be claimed.

(Ord. 24761.)

Exceptions & meaning →

4.16.120 - Claiming found property - Conditions and time limit.¶

If the owner of an item of unclaimed property found on public property appears within three months after receipt of the property by the police department and proves ownership in the property to the satisfaction of the chief of police, the chief shall restore the property to the owner, provided the owner pays all reasonable charges, as determined by the chief, for the storage and care thereof.

(Ord. 24761.)

Exceptions & meaning →

4.16.130 - Transfer of property to director of finance.¶

If no owner claims an item of property found on public property within three months from the date the property comes into the possession of the chief of police, the finder may claim the property, unless the finder is an employee of any public agency who found the property in the course of employment.

If the finder does not take possession of the unclaimed property within two months after expiration of the three-month time period allowed for the owner to claim the property, such property shall be transferred by the chief to the director.

If the property was found in the course of employment by an employee of any public agency, the property shall be transferred by the chief to the director after the expiration of the three-month period allowed for the owner to claim the property.

If no owner claims property other than found property within the period of time required by state law, then such property shall be transferred by the chief to the director.

All property transferred to the director shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Part 3 of this chapter.

(Ords. 24761, 27447.)

Exceptions & meaning →