Silicon Valley Housing Crisis Continues Despite Tech Downturn

Though the dot com bubble may have burst, the housing crisis in Silicon Valley continues, with overcrowded conditions throughout the region.

1 minute read

September 7, 2001, 8:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


Housing officials say there is little that can be done to eliminate dangerous, overcrowded conditions in the high-priced housing market of Silicon Valley. State housing codes can only loosely regulate the number of people who live in a single dwelling. The City of San Jose received 300 complaints of illegal occupancies in the past year, but officials believe the real number may be three times as high. Cities such as San Jose haven't had much luck in tightening the rules. In nearby Santa Cruz, code enforcers try to work with landlords to improve housing, but won't remove tenants from crowded homes unless there is an imminent danger.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Wednesday, September 5, 2001 in San Jose Mercury News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

45 minutes ago - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

1 hour ago - AM NY

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking behind a podium, pointing a finger upwards. The American and California flags are behind him.

New bill requires California data center developers to create water scarcity plans

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed 7 bills intended to give California communities more information about the impact of proposed data centers.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive