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Service area · San Mateo County
Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape is based in Daly City (94014) and builds paver patios and walkways, concrete, retaining walls, irrigation, landscape lighting and yard drainage across Westlake, Serramonte and the rest of the city. In Daly City, a retaining wall over 48 inches, or one holding back a slope, needs a permit and an engineer's design.
Services in Daly City
Daly City is a fog-belt city of 1950s and 60s homes on hillsides, with compact backyards, narrow side yards and slopes that send water toward the house.
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Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape is based in Daly City and builds paver patios, side-yard walkways, driveways and concrete slabs across Westlake, Serramonte and the rest of the city. Daly City's narrow, damp side yards need pavers laid on a compacted base with a planned slope for water.
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Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape builds block, poured concrete and low wood retaining walls on Daly City's hillside lots, with drain rock and pipe behind them. Daly City requires a permit and an engineer's design for walls over 48 inches, and for lower walls that support a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope.
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Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape installs and repairs drip and sprinkler systems in Daly City, with smart controllers that adjust by zone. In a city where fog keeps some yards damp for weeks, the goal is to water less and only where plants need it.
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Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape installs low-voltage LED lighting for Daly City walkways, front steps, planter beds and patios. Fog and salt air near the coast wear out cheap fixtures fast, so material choice matters here more than in most cities.
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Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape installs exterior sump basins, French drains and catch basins for Daly City yards. Hillside lots send storm water downhill toward houses, and Daly City requires that lots drain so water doesn't pond against foundations.
See sump pumps in Daly CityLocal know-how
Daly City requires a building permit and a licensed engineer's design for retaining walls over 48 inches, measured from the bottom of the footing. Walls under 48 inches need one too if they support a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope, which is common on Daly City's hillside lots.
Retaining walls under 48 inches may be built of wood if they only hold landscaping backfill and use pressure-treated or decay-resistant lumber. Anything taller or carrying a load moves to block or concrete.
The City easement or right-of-way can run from zero to 12 feet behind the back of the sidewalk and often holds gas, electric, water and sewer lines. Walls, fences or paving there need a check with the Engineering Division (650-991-8064) and may need an encroachment permit.
Westlake and the coastal side of the city sit near the Mussel Rock landslide area, where hillside cuts can trigger grading and geotechnical review. Wet winters and constant fog keep side yards damp, so drainage behind walls and under pavers matters as much as the surface.
Rules at a glance
Building Division (650-991-8061) issues wall permits; Engineering (650-991-8064) handles right-of-way, easements and encroachment permits.
Summary of official guidance for planning only. We confirm the rules for your address during the site visit.
| Location / item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Retaining wall over 48 in (bottom of footing to top) | Building permit + licensed engineer design |
| Wall under 48 in holding a surcharge or uphill slope | Building permit + licensed engineer design |
| Wood retaining wall | Under 48 in, landscape backfill only, treated lumber |
| Fence: side and rear yards | 6 ft max (DCMC 17.40.020) |
| Fence: required front yard | 3 ft max |
| Work in the City easement / right-of-way | Check with Engineering; encroachment permit may apply |
Coverage
Serramonte Center · Westlake Shopping Center · Mussel Rock Park · Gellert Park · Cow Palace
94014 · 94015
How it works
Tell us your Daly City address, the project and your timeline.
We measure, check drainage and confirm City of Daly City and HOA limits.
Materials, finish, layout and schedule, in writing and free.
We build, clean up and review the finished work with you.
When it is taller than 48 inches from the bottom of the footing, or when it is shorter but supports a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope. Those walls need a building permit and must be designed by a licensed professional engineer.
Yes, if it is under 48 inches, holds only landscaping backfill and is built of pressure-treated or decay-resistant lumber. Taller walls or walls carrying a load should be block or concrete.
Check first. In Daly City that strip, up to 12 feet behind the sidewalk, is often City right-of-way or easement with utilities in it. Daly City's Engineering Division (650-991-8064) confirms what is allowed and whether an encroachment permit is needed.
Up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in the required front yard, measured from the highest ground next to the fence (DCMC 17.40.020). A fence 6 feet or lower doesn't need a building permit.
Send your address and a few photos. We'll confirm the Daly City rules and give you a free estimate.
