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Pavers & Concrete · San Francisco, CA
Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape installs paver driveways and patios, permeable pavers and concrete sidewalks in San Francisco. Many jobs here start at the curb: owners must keep the sidewalk in front of their home in repair, and that work needs a Public Works permit.
Pavers & Concrete in San Francisco
San Francisco Public Works Code §706 makes the owner responsible for the sidewalk, curb and driveway apron in front of the lot. Replacing it needs a Sidewalk Repair Permit, and swapping concrete for pavers in the sidewalk needs a Special Sidewalk Surface Permit.
Many San Francisco driveways are short and steep, with a garage under the house. Pavers give better grip on a slope than smooth concrete, and individual units can be lifted when a utility line needs work.
Public Works allows permeable paving on sidewalks and driveways. Next to planting beds it needs a rigid edge to hold the base in place, a detail we build in from the start.
Interlocking paver driveways, patios and walkways, plus concrete walkways, slabs and steps, built on a compacted base with drainage planned in from the start.
Public Works handles anything in the sidewalk or street; DBI handles retaining walls and structures. Work fully on private property, such as a backyard paver patio, usually needs no permit.
| Location / item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk, curb or driveway apron repair | Owner's duty; Sidewalk Repair Permit (Public Works Code §706) |
| Pavers or permeable paving in the sidewalk | Special Sidewalk Surface Permit |
| Retaining wall over 4 ft (bottom of footing to top) | DBI permit + engineered design |
| Retaining wall holding back a driveway, building or slope | DBI permit + engineered design at any height |
| New landscape 500 sq ft+ / modified 2,500 sq ft+ | SFPUC Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance |
| WaterSense irrigation controller (SFPUC customers) | Rebate up to $250 each, max. 2 |
| Interlocking pavers | Poured concrete | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Many colors, sizes and patterns | Clean, simple finish; can be brushed or colored |
| Cracks and repairs | Joints flex; single pavers can be lifted and reset | Can crack; repairs usually mean cutting out a section |
| Rainwater | Permeable options let water soak in | Solid surface; water must be sloped to a drain |
| Best fit | Patios, driveways and walkways where looks matter | Sidewalks, slabs, steps and simple walkways |
We measure, check slope and drainage, and confirm if any part of the work is in the public right-of-way.
You pick paver style, color and pattern, or a concrete finish, with a written estimate.
We dig to depth, then install and compact the gravel base in layers so the surface stays flat.
Pavers are laid, cut, edged and sanded in, or the concrete is formed, poured and finished.
We clean the site and review the finished surface and care tips with you.
Not for the part on your property. The driveway apron and sidewalk are public right-of-way, so replacing them needs a Public Works permit, and pavers there need a Special Sidewalk Surface Permit.
Yes. San Francisco Public Works allows permeable paving on sidewalks, driveways and other surfaces, with a permit when it is in the sidewalk area. A rigid edge is required next to planting beds.
Pavers cost more up front but resist cracking on steep driveways and can be lifted for repairs. Concrete is simpler and works well for sidewalks and flat aprons. We show you both at the estimate.
Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape builds pavers & concrete projects across San Francisco and nearby cities. Estimates are free.
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