Driveway approaches need an encroachment permit
San Mateo requires an encroachment permit for sidewalk, curb, gutter and driveway approach work. Owners fixing their own sidewalk have the fee waived, but bonds and insurance still apply.
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Pavers & Concrete · San Mateo, CA
Paver & Concrete Installation in San Mateo, CA
Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape installs paver patios, walkways and driveways and concrete flatwork in San Mateo. When the job reaches the street (sidewalk, curb or driveway approach), the City of San Mateo requires an encroachment permit, with at least 10 business days for review.
- San Mateo 94401, 94402, 94403, 94404
- 18 years of experience
- Free estimates
Pavers & Concrete in San Mateo
What San Mateo homeowners should know
Flat lots near the Bay
In bay-side neighborhoods like Shoreview, flat lots can hold water. Permeable pavers, or a planned slope to a drain, keep patios dry after storms.
Side-yard paths
Many San Mateo homes have side yards that stay muddy all winter. A paver path on a compacted base turns them into usable access to the backyard.
Pavers & Concrete services we offer in San Mateo
Interlocking paver driveways, patios and walkways, plus concrete walkways, slabs and steps, built on a compacted base with drainage planned in from the start.
- Paver driveways, patios and side-yard walkways
- Permeable pavers that let rain soak into the ground
- Concrete walkways, patio slabs and steps
- Front sidewalk replacement, with the city permit when it sits in the right-of-way
- Releveling and repair of sunken or shifted pavers
San Mateo right-of-way and wall rules
San Mateo Public Works issues encroachment permits (650-522-7300); the Building Division handles retaining wall permits.
| Location / item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk, curb, gutter or driveway approach | City encroachment permit (min. 10 business days) |
| Owner repairing their own sidewalk | Permit fee waived; bond and insurance required |
| Retaining wall over 4 ft or holding a surcharge | Building permit + engineered design (CRC §R105.2) |
| North Shoreview / North Central | ~1,600 addresses removed from FEMA flood zone (Oct 11, 2024) |
Pavers vs. poured concrete
| 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 |
Our pavers & concrete process
- 1
Site visit
We measure, check slope and drainage, and confirm if any part of the work is in the public right-of-way.
- 2
Layout and material choice
You pick paver style, color and pattern, or a concrete finish, with a written estimate.
- 3
Excavation and base
We dig to depth, then install and compact the gravel base in layers so the surface stays flat.
- 4
Install
Pavers are laid, cut, edged and sanded in, or the concrete is formed, poured and finished.
- 5
Clean-up and walk-through
We clean the site and review the finished surface and care tips with you.
Pavers & Concrete in San Mateo: FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway approach in San Mateo?
Yes. Driveway approaches are in the public right-of-way, so the City requires an encroachment permit. Allow at least 10 business days for review.
Are permeable pavers a good idea in San Mateo?
Yes, especially on flat lots near the Bay. They let rain soak through instead of running off or pooling on the surface.
Can you replace a cracked concrete patio with pavers?
Yes. We remove the old slab, rebuild the base and lay pavers, often adding drainage at the same time.
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Ready to start your San Mateo project?
Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape builds pavers & concrete projects across San Mateo and nearby cities. Estimates are free.