Serving Atherton, CA
Free estimates for paver driveways, patios, concrete work and wood fences in Atherton, built for larger lots and a town that takes its trees seriously.
Working in Atherton
Atherton is a low-lying town of large lots. New subdivisions need at least an acre, the town has no sidewalks, and its general plan aims to keep a scenic, rural, thickly wooded residential feel.
That shapes the work: longer driveways, bigger patios and entertaining areas, and fences that follow the town rules. Atherton also protects its oaks, so hardscape layouts need to work around roots.
Neighborhoods and places
What we build
The same eight services, built by the same Menlo Park crew. Tap one to see how we build it.
PaversA paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in.
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PaversA paver driveway adds curb appeal and handles daily traffic. The base does the heavy lifting, so we build it deep and set the pavers tight.
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PaversWalkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
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PaversAdd a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
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ConcreteA poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
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ConcreteFlat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
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FencesA wood fence brings privacy and gives your yard a clear edge. We set the posts, hang the rails and boards, and keep the lines straight.
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FencesA leaning fence or a sagging gate doesn't always mean a whole new fence. We fix what can be fixed and build gates that swing right.
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Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
Valley, coast live and blue oaks are heritage trees anywhere on a lot, and so are other trees outside the main buildable area, once the trunk reaches 48 inches around. The protection zone can reach 8 times the trunk diameter for a new driveway on a larger lot, and trenching, grade changes and soil compaction inside it are prohibited unless the town arborist allows an exception.
Neighboring Bay-plain sites on the same kind of ground report clay soil that swells and shrinks. We check the ground on your lot before we set a base depth.
Fences go through the town's planning review. Entry gates, posts and columns up to 10 feet need a building permit.
Rules at a glance
A plain-language summary of what the Atherton code says, to help you plan. Codes get amended and every lot is different, so treat it as a starting point.
| Topic | What the code says |
|---|---|
| Fence height | 6 ft at the front lot line and along public streets, and 6 ft generally on side and rear lines, including between neighbors. Lots next to some major roads, such as El Camino Real, Middlefield Road and Valparaiso Avenue, can go to 6 ft above natural grade or 8 ft above the road centerline, whichever is higher. 3 ft inside the clear visibility area at street intersections. |
| Fence approval | Planning approval (a zoning clearance) is needed unless the fence is exempt. A fence up to 6 ft on private property at least 10 ft from the public right-of-way is exempt. Any fence over 6 ft, or within 10 ft of a right-of-way, needs a building permit. |
| Retaining walls | A solid retaining wall can be up to 6 ft and must sit at least 5 ft from any property line. Taller walls, or walls less than 20 ft from another wall on the same property, need a special structure permit. |
| Trees | Protection and removal follow Chapter 8.10 of the municipal code. A certified arborist's tree protection plan goes in with the building permit. |
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the Town of Atherton Building Department (80 Fair Oaks Ln, (650) 752-0560). We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in Atherton: 94027. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
Generally 6 feet, including between neighbors, with 3 feet inside the visibility area at street intersections. Lots next to some major roads can go taller. Fences need planning approval unless exempt, and any fence over 6 feet or within 10 feet of the public right-of-way needs a building permit.
It depends on how close it is. Atherton restricts trenching, grade changes and soil compaction inside a heritage tree's protection zone, so the driveway layout and base depth have to work around the roots. A certified arborist's tree protection plan goes in with the building permit.
Yes. Bigger lots mean longer driveways and larger patios, and we measure and plan those at the free estimate.
Let's talk
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free
