Driveway standards
Belmont's code limits driveway grade on private property to 18%, or 20% where the building official allows it on a steep site. The first 5 feet from the back of the curb, including the approach, must be concrete.
Serving Belmont, CA
Paver, concrete and fence contractor in Belmont, CA.
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in Belmont, from flat Sterling Downs lots up to the hillsides.
Free estimates Pavers, concrete and fences Menlo Park crew
Working in Belmont
Building in Belmont, one yard at a time.
Belmont is a hilly city: sea-level bay marshland in the east and hills above 800 feet in the west. Lots run from small and closely spaced on the Plateau and Skymont, to flat small lots in Sterling Downs and Homeview, to large hillside lots in Cipriani and Sunnyslope.
With that range, every Belmont yard is a little different. We look at slope, drainage and access first, then plan the hardscape or fence to fit.
Belmont, CAFree estimates, local crew
Neighborhoods and places
- Sterling Downs
- Western Hills
- Cipriani
- Hallmark (Belmont Heights)
- Central
- Plateau and Skymont
- Homeview
- Belmont Village
What we build
Services in Belmont.
The same eight services, built by the same Menlo Park crew. Tap one to see how we build it.
PaversPaver patios
A 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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PaversPaver driveways
A 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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PaversPaver walkways and steps
Walkways 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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PaversFire pits and outdoor living
Add a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
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ConcreteConcrete driveways
A poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
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ConcreteConcrete patios and walkways
Flat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
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FencesWood fences
A 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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FencesFence gates and repairs
A 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.
See detailsBefore you build
What to know before you build in Belmont.
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
Drainage rules
The code requires ground to slope away from buildings, and runoff from improved surfaces has to go to the city storm drain system or be disposed of as approved.
Protected trees
Principal native trees (coast live oak, valley oak, redwood, madrone, bay laurel and buckeye) are protected at 10 inches in diameter, and other woody trees at 14 inches. Trenching, grading or paving that significantly harms roots counts as removal.
Bayside ground
A 2022 geotechnical report for a bayside site in east Belmont found fill over soft Bay Mud that it calls highly expansive, and advised sloping hardscape at least 2 to 3 percent away from foundations. That is one site, not the whole city, but it shows why we check the ground.
Rules at a glance
Belmont fence, wall and paving basics.
A plain-language summary of what the Belmont 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 | Six feet is the general limit, and the city says a fence taller than 6 ft needs a variance. Front setbacks and areas near street corners have a lower limit, so check your lot with the Permit Center. |
| Right-of-way | Fences and walls in the public right-of-way need an encroachment permit issued by the City Council. |
| Driveway grade | Private-property driveways may not exceed 18% grade, or 20% where the building official allows it. |
| Driveway approach | The first 5 ft from the back of the curb, including the approach, must be concrete. The rest may be concrete, asphaltic concrete or another city-approved material. |
| Drainage | Ground must slope away from buildings, and runoff from improved surfaces must go to the city storm drain system or be disposed of as approved. |
Confirm before you build
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of Belmont Permit Center ([email protected], (650) 595-7422). We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Also building near Belmont.
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in Belmont: 94002. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
Belmont: questions, answered.
How tall can a fence be in Belmont?
Six feet is the general limit, and the city says a fence taller than 6 feet needs a variance. Front setbacks and corner areas have lower limits. Ask the Permit Center about your lot.
Can you build a driveway on a steep Belmont lot?
Slope decides what is possible. Belmont's code limits private driveway grade to 18%, or 20% where the building official allows it on a steep site. We look at the grade at the free estimate.
Do protected trees affect hardscape work in Belmont?
They can. Trenching, grading or paving that significantly harms a protected tree's roots or dripline counts as removal under the tree ordinance, so we plan layouts around roots and check with the city when a large tree is close.
Let's talk
Ready for a yard you'll love?
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.
Call or text today(650) 334-6529
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free