Serving East Palo Alto, CA
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in East Palo Alto, planned around drainage.
Working in East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto is a flat, low-lying city bordered by San Francisco Bay and San Francisquito Creek. Its neighborhoods include Woodland, Weeks, the Gardens, University Village, Kavanaugh, Palo Alto Park, Ravenswood and O'Connor.
Water is the main thing to design for here. City hazard documents describe flooding from heavy rain, the creek and high tides, and say more than half the city is in a FEMA floodplain. We pay close attention to surface slope, edges and where runoff goes.
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.
See detailsBefore you build
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
City hazard materials say many streets lack storm drains and that the O'Connor Pump Station struggles in moderate storms. Positive drainage away from structures is a standard fix, and we plan it into every patio, driveway and walkway.
Much of the city sits on loose or artificial fill, especially near the Bay and the creek, and former tidal flats can settle unevenly. That is one more reason a compacted base is the part of the job we never rush.
A tree removal permit is needed for private trees at or above the size threshold, and trenching, grade changes or paving inside a tree dripline can count as removal. Size thresholds apply, so ask the city for the current number before you dig near a tree.
Rules at a glance
A plain-language summary of what the East Palo Alto 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, front | 4 ft in any front setback area, hedges and walls included. |
| Fence height, side and rear | 6 ft in side and rear setbacks, as long as the fence does not extend into a required front setback. Corner lots have extra limits along the side street and in the corner vision triangle. |
| Fence permit | The city's building-permit exemption list covers fences not over 7 ft, but it asks you to check fence height and location with the Planning Division. The zoning limit of 6 ft is lower than the 7 ft permit exemption. |
| Retaining walls | Exempt from a building permit up to 4 ft, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless the wall holds back extra load. |
| Driveways | An encroachment permit is required for work in the city right-of-way, including driveway installation and sidewalk replacement. Driveways and sidewalks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade are exempt from a building permit. |
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of East Palo Alto Building Services Division (1960 Tate St, (650) 853-3189). 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 East Palo Alto: 94303. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
Yes. East Palo Alto is next door to our Menlo Park base, and we take jobs across the city.
We set the surface slope so water runs away from the house, build on a compacted base and plan where the runoff ends up. CMHA calls for a minimum surface slope of 1.5% on pavers. Tell us about any standing water or flooding you have seen, and we will look at it at the free estimate.
An encroachment permit is required for driveway work in the city right-of-way. The driveway itself, if it is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, is exempt from a building permit. Check current rules with the city.
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
