Serving Los Altos, CA
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in Los Altos.
Working in Los Altos
Los Altos is a semi-rural residential city. In the R1-10 zone the base minimum lot is 10,000 square feet, or 11,000 for corner lots, and structures over 6 feet high can cover at most 35% of the site. Outside commercial areas and main roads, most streets have broad dirt shoulders instead of sidewalks.
The city sits on the Santa Clara Valley side of the Peninsula at about 157 feet of elevation, near the San Andreas Fault, with Adobe, Permanente and Stevens creeks flowing north from Black Mountain. Larger lots and generous front yards suit patios, long driveways and privacy fences, all built on a compacted base.
Around the city
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.
Fences in the required front yard setback are limited to 4 feet, and 6 feet is the general maximum for any fence, wall or similar structure. The city planner can approve up to 2 feet of substantially open lattice on top of a side or rear fence.
Patios, driveways and pavement count as impervious surface. A project that creates or replaces 2,500 square feet or more must include at least one site design measure, such as sending runoff to planted areas or building with permeable surfaces.
At least 50% of the required front yard must be pervious landscape material, so a large paved front court needs planning.
Any tree 12 inches in diameter, about 38 inches around, at 48 inches above grade, and any native species tree 10 inches or more, is protected. Drain wells are required where new paving will cover a protected tree's root system.
Rules at a glance
A plain-language summary of what the Los Altos 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 yard | 4 ft in the required front setback, and also within 5 ft of the exterior side property line of a corner lot. |
| Fence height, general | 6 ft maximum for any fence, wall or similar structure. Up to 2 ft of substantially open lattice on top of a side or rear fence can be approved by the city planner. |
| Sight triangles | Nothing over 3 ft within a 25 ft triangle at a street intersection, and nothing over 4 ft within a 15 ft triangle on either side of a driveway. |
| Front yard | At least 50% of the required front yard must be pervious landscape. |
| Stormwater | Creating or replacing 2,500 sq ft or more of impervious surface, including patios and driveways, triggers at least one site design measure. |
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of Los Altos Development Services Department (Planning Division: [email protected]). 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 Los Altos: 94022 and 94024. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
In the required front yard setback, 4 feet. Elsewhere, 6 feet is the general maximum for any fence, wall or similar structure, with up to 2 feet of open lattice on top of a side or rear fence if the city planner approves.
At least half of the required front yard must be pervious landscape material, so the paved share has to stay under half of it. We plan the driveway and walkways around that limit.
Patios, driveways and other pavement count as impervious surface. A project that creates or replaces 2,500 square feet or more must include at least one site design measure, such as directing runoff to a planted area or using permeable paving. Confirm 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
