Serving Portola Valley, CA
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in Portola Valley, built around acre-plus lots and the town rules.
Working in Portola Valley
Portola Valley is a low-density town on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains where about 81% of homes are single-family, many on lots of an acre or more. The San Andreas Fault runs through town, and the land runs from the valley floor to steep western hillsides.
Large lots and a hillside setting mean long driveways, terraced yards and a lot of drainage to think about. We look at slope, soil and access first, then plan the surface.
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.
The town counts concrete, asphalt, brick, pavers and compacted gravel as impervious surface, and sets a maximum in its zoning tables. Driveway portions more than 100 feet from the house are excluded from the calculation. Ask the town for your lot's number before you plan a large patio or drive.
The town's safety element update says expansive soils may be encountered anywhere in the area, and soil on the steep slopes west of the valley floor has a high erosion hazard. Both affect how we plan a base and its edges.
The Architectural and Site Control Commission reviews entryway features such as pillars, posts and gates, as well as uncovered parking. Fence permits go through staff or the commission.
Part of the town, about 170 parcels in the northwest, is in a CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and the town applies the state's wildfire construction rules townwide.
Rules at a glance
A plain-language summary of what the Portola Valley 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 | 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards. In 1-acre districts a front-yard fence must be set back at least 25 ft from the front property line. |
| Fence permit | A permit is required for fences in required yards, except fences 2 ft or less in height and 20 ft or less in total length. Adjoining owners get written notice at least 6 days before staff or the commission acts. |
| Opacity | Front-yard fences in smaller districts, and domestic fences in 1-acre front yards, are limited to 50% opacity. |
| Color | Fence color is limited to 40% reflectivity, except for naturally weathered wood. |
| Creek corridors | Fences must sit at least 20 ft from the top of a creek bank. |
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the Town of Portola Valley Planning and Building Department ([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 Portola Valley: 94028. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
Four feet in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards. In 1-acre districts a front-yard fence must also sit at least 25 feet back from the front property line. Check your lot with the town.
Yes, for fences in required yards, except fences 2 feet or lower and 20 feet or shorter in total length. Neighbors get written notice before the town acts.
Yes. The town's definition of impervious surface includes concrete, brick and pavers, and the maximum is set in its zoning tables. Ask the town for your limit, and we will plan the size of the work around it.
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
