Fences and retaining walls
Any fence combined with a retaining wall needs a building permit, whatever its height. Solid fences or walls over 6 feet, not counting lattice, need one too.
Serving San Carlos, CA
Paver, concrete and fence contractor in San Carlos, CA.
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in San Carlos, from the flat streets near downtown to the hillside lots in the west.
Free estimates Pavers, concrete and fences Menlo Park crew
Working in San Carlos
Building in San Carlos, one yard at a time.
San Carlos is mostly single-family neighborhoods. Near downtown, in El Sereno Corte (White Oaks) and Howard Park, lots are flat to gently sloping and medium-sized. Further west, in Beverly Terrace and Cordes, the land climbs, lots get larger and a Hillside Overlay district applies.
That mix means two kinds of jobs: level patios and fences on the flats, and steps, terraces and drainage on slopes. We look at the lot first and plan from there.
San Carlos, CAFree estimates, local crew
Neighborhoods and places
- El Sereno Corte (White Oaks)
- Howard Park
- Alder Manor
- Beverly Terrace
- Cordes
- Clearfield Park
What we build
Services in San Carlos.
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 San Carlos.
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
Walls on slopes
A permit is required for concrete or masonry retaining walls over 4 feet and for pressure-treated wood retaining walls over 3 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. In the Hillside Overlay, retaining walls over 4 feet must be screened.
Protected trees
San Carlos protects significant trees 11 inches in diameter or more, redwoods 15 inches or more, and heritage trees. Removing or pruning one needs a permit, though pruning up to 25% of the canopy or roots does not.
Near creeks
Where the Stream Development and Maintenance overlay applies, patios, decks, pools and earth fill count as development and must be at least 25 feet from the top of the creek bank. Ask the city whether your lot is covered.
Rules at a glance
San Carlos fence, wall and paving basics.
A plain-language summary of what the San Carlos 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 front yard, between the front property line and the front wall of the main building (or the required setback, whichever is less). 3 ft inside the sight-distance triangle. |
| Fence height, side and rear | 6 ft plus 1 ft of lattice in side and rear yards, behind the front setback line. |
| Fence permit | A building permit is required for any solid fence or wall over 6 ft (not counting lattice) and for any fence combined with a retaining wall. An encroachment permit from the City Engineer is required for fencing in the public right-of-way. |
| Driveway sight area | Nothing above 3 ft may block the driveway sight area, which reaches 12 ft back from the edge of the right-of-way. |
| Driveway gates | Driveway gates up to 14 ft wide are exempt from special approval. |
Confirm before you build
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of San Carlos Building Division (600 Elm St, (650) 802-4261). We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Also building near San Carlos.
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in San Carlos: 94070. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
San Carlos: questions, answered.
How tall can a fence be in San Carlos?
Four feet in the front yard, and six feet plus one foot of lattice in side and rear yards behind the front setback line. Nothing above three feet may block the sight-distance triangle at corners and driveways.
Do I need a permit if my fence sits on a retaining wall?
Yes. San Carlos requires a building permit for any fence combined with a retaining wall, whatever its height. Solid fences over six feet, not counting lattice, need one too.
Do you work on hillside lots in San Carlos?
Yes. On a slope we look at drainage, access and the ground first. Parts of the city fall in a Hillside Overlay district with extra rules, and we point out what to check with the city.
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