Patio Cover Permits: When You Need One and When You Don’t (San Jose)
Does a patio cover need a permit in San Jose? How the small-structure exemption works, what the building code requires, and how to check…
Concrete & driveways · Completed project
Upper Yard Paver Patio with Timber-Edged Raised Beds
A sloped upper yard turned into a level paver patio, framed by timber-edged raised beds filled with red rock and enclosed by a wood fence.
- Project
- Paver patio
- Scope
- Pavers, raised beds, red rock
- Highlights
- Multi-tone pavers, timber edging
- Service area
- San Jose Bay Area
Project overview
About this project
This upper back yard now holds a large level patio of rectangular pavers in a mixed tan, gray and rust blend, laid in a random pattern.
Stained timber borders frame the patio and form raised beds along the fence lines, filled with red rock for a low-water finish.
From the top of the patio, the yard looks down over the roof of the home below, with a wood railing along the lower edge.
Level patio
A usable flat space on the upper yard.
Multi-tone pavers
Tan, gray and rust in a random pattern.
Timber-edged beds
Stained timbers frame raised planting areas.
Red rock
Low-water ground cover in the beds.
Project photos
Photo tour: 6 photos
Photos of the finished work. Tap any photo to view it full screen, then swipe or use the arrow keys.
Scope of work
What we built
Everything Quartz Construction & Remodeling handled on this project, grouped by part of the job.
Hardscape
- Rectangular paver patio
- Random-pattern layout
- Timber patio edging
Beds
- Timber-edged raised beds
- Red rock ground cover
How we work
How a project like this comes together
The same five steps run every Quartz job, from the first visit to the final walkthrough. One team designs, permits and builds it.
Site visit
We look at grade, drainage, access and what the surface needs to carry.
Design
Layout, finish, color and joints are planned with you.
Permits
Driveway approaches and some flatwork need city permits; we handle them.
Excavation and base
The old surface comes out and a compacted base and forms are prepared.
Pour or lay, then walkthrough
Concrete is poured and finished, or pavers are laid, then we walk the job with you.
Questions & answers
Concrete & driveways: common questions
Planning something similar? These are the questions homeowners ask us most. Anything else, just call.
(650) 749-7436Do driveways need a permit?
Work at the street (the driveway approach) usually does. We check your city's rules and handle the permit.
Concrete or pavers?
Concrete is seamless and cost-effective; pavers are easier to repair and come in many patterns. We explain both.
How do you prevent cracks?
A compacted base, proper thickness, reinforcement and control joints keep cracking under control.
Can you remove my old driveway?
Yes. Demolition, haul-away and base preparation are part of the job.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We visit the site and give you a written estimate.
Client reviews
What our clients say on Google
I got my front yard, back yard and deck work done by Ohad and his team. They did excellent work. They are very professional, delivered project in time and are very flexible too. I'll hire them anytime for my future projects.
Our new patio is stunning! Ohad’s design is perfect, the materials look luxurious, and the crew delivered with professionalism and skill.
My husband and I couldn't be happier with the fantastic job Ohad and his team did on our backyard renovation and pergola project! From start to finish They provided vision, design, and fast installation. I sent several inquiries and scheduled appointments, and to be honest, Quartz Construction did not give the cheapest option. However, I was impressed by the dedication and sincerity Ohad showed me and my husband on our first appointment. He came ready to show us the service they offer. I had a design drawn on a tiny piece of paper of a vision I was looking for my backyard, and he created a "blueprint" based on my vision, providing measurements to make it official. If you're looking for a team that delivers high-quality work and truly cares about their customers, I highly recommend them.
More projects
Explore more of our work
More completed Quartz projects across the San Jose Bay Area.
From our blog
Helpful reading before you start
Guides on permits, materials and planning, written by the team that builds these projects.
Deck Footing Depth and Soil-Bearing Basics for Bay Area Decks
What California’s residential code requires for deck footing depth, frost-line exceptions and soil-bearing pressure, plus where footings commonly fail plan check.
Renovation, Remodel or Restoration: What the Permit Office Actually Checks
What a plan checker actually looks at: the code’s repair/renovation/alteration/reconstruction categories, San Jose permit triggers, and what to confirm before you apply.
Free estimate
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Your house deserves more than basic repairs. Tell us about your project and we’ll call you to set up a free on-site estimate.
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- HoursMon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
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