Pavers Encino – Installation, Repair & Retaining Walls

Encino lots are big by Los Angeles standards, and the outdoor projects tend to be big too: long driveways, motor courts, pool decks and patios that cover most of a backyard. Encino is also oak country. The neighborhood is named for its oaks, and many properties have native trees that the City protects.

Encino’s properties

North of Ventura Boulevard, Encino’s flats toward the 101 and Lake Balboa are mostly post-war ranch houses on generous lots, many expanded or rebuilt. South of Ventura, the streets climb toward Mulholland, with larger hillside homes, Mediterranean-style houses and new construction on terraced lots. Swimming pools are the norm rather than the exception.

Working around protected oaks

The City of Los Angeles protects native oaks, Western sycamores, Southern California black walnuts and California bays that measure 4 inches or more in diameter at 4½ feet above ground. Work inside a protected tree’s dripline that involves excavating, filling, changing grade or running equipment can require a protected-tree permit and a report from a tree expert.

A paver base needs excavation, and excavation cuts roots. So with an oak nearby, the design comes first:

• keep driveways and patios outside the dripline where possible
• where paving has to come close, consider a permeable paver system that lets water and air reach the roots
• avoid changing the grade around the trunk
• plan where equipment and materials will sit, so they aren’t parked on the root zone

Encino’s most famous oak, the centuries-old Encino Oak on Louise Avenue, was a city historic-cultural monument until it fell in 1998. Many of its neighbors are still here.

Large driveways and motor courts

A long driveway or motor court has to carry vehicle loads over a large area. That means a deeper compacted base, 60 mm or thicker vehicle-rated pavers, strong edge restraints and planned drainage, often with a channel drain at the garage. Over a large area, even a small slope error adds up to standing water. See driveway pavers.

Pool decks

Encino summers are hot. Light-colored travertine and textured porcelain stay cooler and give grip when wet. The deck should slope away from the pool and the house, and coping should be planned with the deck rather than added later.

Permits

Paving at grade on private property generally doesn’t need a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or walls supporting a slope or driveway, do. Driveway approaches at the street need a Bureau of Engineering A-Permit. Hillside lots south of Ventura may fall under the City’s hillside rules.

Encino paver questions

Can I put pavers under my oak tree?

Inside the dripline of a protected oak, you’ll likely need a permit and an arborist’s input. Often the better answer is to keep paving outside the dripline and use mulch or decomposed granite closer in.

Are permeable pavers worth it?

Near trees and on large areas, often yes. See permeable pavers.

What does a large driveway cost?

Per square foot it’s similar to other driveways; grading, drainage and demolition add to it. See our cost guide.

For an Encino estimate, call (213) 577-0727 or send photos through the form.