Pavers Studio City – Installation, Repair & Retaining Walls
Studio City has two kinds of paver project. On the flats north of Ventura Boulevard, it’s driveways, patios and pool decks on mid-century lots. In the hills south of Ventura, it’s steep driveways, retaining walls and making usable outdoor space on a slope. The hillside work takes the most planning.
Studio City’s two halves
The flats, including Colfax Meadows and the streets around the LA River and Moorpark, are mostly 1940s to 1960s ranch and traditional houses on regular lots, many remodeled or replaced. South of Ventura, streets like Laurel Canyon, Fryman and Coldwater climb into the Santa Monica Mountains, with post-and-beam houses, 1960s and 1970s hillside homes and new construction on steep, narrow lots.
Hillside driveways
A steep driveway is one of the hardest paver applications. Water runs down it, vehicles push the pavers downhill when braking, and the base has to stay put on a slope. A sound hillside driveway usually has:
- a deep, well-compacted base, with geogrid where soils are soft
- a solid concrete edge restraint along the downhill end and the sides
- a pattern that interlocks well, like herringbone
- a textured paver for traction
- a channel drain at the bottom, so water doesn’t end up in the garage
See driveway pavers for base depths.
Retaining walls and flat space
On a hillside lot, a patio usually means cutting into the slope and holding it back with a wall. Under the state code, walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or any wall holding back a slope, driveway or structure, need a permit and engineering. Hillside lots may also need a soils report. Our retaining wall page explains the options.
City rules that can apply
Studio City is in the City of Los Angeles. Hillside properties fall under the City’s hillside regulations, and lots near Mulholland Drive can be inside the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, which adds review for some exterior work and grading. We check each address on ZIMAS. Native oaks, sycamores, black walnuts and California bays of 4 inches or more in diameter are protected, and excavating or paving inside their dripline can require a permit. A new or widened driveway approach at the street needs an A-Permit from the Bureau of Engineering.
Pool decks on the flats
Pool decks are the other common project. Valley summers make light-colored travertine or concrete pavers the comfortable choice, and the deck needs to slope away from the pool and the house.
Studio City paver questions
Can pavers work on a really steep driveway?
Yes, with the right base, edge restraint and drainage. Very steep driveways may be better served by a textured concrete paver than smoother stone.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
If it’s over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or holds back a slope or driveway, yes. On hillsides, assume you’ll need engineering.
Is my lot in the Mulholland specific plan area?
ZIMAS will show it. Lots close to Mulholland often are.
What does hillside work cost?
Walls and drainage are priced separately. Our cost guide has ranges.
For a Studio City estimate, call (213) 577-0727 or send photos through the form.