Permeable Pavers in San Diego (2025): Cost, Underdrains, Specs & Permits
Updated August 2025 — San Diego County
Written by:
Luke W., Founder & Owner of INSTALL-IT-DIRECT
Luxury Landscape Design & Build Expert • 16+ Years in San Diego
Reviewed by:
Chris MacMillan, General Manager
ICPI Certified • CA CSLB License #947643
Last reviewed: August 2025 · About our process
6,000+ 5-star reviews since 2009 • Fully licensed & insured in California
Thinking about permeable pavers for your patio, driveway, or walkway? In San Diego, they’re a smart solution for stormwater compliance, standing water issues, and premium curb appeal. This guide covers installed costs, specs that pass code, when you need underdrains, permits, and maintenance—so you can budget confidently and avoid surprises.
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TL;DR — 2025 San Diego ranges
- Patios: $26–$45/sq ft (≈ +$6–$12 vs. standard pavers)
- Driveways: $32–$50/sq ft (≈ +$8–$15 vs. standard)
- Why higher: deeper open-graded base, specialty aggregates, potential underdrains/cleanouts, more excavation/haul
- Maintenance: vacuum joints on a routine interval (1–3 yrs typical) and top-off No. 8 joint stone as needed
Do-This-First (San Diego Compliance)
- Run the City’s stormwater screening: complete DS-560: Storm Water Requirements Applicability Checklist to determine Standard vs. Priority Development Project (PDP) path and documentation. (IID handles this for you.)
- Check overlays/constraints: Coastal Overlay Zone, ESL (steep slopes, bio), flood hazard, fire severity zones, historic/HOA rules.
- Confirm discharge plan: Full infiltration on-site where feasible; if an underdrain daylight is required, plan a lawful outlet and budget a Right-of-Way (ROW) permit for curb/catch basin tie-in.
- Soils/percolation: Quick field observation → decide if basic (NRCS A/B/C/D) is acceptable or if geotech testing is needed. Restricted conditions (e.g., ≥5 ft fill) can preclude infiltration and push to underdrain.
Permeable Paver Costs
Installed price ranges reflect typical San Diego conditions. Pricing varies with access, soils, excavation depth, and whether an underdrain is required.
| Patio Size | @ $26/sq ft | @ $36/sq ft | @ $45/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft | $10,400 | $14,400 | $18,000 |
| 600 sq ft | $15,600 | $21,600 | $27,000 |
| 800 sq ft | $20,800 | $28,800 | $36,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $26,000 | $36,000 | $45,000 |
| Driveway Size | @ $32/sq ft | @ $40/sq ft | @ $50/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft (compact 2-car) | $12,800 | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| 600 sq ft (typical 2-car) | $19,200 | $24,000 | $30,000 |
| 800 sq ft (wider/longer) | $25,600 | $32,000 | $40,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft (estate) | $32,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
Note: Driveways trend higher due to deeper reservoirs, 80mm units, and herringbone patterns in tire paths.
Common Adders
- Extra excavation & haul: +$2–$6/sq ft
- Underdrain + cleanouts: $28–$55/lf
- Tight access (no bobcat): +$1–$2/sq ft
- Borders, inlays, lighting: +$3–$12/sq ft
- Premium finishes: porcelain or natural stone accents
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Standard vs. Permeable (What Changes)
| Factor | Standard Interlocking | Permeable Interlocking |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost (SD) | Patios ~ $20–$35/sq ft | Patios ~ $26–$45/sq ft |
| Base Layers | Class II base + bedding sand | No. 2 reservoir • No. 57 base • No. 8 bedding/joints |
| Drainage | Surface drains as needed | Infiltration to soil; underdrain if restricted/slow drawdown |
| Vehicle Use | 60–80mm (80mm preferred) + herringbone in tire paths | 80mm required + herringbone; deeper reservoir/base |
| Maintenance | Rinse/clean; optional sealing | Vacuum joints periodically; top-off joint stone |
Specs & Cross-Section
- Aggregates: No. 2 (reservoir), No. 57 (base), No. 8 (bedding & joints)
- Base depths (typical SD): Patios ~8–12″; Driveways ~12–18″ (soil/load dependent)
- Geotextile: Non-woven separator between native soil and No. 2 layer
- Edge restraint: Concrete bond beam or engineered edge
- Patterns: Herringbone in tire paths; modular or running bond for patios/walks
Cross-Section (top → bottom)
- Pavers (60–80mm; 80mm for driveways)
- No. 8 bedding (~1–1.5″) + No. 8 joints
- No. 57 base (thickness per design)
- No. 2 reservoir (thickness per storage/drawdown)
- Non-woven geotextile separator
- Compacted subgrade (proof-rolled)
IID Compliance Standard: We size to the local 85th-percentile storm and verify drawdown within the jurisdiction’s allowed window (typically 36–96 hours; up to 120 hours where approved). For restricted soils/locations, we specify an underdrain to a lawful outlet and handle the ROW permit.
Underdrain — Do You Need It?
Use an underdrain when infiltration is restricted (e.g., hazardous sites, groundwater conflicts, or ≥5 ft of fill) or when soils are too slow to meet drawdown targets. Design decisions follow the Countywide BMP Design Manual:
| Design Infiltration (in/hr) | Recommended Approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ~0.300 (Type A) | Full infiltration | Right-size reservoir to meet 36–96 hr drawdown |
| ~0.200 (Type B) | Full or hybrid (infiltration + underdrain) | Add cleanouts; confirm drawdown calcs |
| ~0.100 (Type C) | Hybrid or underdrain to lawful outlet | Often needs underdrain to meet performance |
| ~0.025 (Type D) or Restricted | Underdrain required; line as needed | Restricted sites use 0.000 in/hr in design |
Typical underdrain: 4–6″ perforated PVC (SDR-35), slope ~0.5–1%, wrapped in non-woven geotextile, set within/just above the No. 57 layer, cleanouts at ends/low points, discharge to an approved outlet (curb outlet D-25 or catch basin connection), per plan reviewer requirements.
Quick Sizing Example (Storage)
Goal: Size reservoir for a 600 sq ft patio to capture a 1″ storm.
- Rain volume: 1″ = 0.0833 ft →
600 × 0.0833 ≈ 50 ft³ - Stone voids (~40%):
50 ÷ 0.40 ≈ 125 ft³ - Reservoir thickness:
125 ÷ 600 ≈ 0.208 ft≈ 2.5″ - Practical build: With safety & structure, patios commonly land at ~8–12″ open-graded base in San Diego (driveways deeper), then we verify drawdown.
Permits, Approvals & HOA (San Diego)
- DS-560 (Storm Water): required screening that drives whether Standard Project notes or a full SWQMP/PDP path is triggered. IID completes and coordinates this.
- ROW tie-ins (underdrains): Curb/catch basin connections need a Minor ROW Permit. Submittals follow Info Bulletin 165 and use DS-3179 plan format; include curb outlet (D-25), sidewalk underdrain, or private storm lateral details as applicable. EMRA may apply for private encroachments.
- Driveway/apron work: Use City standards per Info Bulletin 576 (separate from your on-lot pavers).
- Coastal/ESL overlays: Work within Coastal Overlay Zone or on steep hillsides/ESL may require discretionary permits; we scope early to avoid delays.
- C&D Diversion: For permitted jobs, City requires a refundable deposit and documentation showing ≥65% diversion by weight.
- HOA: Most require plan + material/color approval; IID provides spec sheets and color boards.
City-Specific Submittal Package (when required)
- DS-560 checklist + stormwater path (Standard vs PDP)
- Plan set (site, grading/drainage, section details, edge restraint, cleanouts, elevations)
- ROW plan per DS-3179 if tying to curb/catch basin; include D-25 curb outlet or lateral detail
- Hydro sizing + drawdown calcs (85th percentile, retention fraction) per BMP Manual
- Geotech letter/testing if advanced analysis used; identify any restricted conditions (e.g., ≥5’ fill)
- Product data sheets (pavers, geotextile), aggregate gradations (No. 2/57/8)
Maintenance Plan & Budget
| Task | Frequency | Typical Cost (SD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum joint cleaning | Every 1–3 years | $0.50–$1.25 / sq ft | Use regenerative air/vac equipment; avoid driving fines down |
| Top-off No. 8 joint stone | As needed | $0.30–$0.60 / sq ft | Keep joints full to maintain infiltration |
| Surface cleaning | Seasonal | DIY / $ | Remove organics/leaves before storms |
| Optional matte sealer | 2–4 years | $0.75–$1.25 / sq ft | Adds stain resistance; maintain traction |
Mini Case Studies (San Diego)
1) Coastal Patio with Underdrain — 450 sq ft (La Jolla)
Scope: Frequent ponding; sandy loam, restricted by fill. 10″ open-graded base, 4″ SDR-35 underdrain with two cleanouts to approved curb tie-in (D-25).
Result: Eliminated surface ponding; annual vacuum keeps joints clear.
Installed cost: ≈ $36/sq ft • Timeline: 3 days.
2) Permeable Driveway — 720 sq ft (Carmel Valley)
Spec: 80mm pavers (90° herringbone), ~14″ open-graded base; geotextile separation. Full infiltration (Type B, 0.2 in/hr) with verified drawdown—no underdrain needed.
Result: Zero gutter discharge; HOA approved first pass.
Installed cost: ≈ $44–$48/sq ft • Timeline: 4–5 days.
Quote Comparison Checklist
- DS-560 completed + stormwater path identified?
- Soil/infiltration noted (NRCS type or tested rate)? Any restricted conditions?
- Open-graded stack listed as No. 2 / 57 / 8 with thicknesses?
- Geotextile type/placement called out?
- Underdrain decision & details (pipe, slope, cleanouts, lawful outlet) if used?
- Edge restraint detail (concrete beam/engineered edge)?
- Herringbone specified in vehicle zones?
- Line items for demo/haul, delivery, cleanup, permits/ROW fees?
- Written warranty (materials + labor) & schedule?
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Serving San Diego County: Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, Oceanside, San Marcos, and more.
Copy for your proposal:
“Install-It-Direct will design your permeable pavement to the San Diego BMP Manual using ASTM No. 2/57/8 aggregates, verify retention and drawdown, and, where required, provide an underdrain to a lawful outlet with ROW permitting handled in-house. We complete DS-560 screening, prepare plan details (D-25 curb outlet if applicable), and provide maintenance guidance to preserve infiltration performance.”
“Install-It-Direct will design your permeable pavement to the San Diego BMP Manual using ASTM No. 2/57/8 aggregates, verify retention and drawdown, and, where required, provide an underdrain to a lawful outlet with ROW permitting handled in-house. We complete DS-560 screening, prepare plan details (D-25 curb outlet if applicable), and provide maintenance guidance to preserve infiltration performance.”
FAQs
How much do permeable pavers cost in San Diego?
Patios: $26–$45/sq ft. Driveways: $32–$50/sq ft. Deeper open-graded base and possible underdrain add cost over standard systems.
Do I always need an underdrain?
No. If design infiltration and drawdown calculations meet the manual’s criteria, full infiltration is typical. Restricted sites or slow soils often require a hybrid or a full underdrain to a lawful outlet.
Do permeable systems look different?
No—at the surface they look like high-end pavers. The difference is the open-graded layers (and a hidden underdrain if used).
What’s the lifespan?
Decades with proper base and maintenance. Plan periodic vacuum cleaning and top-off joint stone as needed.
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