Best Paver Driveway Contractors in San Diego (2026): How to Choose + ROW/Permit Checklist
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County
- Vehicle-rated base: written base depth + compaction method (in lifts), not vague “prep base.”
- Paver thickness: driveway-rated pavers (commonly 80mm), not patio pavers.
- Drainage plan: slope + collection + discharge approach (driveways concentrate runoff).
- ROW/driveway apron rules: knows when ROW permits and City/County standards apply.
- Proof: trench/base photo documentation before pavers go down, plus closeout records.
TL;DR — The Paver Driveway Contractor Test
- Ask: “What base depth and compaction method do you use for vehicles?”
- Ask: “What paver thickness is specified for the driveway?”
- Ask: “How does the driveway drain and where does water go?”
- Ask: “Is any work in the public right-of-way (apron/sidewalk/curb)?”
- Ask: “Will you photo document the base and edge restraints before pavers?”
See: Driveway Cost Guide.
What “Best” Means for Paver Driveways in San Diego
Driveways are not patios. The loads are heavier, the base needs to be stronger, and the public frontage often introduces permit and ROW requirements. The best contractors can prove all three: structure, drainage, and compliance.
Driveway Specs That Matter (Where Quality Lives)
The most important driveway specs are usually hidden under the pavers:
- Base thickness: driveway base is typically more robust than patio base and should be defined in writing.
- Compaction method: placed in lifts and compacted properly (not just “rolled once”).
- Edge restraint: strong perimeter restraint to prevent creep and spreading.
- Paver thickness: driveway-grade pavers (commonly 80mm) vs patio-grade (commonly 60mm).
- Geotextile/fabric (when used): separation for weak soils and long-term stability (site-dependent).
Driveway Drainage: Concentrated Flow Needs a Plan
Driveways concentrate runoff. A strong contractor defines:
- Driveway slope and water direction (toward street, toward drain, away from garage)
- Collection methods (channel drains at garage threshold, area drains at low spots, swales)
- Discharge path (where water exits the system)
For the “where does the water go” framework, see:
Yard Drainage & Stormwater (San Diego).
Driveway Apron & Right-of-Way (ROW): Where Permits Often Apply
Many driveway projects touch the public frontage (apron, sidewalk, curb, gutter, encroachment). This is where ROW permits and City/County standards often apply.
Use the definitive local guide:
Driveway Permits, Aprons & ROW (San Diego).
Driveway Quote Checklist (What to Demand in Writing)
- Driveway SF, thickness, pattern, border/cuts
- Base depth + base material type
- Compaction method and sequencing
- Edge restraint detail
- Drainage plan (channel drains/area drains) + discharge path
- ROW/apron scope and permit responsibility (if applicable)
- Export/demo allowances and access constraints
- QA photo documentation requirement (base + edge + drains before pavers)
QA Photo Proof: 10 Photos You Should Have
- Before demo (existing conditions)
- After demo / rough grade
- Base depth check (multiple locations)
- Compaction in progress (lifts)
- Edge restraint detail
- Drainage install before backfill (if applicable)
- Under-driveway sleeves/conduit (if included)
- Pre-finish layout (cuts/borders)
- Final pavers (wide shots)
- Final detail shots (edges, drains, apron transitions)
Full standard: QA & Documentation.
Red Flags That Predict Driveway Problems
- No base depth/compaction details
- Pavers specified are patio-grade for a driveway
- No drainage/discharge plan
- ROW/apron work glossed over (no permits/inspection discussion)
- No photo documentation before pavers
- One-line bid with vague exclusions (export, base, drainage, ROW)
FAQs
Do paver driveways require permits in San Diego?
The driveway surface on private property is often permit-exempt, but work in the public right-of-way (apron, sidewalk, curb, encroachment) can require ROW permits and inspections. Drainage tie-ins can also trigger permits. Verify early using the ROW guide.
Are 60mm pavers OK for driveways?
60mm is commonly used for pedestrian areas. Driveways often use thicker, vehicle-rated pavers (commonly 80mm). Confirm with your contractor based on expected loads and manufacturer specs.
What’s the most common driveway failure?
Base failure (insufficient base depth or poor compaction) and drainage issues. These show up later as settlement, pooling, and shifting.
Educational only. Always verify ROW/permit requirements with the jurisdiction for your address. For legal advice, consult a California construction attorney.