Best Permeable Paver Contractors in San Diego (2026): How to Choose + Infiltration/Underdrain Checklist
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County
Permeable pavers are not just “pavers with gaps.” They’re a stormwater system: surface infiltration + open-graded reservoir base + (sometimes) underdrains + a maintenance plan. The best contractors can explain all of that clearly—and prove it with photos before anything is covered.
- Infiltration design: where water goes under the pavers (onsite infiltration vs underdrain discharge).
- Reservoir base: open-graded aggregate sized/thick enough to store and manage stormwater.
- Underdrains (if needed): pipe sizing, cleanouts, outlet location, and permit/ROW awareness.
- Edge restraint: strong perimeter restraint so the system doesn’t creep or spread.
- Proof: QA photos of subgrade, fabric, reservoir base depth, underdrains, and edge detail before cover-up.
TL;DR — The Permeable Paver Contractor Test
- Ask: “Is this infiltrating onsite or using an underdrain?”
- Ask: “How thick is the reservoir base and what aggregate is used?”
- Ask: “Where are cleanouts and where does the underdrain outlet go?”
- Ask: “What is the maintenance plan (vacuuming schedule)?”
- Ask: “Do you document subgrade, fabric, base depth, and underdrains before cover-up?”
What “Best” Means for Permeable Pavers in San Diego
The best permeable paver contractors in San Diego treat permeable as a stormwater system, not a decorative surface. They can explain: subgrade prep, reservoir sizing, underdrain logic (if needed), and maintenance—then prove the build with photos.
If you want cost ranges and scope models first, use:
Permeable Pavers Cost (San Diego).
Two Common System Types (Infiltration vs Underdrain)
| System | Best Use | Common Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Infiltration (no underdrain) | Soils and site allow infiltration; system stores and soaks stormwater onsite | Soils don’t infiltrate as expected; reservoir stays saturated; clogs without maintenance |
| Underdrain (controlled discharge) | When soils/conditions require a controlled outlet | No cleanouts, unclear outlet, ROW/permitting ignored, or poor installation before backfill |
If you need discharge logic and “where does water go” frameworks, see:
Yard Drainage & Stormwater (San Diego).
Reservoir Base: The “Tank” Under the Pavers
Permeable pavers work because the base acts like a reservoir. The contractor should define in writing:
- Excavation depth and subgrade prep
- Separation fabric/geotextile strategy (if used) and why
- Reservoir aggregate type (open-graded) and thickness
- Compaction strategy appropriate for the system
- Edge restraint detail (prevents lateral movement)
Underdrains & Cleanouts: Make It Serviceable
If the system uses an underdrain, serviceability is non-negotiable. Require:
- Underdrain pipe size and layout
- Cleanout locations (accessible) and how they are capped/hidden
- Outlet location and discharge plan (and whether ROW permits apply)
- Overflow strategy for major storm events
Permits & ROW: When Permeable Pavers Trigger Extra Requirements
Permeable pavers can intersect with stormwater requirements more than standard pavers. Permit triggers vary by jurisdiction and scope, and ROW permits can apply if the discharge or work touches public frontage.
Use these references:
Permits & Inspections ·
Driveway Apron/ROW
Maintenance: The Difference Between “Permeable for 10 Years” and “Clogged in 18 Months”
Permeable systems need periodic surface cleaning to maintain infiltration. A best-in-class contractor provides a written maintenance plan that includes:
- Vacuum sweeping schedule (typical cadence varies by site and tree litter)
- Joint aggregate top-up guidance (if applicable)
- How to prevent sediment loading during nearby work
- What voids warranties (pressure washing, improper joint materials, etc.)
Permeable Paver Quote Checklist: What to Demand in Writing
- Infiltration vs underdrain system choice (and why)
- Excavation depth and subgrade prep
- Reservoir aggregate type and thickness
- Fabric/geotextile strategy (if used) and purpose
- Edge restraint detail
- Underdrain pipe size, cleanouts, and outlet location (if used)
- Overflow strategy for heavy storms
- Maintenance plan in writing
- QA photo documentation before cover-up
QA Photo Proof: 12 Photos You Should Have
- Before conditions
- After demo / rough grade
- Subgrade condition (proof of prep)
- Fabric/geotextile installed (if used)
- Reservoir base thickness check #1
- Reservoir base thickness check #2 (low spot)
- Underdrain installed + cleanouts visible (if used)
- Outlet location (if used)
- Edge restraint detail
- Bedding layer / setting course detail
- Pre-finish paver layout
- Final wide + details (including joints)
Red Flags That Predict Failure
- No clear answer on infiltration vs underdrain
- No maintenance plan in writing
- Underdrain with no cleanouts or unclear outlet location
- “Permeable built like normal pavers” language
- No QA photos before cover-up
- Very low bid with vague base/drainage scope
FAQs
Do permeable pavers require permits in San Diego?
It depends on jurisdiction and scope. Permeable pavers can intersect with stormwater requirements more than standard pavers. If the project involves grading permits, underdrain discharge, or ROW work, permits and inspections may apply. Verify early.
How do permeable pavers fail?
Most failures come from clogging (no maintenance), improper reservoir base, poor edge restraint, or an underdrain system that isn’t serviceable (no cleanouts/outlet plan).
What maintenance is required?
Periodic vacuum sweeping to remove sediment and keep joints open, plus joint material top-ups if needed. A good contractor provides a written maintenance plan.
Educational only. Always confirm jurisdiction and any stormwater/ROW requirements for your address. For legal advice, consult a California construction attorney.