We replace and pour driveways across Oakland, from single-lane drives between flatland bungalows to steep hill driveways in Montclair and Oakmore. Slope, soil and winter runoff set the design. The section across the sidewalk needs an OakDOT permit, which we take care of.
An Oakland driveway is rarely a simple rectangle. In the flatlands it is often a single lane between two houses, sometimes shared, with a garage at the back of a narrow lot. In the hills it may climb or drop steeply from the street and turn on the way. We begin by looking at the slope, the soil and how water moves across the site in a winter storm. Then we decide the thickness, the steel and the base.
On hill driveways the finish matters as much as the strength. We use a heavy broom or a grooved texture across the slope so tires and shoes grip when the surface is wet. Clay soil gets a compacted rock base and closer joints, because it swells and shrinks with the seasons. Where the drive meets the garage and the sidewalk we put in isolation joints so each slab can move a little without breaking its neighbor.
The part of the driveway that crosses the sidewalk and curb is in the public right of way. Oakland requires a Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk permit from OakDOT to install, widen or repair it, and the permit goes only to a licensed contractor. For homes with one or two units the City limits the driveway and curb cut to 19 feet wide at the front of the lot. We handle that permit as part of the job.
Concrete driveways in Oakland: common questions
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway in Oakland?
For the section that crosses the sidewalk and curb, yes. Oakland calls it a Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk (CGS) permit and OakDOT issues it to licensed contractors. The part on your own lot is flatwork, which the state building code generally exempts from a building permit, though zoning rules still apply.
My driveway is very steep. Can concrete still work?
Yes. Concrete is a common choice on steep Oakland streets because it can be given a deep texture that stays put. We finish across the slope, add a drain or shaped channel at the low end, and plan the transition at the street so cars do not scrape.
How long before I can park on a new driveway?
Plan on about a week for cars and about a month before anything heavy such as a moving truck. You can usually walk on it after a day or two. Cool, damp weather near the bay slows things down a little, and we tell you when it is ready.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit and measure.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with finish options.
- Prep & forms: We excavate, grade, compact the base and set forms and reinforcement.
- Pour, finish & cure: We pour, finish, cut control joints and tell you when you can use it.