Full Backyard Project in Marin
WDC coordinates landscape and hardscape as part of whole-home construction projects in Marin — pools, motorized gates, driveway reconstruction, retaining walls, exterior lighting, and outdoor living spaces managed under a single project scope. Exterior work in Marin requires the same permit rigor and finish standards as interior renovation. We bring both.
Exterior Scope in Marin
Marin landscape and hardscape projects involve planning and permit requirements that go beyond standard landscaping work:
- Grading and drainage — Marin hillside properties require grading plans reviewed by the City’s Public Works department; drainage design must meet City and SF County standards
- Retaining walls — structural walls over 4 feet require engineer-stamped drawings and building permits
- Driveway and gate systems — motorized gate installation requires electrical permit and clearance from the City; driveway curb cuts require Public Works approval
- Pool and spa — separate pool permits through Marin building department; fencing and barrier requirements per California code
- Exterior lighting — low-voltage landscape lighting and architectural uplighting coordinated with electrical permit
- Outdoor living structures — pergolas, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens may require building permits depending on size and attachment to the primary structure
WDC manages permit coordination for all exterior work as part of the project scope — the same single-point-of-accountability model we apply indoors.
The garden is the front room turned inside out.
Marin outdoor architecture is permit-bound and grade-sensitive — retaining walls, drainage, hardscape under Marin County building department. WDC builds yards as a second floor plan, with the same level of detail the interior gets and the same trade chain.
Exterior Work as Part of a Full Home Project
In Marin, exterior renovation is almost always more valuable when coordinated with interior work. A full home remodel that includes driveway, hardscape, and landscaping in a single permit pull and construction schedule is more efficient, less disruptive, and produces a more cohesive result than interior and exterior projects run separately.
WDC is structured to manage interior and exterior scope simultaneously — one contractor, one schedule, one point of accountability from foundation to front gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What landscape work requires permits in Marin?
Grading, retaining walls over 4 feet, pools and spas, structural pergolas, outdoor kitchens, motorized gates, and driveway curb cuts all require permits through Marin building department or Public Works. WDC identifies permit requirements during the feasibility phase.
Do you work in the Marin hillside zones?
Yes. Hillside lots require additional grading review, engineered drainage plans, and sometimes geological reports for retaining walls. WDC has experience with hillside projects above Sunset and in the Marin Post Office (BHPO) area.
Can you handle pool construction?
WDC coordinates pool and spa construction as part of a broader exterior scope. We manage the pool contractor relationship under our project structure — you do not manage pool and landscape separately from the main renovation.
Exterior Renovation in Marin
Exterior scope in Marin is most efficiently handled as part of a coordinated renovation project. If you have both interior and exterior work on your list, a consultation with WDC will show you what a fully integrated approach looks like.
Request a consultation(415) 416-5494