Driveways and driveway expansions
Woodland publishes standards for expanding existing driveway approaches, installing new driveways, and expanding driveways or other hardscape behind the back of the sidewalk. The details are in the municipal code at section 17.68.090.F and in the city's residential driveway handout. The city's advice is to talk to staff about the proposal and get any required building or encroachment permits before work starts. A visibility triangle also applies where a driveway meets the street: a triangle with two 10-foot sides along the driveway and the right-of-way, kept clear.
- Any work in the public right-of-way needs an encroachment permit, with a plan of the work.
- Fees follow the city's adopted fee schedule; some permits also require added insurance.
- A concrete driveway for passenger cars is usually at least 4 inches thick, with joints about 8 to 12 feet apart.
Expansive clay soil
Woodland's own planning documents describe soils with high shrink-swell potential, low strength and ponding, and the Capay clay soils of the Capay-Sacramento association in the area are rated high for shrink-swell. Clay like this swells when wet and shrinks as it dries, which cracks and tilts slabs that sit on poorly prepared ground. Ask each contractor what they propose for the subgrade, base rock and drainage, and how they will keep irrigation from soaking the edge of the slab. If an old slab has already moved, see concrete leveling and concrete repair.
Patios and heat
July averages about 94°F in Woodland, so concrete patios and slabs poured in summer need early starts and a curing plan, usually keeping the concrete moist for about 7 days. Light-colored or exposed aggregate finishes stay cooler underfoot than dark stamped color. Typical national installed ranges are $5 to $18 per square foot for a patio, plain to custom.
Historic downtown and older homes
Woodland incorporated on February 22, 1871, and the county seat moved here in 1862 after flooding at Washington. The downtown historic district includes the Woodland Opera House (1885, rebuilt 1895 to 1896), the Yolo County Courthouse and a 1905 Carnegie library. The city had 61,032 residents in 2020. Driveway and approach rules can differ by lot, so confirm with the city for your address. Send a request and verify the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov before signing.
Main guide: concrete contractors in Sacramento.