Pool Removal and Backfill in Northern Marin
The pool is drained, broken out and hauled off, then the hole is filled and compacted under a city permit filed in Novato Permits.
Learn more about pool removal and backfill in northern marin
Novato Landscaping Built on Hardscape: Pavers, Turf and Walls
Cicarelli Contractors (CSLB License #1109419) brings hardscape landscaping to the largest city by area in Marin. From San Marin and Indian Valley to Ignacio and Hamilton, we remove pools and worn concrete, then build pavers, artificial turf, retaining walls and patios, with the permit filed through Novato Permits.
- City of Novato permits filed online
- CSLB License #1109419
Marin County
Northern Marin, Between Mount Burdell and the Bay
The city incorporated in 1960 and covers about 28 square miles, more than any other city in Marin County. Mount Burdell rises to the north, Big Rock Ridge to the southwest, and the former Hamilton Air Force Base, now a historic district, sits on the east side near the bay.
Homes range from flat lots near Hamilton to sloped yards in Indian Valley and Pacheco Valle, so drainage and retaining walls often come up before any pavers or turf. Projects inside city limits go through the Building Division, which moved applications to its Novato Permits portal in October 2025.
Yard services
Hardscape Landscaping That Replaces Pools, Slabs and Lawns
Looking for landscaping in Novato that goes beyond planting? We handle the heavy part: breaking out the pool or slab, fixing grade and drainage, then building pavers, turf and walls that last.
Get A Free EstimateOld Concrete Out, Clean Base In
Cracked patios, pool decks and driveways demolished and removed, leaving a graded, compacted base ready for the new surface.
Learn more about old concrete out, clean base in
Paver Patios Around Trees and Beds
Patios and walks in pavers that wrap around trees, planters and garden beds, laid tight on a compacted base.
Learn more about paver patios around trees and beds
Curved Block Walls for Sloped Yards
Segmental block walls that hold back hillside soil and create level space; we check the city's retaining wall policy before design.
Learn more about curved block walls for sloped yards
Artificial Turf for Side Yards and Paths
A drained, compacted base under turf that stays green without irrigation, from narrow side yards to full backyards.
Learn more about artificial turf for side yards and paths
Fire Pits and Patios for Marin Evenings
Round fire pits, seat walls and paver patios that turn the space a pool once took into a place to gather.
Learn more about fire pits and patios for marin evenings
On the job
See the Crew at Work Before You Book
Filmed on real jobs around the Bay Area: a retaining wall in Walnut Creek, pool demolitions in Fremont and Hillsborough, and a Vacaville pool swapped for outdoor living. The same crew drives up Highway 101 to northern Marin.
Watch On YouTubeWhy choose us
Why Northern Marin Homeowners Pick a Licensed Hardscape Crew
4.9★
Google rating from 45 reviews
1960
Year the city was incorporated
28sq mi
Largest city in Marin by area
Licensed and Bonded
CSLB License #1109419, B General Building class, with an active bond on file.
Quote in Writing After One Visit
The written quote follows within 24 hours of our visit to the yard.
Novato Permits Handled
We create the application, upload documents and request inspections through the portal.
Coverage After the Last Inspection
One year of coverage on our workmanship from the day the job is complete.
Before and after
Landscape Makeovers You Can Compare With a Slider
Move the slider on each photo. These are real Cicarelli projects from other Bay Area cities, and the same turf and paver work is available in Novato.
See All Projects
BeforeAfterGravel Yard Turned Turf and Pavers
Gravel removed, pavers and turf installed
BeforeAfterStreet-Facing Yard With No Mowing
Artificial turf with stepping stones
BeforeAfterSloped Backyard Made Walkable
Steps cut in and turf laid
Our process
Six Steps From Site Walk to a Finished Yard
The same contact answers your questions from the first call to the last inspection.
Start With A Free Estimate- Step 01
Yard Assessment
We look at slope, drainage, access and what needs to be removed.
- Step 02
Written Scope and Quote
You receive the work, permit needs and job order in writing within 24 hours.
- Step 03
Novato Permits Application
We apply through the portal and stay listed as a contact on the record.
- Step 04
Removal and Grading
The pool, slab or old lawn comes out and the base is graded and compacted.
- Step 05
Inspection Before Cover-Up
Each stage is inspected before it is covered, booked in the portal.
- Step 06
New Yard, One-Year Warranty
Pavers, turf or walls go in, backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty.
What Two Google Reviewers Wrote About Our Work
Quoted exactly as posted on our Google Business Profile. The reviewers hired us for Bay Area projects; we do not claim they live in this city.
DeejConcrete pool removal & pavers
Couldn’t be happier with how our yard turned out! We had Cicarelli remove an old concrete pool and install pavers around the new garden area. The whole process was smooth, and the crew was polite and professional.
Julio GarciaCompleted on time
Excellent job and ZERO complaint. The project was done on time.
Neighbors North and South Along Highway 101
Five Marin towns to the south and two Sonoma County cities to the north and east.
San Rafael
The county seat just south on Highway 101, past Marinwood. San Rafael files building permits through its own OpenGov portal.
Services in San Rafael
San Anselmo
South and west, reached through San Rafael or over Lucas Valley Road. The Town of San Anselmo reviews permits for its homes.
Free estimate in San Anselmo
Fairfax
The gateway to West Marin beyond San Anselmo, with wooded hillside lots. Building work there is reviewed by the Town of Fairfax.
Free estimate in Fairfax
Mill Valley
Southern Marin, on the far side of San Rafael and Corte Madera. The City of Mill Valley runs its own building department.
Free estimate in Mill Valley
Tiburon
The bayside peninsula in southern Marin, off Highway 101 near Corte Madera. Permits are handled by the Town of Tiburon.
Free estimate in Tiburon
Petaluma
The first city north on Highway 101, across the line in Sonoma County. Its homes get permits from the City of Petaluma.
Free estimate in Petaluma
Sonoma
East over Highway 37 and up into the Sonoma Valley. The City of Sonoma issues permits for homes within its limits.
Free estimate in Sonoma
Map of Northern Marin and the Sonoma Line
Our pin marks the city; the dots show the neighboring towns in the list beside the map.
Novato, CANorth end of our Marin service area
North Marin places
Permits
Novato Permits: How Building Approvals Work Here
The City of Novato Building Division reviews plans, issues building permits and inspects work inside city limits. Since October 1, 2025, applications go through the Novato Permits online portal, which requires an account. Questions go to permitinfo@novato.gov or 415.899.8989. Cicarelli Contractors prepares the application and books each inspection for you.
City rules that shape a yard project
- Permit applications are submitted online through the Novato Permits portal, and an account is required before you apply, according to the city's Building Division page.
- Inspections can only be scheduled for issued permits, by a person listed as a contact on the permit record, and all construction must be inspected before it is covered, per the city's schedule an inspection page.
- Authorized construction hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, with no construction on Sundays or official federal holidays, per the same inspection page.
- The Building Division publishes a Pool Demolition Policy and a Retaining Wall Policy among its consumer alerts, next to a guide to required and exempt work, on its forms and guides page.
Our pool demolition permit guide sets Novato rules next to those of other Bay Area cities.
Local guide
Landscaping and Hardscape in Novato: Permits, Turf and Pools
Most landscaping in Novato that involves concrete, walls or a former pool needs the Building Division, which takes every application through Novato Permits. Cicarelli Contractors prepares that application, removes what has to go and builds the pavers, turf and retaining walls that replace it.
What is the lowest maintenance landscaping?
Hardscape plus artificial turf is about as low as it gets. Pavers and turf need no mowing, fertilizer or irrigation, only an occasional rinse and a sweep. Pair them with a few drought-tolerant plants in beds, and a yard stays tidy through dry Marin summers with little weekly work.
The base matters more than the surface. We grade for drainage and compact the base so turf and pavers stay flat over time.
What is the first step toward a Novato building permit?
Create a Novato Permits account, then submit the application and documents in the portal. Some residential work, such as like-for-like reroofs or window replacements, qualifies for express permits issued instantly, while other projects follow the standard application. Staff answer questions at permitinfo@novato.gov or 415.899.8989.
Pool removals, retaining walls and new patios are not on the express list, so they go through the standard building permit application.
How are inspections booked for a city permit?
In the Novato Permits portal, under My Inspections, once the permit is issued. Only people listed as contacts on the permit record can request one. All construction must be inspected before it is covered, so work such as footings or backfill is checked before the next layer goes in.
The portal offers the next available business day first. Read how a full removal compares with a partial fill on our pool removal page.
| Topic | Novato |
|---|---|
| Permit office | Building Division, 922 Machin Avenue |
| How to apply | Novato Permits portal, account required |
| Inspections | Booked in the portal for issued permits |
| Construction hours | Mon–Fri 7 am–6 pm, Sat 10 am–5 pm |
Updated · By Athalyson Bernardo, Owner of Cicarelli Contractors
Yard and Pool Guides Worth Reading
FAQ
Questions From Novato Homeowners
Thinking About a New Yard in Northern Marin?
Send photos or call Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, and we will book a visit. Browse the full FAQ for more.
Call (650) 404-7049Do you serve Novato from Richmond?
Yes. Our crew is based in Richmond and works across Marin, including neighborhoods such as San Marin, Ignacio, Hamilton and Indian Valley. Cicarelli Contractors is a CSLB-licensed general contractor, License #1109419, and gives a free written estimate after measuring the yard.
Is artificial turf a good fit for a Marin yard?
For many homes, yes. Turf stays green without irrigation or mowing, which suits dry Marin summers, and it works in side yards and play areas where grass struggles. The key is the base: we excavate, grade for drainage and compact it so the turf drains and stays flat.
Do I need a permit to remove a pool in Novato?
Plan on it. The Building Division publishes a Pool Demolition Policy, and pool removal is not on the express permit list, so it goes through the standard application in Novato Permits. We prepare the application, follow the city policy and book each inspection before the backfill is covered.
What hours can construction happen in the city?
The city authorizes construction from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no construction on Sundays or official federal holidays. Our crew schedules demolition and equipment work to fit inside those hours.
How do I check a contractor before hiring in Marin?
Look up the license number on the CSLB website, confirm the classification fits the job and ask for a written contract and estimate. Be wary of cash-only deals, large deposits or a request that you pull the permit as an owner-builder. Reviews that describe real projects help too.
How can I get a free estimate for my yard?
Call or text (650) 404-7049, Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 5 pm, or upload photos and your address through the free estimate form. After a visit to measure the yard, we send a written quote within 24 hours.