Landscaping in Shell Beach, CA

Paso Robles Landscaping designs and builds yards for Shell Beach homes, from Sunset Palisades at the north end to the blocks along Shell Beach Road and the bluff-top lots on Ocean Boulevard. Shell Beach is part of the City of Pismo Beach, so City lawn rules, rebates and permits apply. We build patios and pavers, patio covers and pergolas, decks, outdoor kitchens, fire features, lighting, drip irrigation and coastal planting. Call 805-712-4440 or request a free estimate.

Building Close to the Ocean

Most Shell Beach yards are small, close to the water and exposed to wind, fog and salt air. The details that hold up here:

• Hardware and covers: powder-coated aluminum or well-finished wood patio covers, with coated or stainless fasteners so rust doesn't streak the house.
• Wind shelter: a covered or screened seating area on the lee side of the house, and heavier gravel instead of light bark that blows away.
• Plants: salt- and wind-tolerant coastal natives, grasses and succulents on drip, kept low where you want to keep a view.
• Evenings: fire pits, heaters and soft lighting, because summer nights here are cool.

Bluffs, Drainage and Views

On bluff-top lots, water is the biggest risk to the yard. We keep irrigation away from the bluff edge, send roof and patio runoff toward the street or an approved outlet instead of over the edge, and use gravel, stepping pads and permeable joints so rain soaks in where it should. New structures, larger grading and work near the bluff need City planning review, often including a geology report and a setback from the bluff edge, so we confirm what your lot needs before the design is final.

Highway 101 runs right behind Shell Beach. The City's view standards say new development should not significantly block ocean views from City-designated scenic highways, and that landscaping along them should be designed to enhance the existing views. That can affect how tall a structure or screen planting can be on some lots.

Pismo Beach Lawn Rules and Cash for Grass

The City of Pismo Beach has prohibited new irrigated turf for all development since May 18, 2022, while allowing artificial turf that lets water soak in (Municipal Code Chapter 15.48). The City's Cash for Grass program pays $2.00 per square foot of lawn removed and replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping. The minimum rebate is $600 (300 square feet removed) on lots under 4,750 square feet and $1,000 (500 square feet) on larger lots, and the maximum is the lesser of $10,000 or 50% of the total project cost. New landscaping must have drip or micro-spray irrigation on an automatic timer. Read the terms and get approval before the lawn comes out. More on our Pismo Beach page and lawn replacement and rebates.

What We Build in Shell Beach

Common Shell Beach projects:

• Landscape design and installation, with drought-tolerant planting and drip irrigation
• Hardscape: patios, pavers, walkways, concrete and driveways
• Retaining walls, steps and drainage
• Pergolas, patio covers and decks
• Outdoor kitchens, fire pits and lighting
• Artificial turf, rock, gravel and decomposed granite, and lawn replacement

Nearby Areas We Serve

From Shell Beach we also work in Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo. See every community on our San Luis Obispo County service area page. For downspouts, bluff-edge drainage and creek setbacks, see yard drainage in Pismo Beach. For County Coastal Zone rules, bluff outfalls and high groundwater next door, see yard drainage in Avila Beach. Driveways, walks and patio slabs built to City of Pismo Beach standards are covered on concrete flatwork in Pismo Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shell Beach part of Pismo Beach?

Yes. Shell Beach is part of the City of Pismo Beach, so City permits, lawn rules and the City Cash for Grass program apply.

Can I put in a new lawn in Shell Beach?

The City has prohibited new irrigated turf for all development since May 18, 2022. Artificial turf that lets water soak in is allowed.

How much is the Pismo Beach Cash for Grass rebate?

$2.00 per square foot of lawn removed and replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping, with a $600 or $1,000 minimum depending on lot size and a maximum of the lesser of $10,000 or 50% of project cost. Check the City page for current terms.

Can you work on a bluff-top lot?

Yes. We keep water away from the bluff edge and check with the City before design is final, because new structures and grading near a bluff need planning review.

Related: Outdoor living for Shell Beach and Pismo Beach bluff homes