Arlington Avenue · Colusa Circle · Kensington Park · Berkeley Highlands
Schedule a Discovery ConsultationKensington is a small unincorporated community in the Berkeley Hills, under one square mile, with Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks at its back. Streets curve up from Arlington Avenue, and many yards drop away steeply toward the bay.
We design and build outdoor living spaces for homeowners in Kensington, with plans built around the slope and the view. On a lot like this, the order of work matters. Walls and drainage come first, then the terraces, planting and lighting that make the yard feel finished.
Ardmore Path, one of Kensington's hillside walking paths. Photo: Mliu92, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kensington runs its own police, parks and fire districts, and its two little shopping areas sit at Colusa Circle and at Arlington and Amherst. Many streets in the Berkeley Highlands tract are named after colleges. Neighbors know each other, and yards are where they gather.
The best Kensington yards make the most of what is already there: a long view west, a stand of old trees, the quiet of a street that ends at open space. Our job is to add level ground and comfort without losing any of that.
Most Kensington projects pair hardscape with a planting plan that meets the fire district's standards from day one.
Answer five quick questions and see the features and projects built for the way you live.
The Kensington Fire Protection District says the community is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Its standards call for a 30-foot firebreak of well-kept, irrigated plants around structures, dry grass kept to 6 inches or less from 30 to 100 feet out, trees trimmed 10 feet above the ground and at least Class B roofing when building or re-roofing. Crews check compliance each May or June. Land use is reviewed by the county-appointed Kensington Municipal Advisory Council, and permits run through Contra Costa County. Projects here often have added requirements; we confirm them with the county and fire district during planning.
Every project begins with a discovery consultation. We learn about your home, your goals and how you want to live outside, then recommend the right next step.
Schedule a Discovery ConsultationKensington is unincorporated, so permits go through Contra Costa County, and some projects also go before the Kensington Municipal Advisory Council.
Sometimes, depending on fuel type, placement and current rules. We check with the fire district before we design one.
Usually. Terracing with walls and steps can create level space for dining or a garden.
Well-kept, irrigated ornamentals are allowed in the 30-foot firebreak, and fire-resistive plants are recommended. We keep planting near walls spare and easy to maintain.
Book a Discovery Consultation and we will walk the lot with you.
