--- title: Defensible Designs - home hardening simplified description: Defensible Designs LLC helps clients achieve fire safety compliance by focusing on Zone 0 home hardening and wildfire risk reduction such as metal gates. image: https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hubfs/Defensible%20Designs_Home%20hardening_featured%20image-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/home#main-content) [![Defensible Designs Logo](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_Defensible_Designs-removebg.png?width=1188&height=754&name=Logo_Defensible_Designs-removebg.png)Homepage](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/home2?hsLang=en) - [Resources](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/wildfire-resources?hsLang=en) - [Grants, Assistance & Info](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/wildfire-resources?hsLang=en) - [What's my Fire Hazard Severity Zone?](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog/whats-my-risk?hsLang=en) - [MOFD Exterior Wildfire Hazard Abatement Requirements](https://www.mofd.org/home/showpublisheddocument/3597/638497455728230000) - [Zone Zero Explained - the immediate first 5'](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog/video-getting-to-know-zone-zero?hsLang=en) - [FAQ](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/faq-wildfire-risk-reduction-defensible-designs-llc?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog?hsLang=en) - Community - [Pay It Forward Community Fund](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/pay-it-forward?hsLang=en) - [Miyawaki Mini-forest](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/forest?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) [Book a Free Risk Consultation](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Resources](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/wildfire-resources?hsLang=en) - [Grants, Assistance & Info](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/wildfire-resources?hsLang=en) - [What's my Fire Hazard Severity Zone?](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog/whats-my-risk?hsLang=en) - [MOFD Exterior Wildfire Hazard Abatement Requirements](https://www.mofd.org/home/showpublisheddocument/3597/638497455728230000) - [Zone Zero Explained - the immediate first 5'](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog/video-getting-to-know-zone-zero?hsLang=en) - [FAQ](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/faq-wildfire-risk-reduction-defensible-designs-llc?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog?hsLang=en) - Community - [Pay It Forward Community Fund](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/pay-it-forward?hsLang=en) - [Miyawaki Mini-forest](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/forest?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) [Book a Free Risk Consultation](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) # Home hardening made simple. Protect what matters most by changing your space to resist fire. It should be functional and beautiful. #### Home is where the heart is. At Defensible Designs LLC, we specialize in helping homeowners in the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) navigate and implement fire safety regulations. Our concierge-style approach ensures you receive hands-on support at every stage—from understanding MOFD and Cal-Fire requirements to gathering quotes and coordinating defensible space projects. We aim to simplify compliance, making it easier for you to protect your home and community from wildfire risks. ![Kids at home looking out the window](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kelly-sikkema-4l2Ml8-MLUg-unsplash.jpg?width=2000&height=1276&name=kelly-sikkema-4l2Ml8-MLUg-unsplash.jpg "Kids at home looking out the window") *Photo by [Kelly Sikkema](https://unsplash.com/@kellysikkema?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/boy-and-girl-standing-near-window-looking-outside-4l2Ml8-MLUg?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash)*   #### Just as a bike helmet can save your life in a fall, home hardening is your most important first line of defense in a wildfire.  It could be what keeps your home from igniting when wildfire or ember storms head your way. # What Defensible Designs does: - Fundamentally, we help your home or business be better prepared for wildfire by planning, coordinating, and executing home hardening projects. We work with qualified, licensed vendors to get the work done to your satisfaction. - Help you understand the requirements and opportunities. - Understand your priorities when it comes to protecting your home and business. - Manage the project, including gathering quotes, sourcing vendors and materials, creative problem solving, and overseeing completion. - Communicate regularly so you know what's going on. - Integrate applicable programs and grants, such as the Lawn-to-Garden rebate, ember-resistant vents, gutter guards, chipper program, etc. - Coordinate fresh landscape solutions -- the right plants in the right spots. - Give back to the community through our Pay it Forward Community Fund and volunteer days. - Help your whole neighborhood be safer. # What is Zone Zero? ## It's the first 5 feet from your home. Think of it as a picture frame around your most valuable asset. ![Fire Safe Marin_Zone zero_flagstone and concrete](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Zone%20zero_flagstone%20and%20concrete.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Zone%20zero_flagstone%20and%20concrete.png) **Zone Zero with flagstone and concrete; plants are in islands with air gaps between.** ![Fire Safe Marin_Screen area under deck for zone zero](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Screen%20area%20under%20deck%20for%20zone%20zero.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Screen%20area%20under%20deck%20for%20zone%20zero.png) **Screen the areas under decks to keep embers (and critters!) out.** ![Fire Safe Marin_Concrete and lawn](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Concrete%20and%20lawn.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Concrete%20and%20lawn.png) **Check out this clean concrete path between the home and the grass. It's simple and straighforward.** ![Fire Safe Marin_flagstone and river rocks](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_flagstone%20and%20river%20rocks.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_flagstone%20and%20river%20rocks.png) **Flagstone and river rocks are chosen for Zone Zero.** ![Fire Safe Marin_Zone 0 patio seating](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Zone%200%20patio%20seating.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Zone%200%20patio%20seating.png) **Slate, stamped concrete or flagstone in this path provide a clear walkway and keep the home protected from embers.** ![Fire Safe Marin_brick in zone zero](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_brick%20in%20zone%20zero.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_brick%20in%20zone%20zero.png) Bricks are next the home in Zone Zero. ![Fire Safe Marin_Flagstone and potted plants](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Flagstone%20and%20potted%20plants.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Flagstone%20and%20potted%20plants.png) Metal patio furniture and potted plants (on casters) in Zone Zero ![Fire Safe Marin_stone and decomposed granite](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_stone%20and%20decomposed%20granite.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_stone%20and%20decomposed%20granite.png) Decomposed granite and stone are featured in this Zone Zero.  ![Fire Safe Marin_Stone mulch at Zone Zero](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Stone%20mulch%20at%20Zone%20Zero.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Stone%20mulch%20at%20Zone%20Zero.png) Stone mulch at the base of the home meets the noncombustible requirement. ![Fire Safe Marin_Limb trees 6 up or 3x high](https://243844785.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/243844785/hubfs/Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Limb%20trees%206%20up%20or%203x%20high.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Fire%20Safe%20Marin_Limb%20trees%206%20up%20or%203x%20high.png) Air gaps are key. That's why trees need a minimum clearance of 6' and shrubs need 3x their height of minimum vertical clearance.  *\*All photos are courtesy of [Fire Safe Marin](https://firesafemarin.org/). They have amazing resources are definitely worth checking out!* Zone Zero is the **0–5 foot area immediately touching your home and deck**. This is where many homes have established bushes and foundation plantings. Everything in this space should be **hard, clean, and fire-safe**. Current local mandates require: - Removal of bark mulch, dead plants, and leaf litter (ongoing) - Replacement of combustible materials with **gravel, pavers, decomposed granite or other noncombustible  materials** (one time) - Keeping this zone free of wood piles, fencing, or shrubs that could catch a spark - Relocating trash cans away from your house - Planting your garden 5' away from your house or use moveable pots with **fire-resistant plants**. #### Our aim is to bring more safety to your home, your family, the neighborhood and the community. Change can be difficult...but this can be an opportunity to increase both safety and beauty at the same time. [Book a Free Discovery Call](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/home#contact) [Learn more: How Zone Zero Fits Into Defensible Space](https://243844785.hs-sites-na2.com/video-getting-to-know-zone-zero?hsLang=en) ## What's my risk? ### Enter your address on the updated CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone tool.  We can help you navigate and understand your Zone and what it means for you. If you'd like to check it out, click the image below and it will open in a new tab.  [![CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone map link](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CalFire%20Fire%20Hazard%20Severity%20Zone%20map%20link.png?width=1108&height=550&name=CalFire%20Fire%20Hazard%20Severity%20Zone%20map%20link.png)](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5065c998b4b0462f9ec3c6c226c610a9) What do the colors mean? Here's the key: ![Fire Hazard map Legend](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fire%20Hazard%20map%20Legend.png?width=544&height=360&name=Fire%20Hazard%20map%20Legend.png) # Can you help a neighbor by supporting the Defensible Designs Pay It Forward Community Fund? [![CalFire Defensible Space](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CalFire%20Defensible%20Space.jpg?width=1599&height=2000&name=CalFire%20Defensible%20Space.jpg "CalFire Defensible Space")](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/pay-it-forward?hsLang=en) ## Community-wide hardening reduces risk and increases safety for all. > *“Changes to individual structures may not be sufficient to reduce overall risk when homes are densely spaced — community-wide mitigation provides the strongest protection.” — Fire risk to structures in California’s Wildland-Urban Interface* Wildfire doesn’t stop at property lines. That’s why Defensible Designs created the **Pay it Forward Community Fund **to help our neighbors in need. Contributions can be financial or practical such as volunteering time or materials.  [Read more about the donating to the fund or volunteer opportunities](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/pay-it-forward?hsLang=en) # Meet our Founder ![Naomi Redding, Owner](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Naomi%20Redding%20headshot%20DD%202025.jpg?width=3024&height=4032&name=Naomi%20Redding%20headshot%20DD%202025.jpg) ### Naomi Redding **Naomi Redding** is the founder of Defensible Designs LLC, helping homeowners in Orinda, Moraga, and Contra Costa County prepare their properties to resist wildfire. She focuses on practical solutions like **Zone Zero planning, home hardening upgrades, and fire-resistant landscaping** while balancing safety and beauty.  Having worked as a project manager, consultant, and executive assistant in roles that demanded precision, resourcefulness, and creative hands-on problem solving, Naomi saw firsthand how complex or onerous regulations can overwhelm homeowners. She founded Defensible Designs to bridge that gap: to turn regulatory jargon into simple action, and “fire mitigation” into something manageable, attractive, and deeply rooted in community care. When she’s not meeting with clients or learning about the latest fire science videos, Naomi enjoys cycling the East Bay’s roads, camping in Yosemite with her family, and gardening. She draws inspiration from her grandmother Blanche's gardens in Mendocino. --- [mailto:defensibledesigns@gmail.com](mailto:defensibledesigns@gmail.com)[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) Search the Defensible Designs site. This pulls up resources, articles on the blog, and more. Zone Zero? Chipper days? Check. Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [Resources](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/wildfire-resources?hsLang=en) - [FAQ](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/faq-wildfire-risk-reduction-defensible-designs-llc?hsLang=en) - [Pay It Forward Community Fund](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/pay-it-forward?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Miyawaki Mini-forest](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/forest?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog?hsLang=en) - [What's my risk?](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog/whats-my-risk?hsLang=en) - [Zone Zero Explained](https://www.defensibledesigns.com/blog/video-getting-to-know-zone-zero?hsLang=en) Privacy Policy   |  [defensibledesigns@gmail.com](mailto:defensibledesigns@gmail.com) (925) 255-9582  |   © 2025 Defensible Designs  |   All rights reserved.