Wildfire Zones: Chino vs Fontana
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Under California Government Code §51178–§51182 and CVFD Ordinance 2025-01 (effective September 1, 2025), CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Chino. While most of the urbanized city is outside any FHSZ, parcels along the southern and western edges — particularly those near the Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor and adjacent to Chino Hills State Park (>7,300 acres of Very High FHSZ) — fall into Moderate, High, or Very-High zones. Owners in High/Very-High FHSZ must maintain PRC §4291 defensible space, build to Chapter 7A WUI standards on new construction, and provide Natural Hazard Disclosures on sale (Civil Code §1103).
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Northern Fontana foothills are mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. Parcels there need 100 feet defensible space and Chapter 7A building materials for new construction.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Cal. Gov. Code §51178–§51182; PRC §4291; CBC Ch. 7A | - |
| Local ordinance | CVFD Ord. 2025-01 (FHSZ adoption, effective Sept. 1 2025) | - |
| Chino FHSZ areas | Southwest edge, Puente-Chino Hills corridor, State Park boundary parcels | - |
| Adjacent VH FHSZ | >7,300 acres in Chino Hills State Park | - |
| Defensible space | 100 ft under PRC §4291 (Zones 0/1/2) | 100 feet required in VHFHSZ under PRC 4291 |
| New-build standard | California Building Code Chapter 7A (WUI ignition resistance) | - |
| Disclosure on sale | Natural Hazard Disclosure — Civil Code §1103 | - |
| High hazard area | - | Northern Fontana foothills mapped as VHFHSZ by CAL FIRE |
| New construction code | - | CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant materials required |
| AB 38 disclosure | - | Pre-2010 home sellers must provide DSIR in FHSZ |
| Annual inspection | - | SBCoFD conducts PRC 4291 inspections each summer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Is my Chino property in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
Most of Chino's developed core is not in any FHSZ. Properties along the city's southwest edge, near the Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor, or adjacent to Chino Hills State Park may be in Moderate, High, or Very-High FHSZ. Look up your parcel on the CVFD map at chinovalleyfire.org/280/Fire-Hazard-Severity-Zone-Map or CAL FIRE's statewide tool at egis.fire.ca.gov.
What changes if I'm in a Very-High FHSZ?
Three things: (1) you must maintain 100 ft of defensible space under PRC §4291; (2) any new construction or major addition must comply with California Building Code Chapter 7A (ignition-resistant siding, ember-resistant vents, Class A roof); and (3) the seller must provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure statement on sale under Civil Code §1103.
When did Chino's new FHSZ map take effect?
CVFD Ordinance 2025-01 was adopted July 9, 2025 and took effect September 1, 2025. It implements CAL FIRE's 2024–2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone update for the City of Chino and Chino Hills.
Fontana FAQ
How do I find out if my Fontana address is in a high fire zone?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer online - enter your address to see your zone classification.
Do all Fontana homes need Chapter 7A materials?
No. Chapter 7A applies only to new construction or substantial remodels within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, primarily the foothill neighborhoods.
Will my home insurance be affected by the fire zone rating?
Yes. VHFHSZ designation often raises premiums and can lead to nonrenewal; completing defensible space inspections helps maintain coverage.
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