Wildfire Zones: Chino vs Hesperia
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
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 →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Updated CAL FIRE/OSFM Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps significantly expanded Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in Hesperia effective July 22, 2025. Properties in VHFHSZ must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (WUI ignition-resistant construction) and PRC §4291 defensible space.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| New-build standard | California Building Code Chapter 7A (WUI ignition resistance) | - |
| Disclosure on sale | Natural Hazard Disclosure — Civil Code §1103 | - |
| Zone Designation | - | Expanded VHFHSZ effective July 22, 2025 |
| Authority | - | CAL FIRE/OSFM + SB County Fire (LRA) |
| Building Standard | - | CBC Chapter 7A (WUI construction) |
| Defensible Space | - | 100 ft per PRC §4291 |
| Zone 0 | - | 0–5 ft ember-resistant (AB 3074) |
| Disclosure | - | AB 38 buyer disclosure required in VHFHSZ |
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.
Hesperia FAQ
Is my Hesperia property in a wildfire zone?
Possibly. Updated VHFHSZ maps took effect July 22, 2025 and expanded coverage significantly. Check the CAL FIRE OSFM FHSZ viewer or City of Hesperia Building & Safety, and review Hesperia Information Bulletin IB-25-002.
What construction standards apply in VHFHSZ?
California Building Code Chapter 7A: ignition-resistant exterior walls, Class A roof, dual-pane tempered glass windows, ember-resistant vents (1/16–1/8 in mesh), protected eaves, and non-combustible decking near structures.
Do I have to disclose VHFHSZ when selling?
Yes. AB 38 (2019) requires sellers to disclose VHFHSZ designation to buyers and, for homes built before 2010, provide a home-hardening disclosure as part of the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement.
What is Zone 0?
Zone 0 is the 0–5 ft ember-resistant zone immediately around a structure, mandated by AB 3074 (2020) and regulated by the California Board of Forestry. Combustible materials (wood mulch, fences attached to the home, stored items) must be removed.
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