Brush Clearance: Chino vs Ontario
How do brush clearance rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Properties in Chino's High and Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) — primarily parcels adjacent to the Chino Hills State Park / Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor — must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California Public Resources Code §4291 and CVFD Ordinance 2022-01. Citywide, all parcels must control weeds, dry grass, and combustible vegetation as a fire and public-nuisance hazard. CVFD conducts inspections in late spring, summer, and fall; non-compliance triggers fees, fines, and forced clearance by the district's contractor with costs lien-assessed to the parcel.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires owners to keep lots free of dry weeds, brush, and rubbish under the municipal nuisance code and CA H and S 14875. Uncleared parcels are abated by city contractor at owner cost.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| State law | California Public Resources Code §4291 (100-ft defensible space) | - |
| Local ordinance | CVFD Ord. 2022-01 (vegetation management) & 2025-01 (FHSZ map, eff. Sept 1 2025) | - |
| Zone 0 (0–5 ft) | Ember-resistant — no combustibles touching structure (AB 3074) | - |
| Zone 1 (5–30 ft) | Lean/clean/green — grass <4 in, no dead vegetation | - |
| Zone 2 (30–100 ft) | Reduce fuel — vertical & horizontal tree/shrub spacing | - |
| FHSZ areas in Chino | Parcels near Chino Hills State Park & Puente-Chino Hills corridor | - |
| Enforcement contact | CVFD Vegetation Management: weeds@chofire.org / (909) 902-5285 | - |
| State authority | - | CA H and S 14875-14922 |
| Weed height trigger | - | Typically over 4 to 6 inches |
| Abatement fees | - | Billed to owner plus admin cost |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement 909-395-2025 |
| Fire zone | - | Ontario not in state VHFHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need 100 feet of defensible space in Chino?
Only if your parcel is in a designated High or Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone — primarily properties adjacent to Chino Hills State Park or the Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor on the city's south/southwest edge. PRC §4291 and CVFD Ordinance 2022-01 require 100 ft of defensible space (or to the property line) in those zones. Check the FHSZ map at chinovalleyfire.org/280/Fire-Hazard-Severity-Zone-Map.
When does CVFD inspect for weeds?
Routine vegetation inspections happen in late spring, summer, and fall. If you receive a notice, you'll get a deadline to clear — typically 30 days. Failure to comply results in fees, fines, or the district sending its contracted vegetation-clearance contractor to do the work at your expense (lien-assessed).
What about weeds on a non-WUI residential lot?
Citywide, tall weeds and dry grass are still a public nuisance under Chino Municipal Code Title 8 (Health and Safety). Chino Public Works Services (909-334-3266) and Code Compliance (909-334-3319) handle citywide weed abatement separately from the CVFD's WUI defensible-space program.
Ontario FAQ
Does Ontario require defensible space like foothill cities?
Ontario is on the valley floor and not in a state VHFHSZ, so the 100-foot defensible space rule does not apply, but weed abatement and rubbish removal are still required.
What if my vacant lot is overgrown?
Code Enforcement will mail a notice to abate. If you do not clear it, the city hires a contractor and bills you for the work plus administrative fees.
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