Wildfire Zones: Chino vs Ontario
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than Chino.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario sits on the valley floor and is not mapped in a CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction and PRC 4291 defensible space do not apply citywide.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| CAL FIRE status | - | Not in VHFHSZ |
| Chapter 7A | - | Not required citywide |
| PRC 4291 | - | Defensible space rule not triggered |
| Still required | - | Weed abatement and Fire Code |
| Map check | - | CAL FIRE FHSZ viewer |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Is my Ontario home in a wildfire zone?
Almost certainly no. Ontario is on the valley floor with no designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, but always verify on the CAL FIRE viewer for your specific parcel.
Do I need Chapter 7A ignition-resistant siding in Ontario?
Not based on wildfire zoning, since Ontario has no VHFHSZ. Standard California Building Code materials are allowed.
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