Brush Clearance: Chino vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do brush clearance rules compare between Chino, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rancho Cucamonga.
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 →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Properties in or near the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must clear 100 feet of defensible space under PRC 4291. Rancho Cucamonga inspects foothill parcels annually and can abate noncompliant properties.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | PRC 4291, 100 feet defensible space |
| Zone 0 (0 to 5 ft) | - | Ember-resistant, no combustibles (AB 3074) |
| Zone 1 (5 to 30 ft) | - | Lean, clean, green, irrigated, no dead material |
| Zone 2 (30 to 100 ft) | - | Grasses cut to 4 inches, spaced trees |
| Inspection program | - | Annual RCFPD Hazard Reduction Inspection each spring |
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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Is my property in the VHFHSZ?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer. Most properties north of Banyan Street and in Etiwanda are in the zone, along with parcels abutting the national forest.
What happens if I miss the brush clearance deadline?
RCFPD will abate the property using a contractor and bill the owner. Unpaid bills become a lien and can be added to the property tax roll.
Is Zone 0 actively enforced in Rancho Cucamonga?
Yes. AB 3074 Zone 0 rules are being phased in statewide and RCFPD is actively educating foothill homeowners about removing combustibles within 5 feet of structures.
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