Wildfire Zones: Chino vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Chino, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rancho Cucamonga.
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 →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Much of northern Rancho Cucamonga lies in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. VHFHSZ properties face stricter defensible space, Class A roofing, and Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction rules.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 under PRC 4291, Zone 0 under AB 3074 |
| New-build standard | California Building Code Chapter 7A (WUI ignition resistance) | - |
| Disclosure on sale | Natural Hazard Disclosure — Civil Code §1103 | - |
| VHFHSZ coverage | - | Northside foothills above Banyan, Etiwanda north of Highland |
| Chapter 7A construction | - | Required for new builds and major remodels in VHFHSZ |
| Evacuation alerts | - | Sign up for Alert SBC and City Watch Rancho Cucamonga |
| Insurance note | - | Natural Hazard Disclosure required on real estate sales |
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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
How do I find out if my Rancho Cucamonga home is in a wildfire zone?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer by address. RCFPD can also confirm your zone and provide a hazard reduction checklist.
Do I have to retrofit my older Etiwanda home to Chapter 7A standards?
No, only new construction and substantial remodels trigger Chapter 7A. However, defensible space and AB 3074 Zone 0 rules apply to existing homes.
What are the evacuation routes from the foothills?
Primary routes are Day Creek Boulevard and Milliken Avenue southbound. Alternates include Etiwanda Avenue and Haven Avenue, with staging areas at Victoria Gardens and Central Park.
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