Wildfire Zones: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
The northern San Bernardino foothills are mapped by CAL FIRE as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. VHFHSZ parcels must meet PRC 4291 defensible space and Chapter 7A wildfire construction rules.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Legal framework | - | CA PRC 4202 and Gov Code 51178 FHSZ mapping |
| Primary zone | - | VHFHSZ covers northern foothills and Waterman Canyon areas |
| Construction rules | - | CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant materials required |
| Seller disclosure | - | Civil Code 1103 VHFHSZ disclosure mandatory at sale |
| Insurance impact | - | VHFHSZ mapping drives carrier non-renewals and FAIR Plan use |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I know if my San Bernardino property is in a VHFHSZ?
Use the OSFM Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer or contact City of San Bernardino Community Development at (909) 384-5122 for a parcel-specific map.
What construction rules apply in a VHFHSZ?
New builds and substantial remodels must meet CBC Chapter 7A, including Class A roofs, ember-resistant vents, and ignition-resistant siding and eaves.
Must I disclose VHFHSZ status when selling my home?
Yes. California Civil Code 1103 requires a natural hazards disclosure showing VHFHSZ status and buyer responsibility for defensible space.
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