Brush Clearance: Fontana vs Hesperia
How do brush clearance rules compare between Fontana, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Fontana and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana foothill parcels must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under PRC 4291. Citywide weed abatement is enforced annually each spring with cost-recovery liens on noncompliant parcels.
View full Fontana rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia contracts with San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement to enforce defensible-space requirements. Weeds and grasses must be cut to no more than 4 inches in height within 30 feet of any structure. State law (PRC §4291) requires 100 ft of defensible space in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — newly expanded in Hesperia effective July 22, 2025.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Foothill defensible space | 100 feet required under PRC 4291 in VHFHSZ | - |
| Zone 0 ember zone | First 5 feet must be ember-resistant per AB 3074 | - |
| Annual inspection | Weed abatement begins late April each year | - |
| Noncompliance cost | City contractor abates; lien placed on property tax bill | - |
| Typical abatement charge | 500 dollars and up plus administrative fees | - |
| Weed Height Limit | - | ≤4 in within 30 ft of structures |
| Defensible Space (VHFHSZ) | - | 100 ft per PRC §4291 |
| Zone 0 | - | 0–5 ft ember-resistant |
| Inspections | - | Spring (weeds) + Fall (tumbleweeds) |
| Enforcement | - | SB County Fire Hazard Abatement (760) 995-8140 |
| WUI Effective | - | Expanded VHFHSZ maps effective July 22, 2025 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Does my Fontana home need 100 feet of defensible space?
Only if the parcel is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, generally north Fontana near the foothills. Check the CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer for your exact address.
When does the Fontana weed abatement program start?
Inspections typically begin in late April and continue through summer; notices are mailed to parcels that fail the initial inspection.
What happens if I do not clear my lot after a weed notice?
The city hires a contractor to abate the hazard and records the cost as a lien on your property tax bill, plus administrative fees.
Hesperia FAQ
How tall can weeds be on my Hesperia property?
Weeds and grasses (other than ornamentals) must be kept to 4 inches or less within 30 feet of any structure. In VHFHSZ areas, PRC §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space organized into three zones.
Who enforces weed abatement in Hesperia?
San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement enforces under contract with the City. Inspections run twice a year — spring for weeds and grasses, fall for tumbleweeds. Contact (760) 995-8140 option 5.
What happens if I don't clear my weeds?
After notice, a county contractor clears the parcel and the cost plus administrative fees is billed to the owner. Unpaid charges become a tax lien on the property.
Am I in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
Possibly — Hesperia's VHFHSZ areas were significantly expanded effective July 22, 2025 under the updated CAL FIRE/OSFM LRA maps. Check the OSFM viewer or contact Hesperia Building & Safety.
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