Wildfire Zones: Fontana vs Hesperia
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Fontana, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Fontana and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Northern Fontana foothills are mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. Parcels there need 100 feet defensible space and Chapter 7A building materials for new construction.
View full Fontana rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Updated CAL FIRE/OSFM Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps significantly expanded Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in Hesperia effective July 22, 2025. Properties in VHFHSZ must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (WUI ignition-resistant construction) and PRC §4291 defensible space.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| High hazard area | Northern Fontana foothills mapped as VHFHSZ by CAL FIRE | - |
| Defensible space | 100 feet required in VHFHSZ under PRC 4291 | - |
| New construction code | CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant materials required | - |
| AB 38 disclosure | Pre-2010 home sellers must provide DSIR in FHSZ | - |
| Annual inspection | SBCoFD conducts PRC 4291 inspections each summer | - |
| Zone Designation | - | Expanded VHFHSZ effective July 22, 2025 |
| Authority | - | CAL FIRE/OSFM + SB County Fire (LRA) |
| Building Standard | - | CBC Chapter 7A (WUI construction) |
| Defensible Space | - | 100 ft per PRC §4291 |
| Zone 0 | - | 0–5 ft ember-resistant (AB 3074) |
| Disclosure | - | AB 38 buyer disclosure required in VHFHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
How do I find out if my Fontana address is in a high fire zone?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer online - enter your address to see your zone classification.
Do all Fontana homes need Chapter 7A materials?
No. Chapter 7A applies only to new construction or substantial remodels within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, primarily the foothill neighborhoods.
Will my home insurance be affected by the fire zone rating?
Yes. VHFHSZ designation often raises premiums and can lead to nonrenewal; completing defensible space inspections helps maintain coverage.
Hesperia FAQ
Is my Hesperia property in a wildfire zone?
Possibly. Updated VHFHSZ maps took effect July 22, 2025 and expanded coverage significantly. Check the CAL FIRE OSFM FHSZ viewer or City of Hesperia Building & Safety, and review Hesperia Information Bulletin IB-25-002.
What construction standards apply in VHFHSZ?
California Building Code Chapter 7A: ignition-resistant exterior walls, Class A roof, dual-pane tempered glass windows, ember-resistant vents (1/16–1/8 in mesh), protected eaves, and non-combustible decking near structures.
Do I have to disclose VHFHSZ when selling?
Yes. AB 38 (2019) requires sellers to disclose VHFHSZ designation to buyers and, for homes built before 2010, provide a home-hardening disclosure as part of the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement.
What is Zone 0?
Zone 0 is the 0–5 ft ember-resistant zone immediately around a structure, mandated by AB 3074 (2020) and regulated by the California Board of Forestry. Combustible materials (wood mulch, fences attached to the home, stored items) must be removed.
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