Brush Clearance: Fontana vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do brush clearance rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga 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 →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 | Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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