Brush Clearance: Fontana vs Rialto
How do brush clearance rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto Municipal Code §15.28.060 (Vacant Lot Clearance) requires owners of vacant lots and improved parcels to clear weeds, brush, rubbish, and combustible vegetation creating a fire hazard. The Rialto Fire Department administers an annual weed abatement program; non-compliant lots are cleared by the city with costs (plus an administrative fee) becoming a lien on the property.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Local code | - | Rialto Mun. Code §15.28.060 (Vacant Lot Clearance) |
| WUI defensible space | - | 100 ft. per PRC §4291 (5 / 5-30 / 30-100 zones) |
| Annual program | - | Spring weed abatement notices, ~30-day compliance |
| Forced abatement | - | City contracts cleanup + admin fee + tax lien |
| Enforcement | - | Rialto Fire Dept. + Community Compliance (909-820-8070) |
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.
Rialto FAQ
When do I need to clear my vacant lot?
By the date stated in your annual weed-abatement notice from Rialto Fire (typically late spring before fire season). Vegetation must be cut to 3 inches or less and combustible debris removed.
What happens if I don't clear my lot?
The city will contract a crew to clear it at your expense, adding administrative overhead (often 25–40%) and recording a lien on your property under Gov. Code §39574.
Does PRC 4291 apply to my Rialto home?
Only if your structure is in or adjacent to a State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (mainly the northern foothill / Cajon Pass overlay). Most Rialto residential parcels follow Mun. Code §15.28.060 instead.
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