Wildfire Zones: Fontana vs Rialto
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rialto has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Most of Rialto is in a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Moderate / Non-VHFHSZ classification, but the northern foothill / Cajon Pass overlay touches CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area (SRA) Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Properties within these zones face Cal. Public Resources Code §4291 100-ft. defensible space, Cal. Government Code §51182 vegetation requirements, and Cal. Building Code Chapter 7A WUI construction standards.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| High hazard area | Northern Fontana foothills mapped as VHFHSZ by CAL FIRE | - |
| Defensible space | 100 feet required in VHFHSZ under PRC 4291 | 100 ft. (PRC §4291 / Gov. Code §51182) in VHFHSZ |
| 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 | - |
| Most of city | - | LRA Moderate / unzoned |
| Northern foothill / Cajon Pass | - | SRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone |
| New construction in WUI | - | Cal. Building Code Ch. 7A required |
| AB 38 sale disclosure | - | Required for VHFHSZ properties |
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.
Rialto FAQ
How do I know if my Rialto property is in a wildfire zone?
Check the official CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer (osfm.fire.ca.gov/fhsz). Most Rialto urban parcels are LRA Moderate; only northern/foothill parcels near Lytle Creek and the Cajon Pass are SRA VHFHSZ.
What do I have to do if I'm in a VHFHSZ?
Maintain 100 ft. defensible space per PRC §4291, comply with Ch. 7A construction standards for new builds/remodels, and disclose the zone at any sale per AB 38.
Does Rialto Fire inspect for defensible space?
Yes — Rialto Fire conducts annual weed-abatement inspections of all parcels under Mun. Code §15.28.060; CAL FIRE separately inspects SRA parcels for PRC §4291 compliance.
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