Brush Clearance: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do brush clearance rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291. San Bernardino County Fire conducts annual hazard inspections each spring.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Legal authority | - | California PRC 4291 defensible space law |
| Clearance distance | - | 100 ft around structures in VHFHSZ areas |
| Zone 0 rule | - | 0 to 5 ft ember-resistant zone required under AB 3074 |
| Inspection window | - | Annual hazard inspections April through June |
| Non-compliance | - | County abates and liens property for work plus admin fees |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do all San Bernardino properties need 100-foot clearance?
Only parcels inside or within 100 ft of state-mapped VHFHSZ or Local Responsibility Area high-fire zones, primarily the foothills and wildland interface.
What is Zone 0 and when does it apply?
Zone 0 is the five-foot ember-resistant perimeter required by AB 3074; it prohibits combustibles like wood mulch, wood fencing, and stored firewood touching the house.
What happens if I miss the inspection deadline?
San Bernardino County Fire issues a Notice to Abate. If you do not clear the hazard, the county performs the work and bills you through a property lien.
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