Wildfire Zones: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
The northern San Bernardino foothills are mapped by CAL FIRE as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. VHFHSZ parcels must meet PRC 4291 defensible space and Chapter 7A wildfire construction rules.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Legal framework | - | CA PRC 4202 and Gov Code 51178 FHSZ mapping |
| Primary zone | - | VHFHSZ covers northern foothills and Waterman Canyon areas |
| Construction rules | - | CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant materials required |
| Seller disclosure | - | Civil Code 1103 VHFHSZ disclosure mandatory at sale |
| Insurance impact | - | VHFHSZ mapping drives carrier non-renewals and FAIR Plan use |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I know if my San Bernardino property is in a VHFHSZ?
Use the OSFM Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer or contact City of San Bernardino Community Development at (909) 384-5122 for a parcel-specific map.
What construction rules apply in a VHFHSZ?
New builds and substantial remodels must meet CBC Chapter 7A, including Class A roofs, ember-resistant vents, and ignition-resistant siding and eaves.
Must I disclose VHFHSZ status when selling my home?
Yes. California Civil Code 1103 requires a natural hazards disclosure showing VHFHSZ status and buyer responsibility for defensible space.
Compare other topics
See how Fontana and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool