Brush Clearance: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do brush clearance rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia contracts with San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement to enforce defensible-space requirements. Weeds and grasses must be cut to no more than 4 inches in height within 30 feet of any structure. State law (PRC §4291) requires 100 ft of defensible space in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — newly expanded in Hesperia effective July 22, 2025.
View full Hesperia rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires owners to keep lots free of dry weeds, brush, and rubbish under the municipal nuisance code and CA H and S 14875. Uncleared parcels are abated by city contractor at owner cost.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Weed Height Limit | ≤4 in within 30 ft of structures | - |
| Defensible Space (VHFHSZ) | 100 ft per PRC §4291 | - |
| Zone 0 | 0–5 ft ember-resistant | - |
| Inspections | Spring (weeds) + Fall (tumbleweeds) | - |
| Enforcement | SB County Fire Hazard Abatement (760) 995-8140 | Code Enforcement 909-395-2025 |
| WUI Effective | Expanded VHFHSZ maps effective July 22, 2025 | - |
| State authority | - | CA H and S 14875-14922 |
| Weed height trigger | - | Typically over 4 to 6 inches |
| Abatement fees | - | Billed to owner plus admin cost |
| Fire zone | - | Ontario not in state VHFHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
How tall can weeds be on my Hesperia property?
Weeds and grasses (other than ornamentals) must be kept to 4 inches or less within 30 feet of any structure. In VHFHSZ areas, PRC §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space organized into three zones.
Who enforces weed abatement in Hesperia?
San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement enforces under contract with the City. Inspections run twice a year — spring for weeds and grasses, fall for tumbleweeds. Contact (760) 995-8140 option 5.
What happens if I don't clear my weeds?
After notice, a county contractor clears the parcel and the cost plus administrative fees is billed to the owner. Unpaid charges become a tax lien on the property.
Am I in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
Possibly — Hesperia's VHFHSZ areas were significantly expanded effective July 22, 2025 under the updated CAL FIRE/OSFM LRA maps. Check the OSFM viewer or contact Hesperia Building & Safety.
Ontario FAQ
Does Ontario require defensible space like foothill cities?
Ontario is on the valley floor and not in a state VHFHSZ, so the 100-foot defensible space rule does not apply, but weed abatement and rubbish removal are still required.
What if my vacant lot is overgrown?
Code Enforcement will mail a notice to abate. If you do not clear it, the city hires a contractor and bills you for the work plus administrative fees.
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