Brush Clearance: Hesperia vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do brush clearance rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga have similar restriction levels.
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 →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Properties in or near the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must clear 100 feet of defensible space under PRC 4291. Rancho Cucamonga inspects foothill parcels annually and can abate noncompliant properties.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| WUI Effective | Expanded VHFHSZ maps effective July 22, 2025 | - |
| State authority | - | PRC 4291, 100 feet defensible space |
| Zone 0 (0 to 5 ft) | - | Ember-resistant, no combustibles (AB 3074) |
| Zone 1 (5 to 30 ft) | - | Lean, clean, green, irrigated, no dead material |
| Zone 2 (30 to 100 ft) | - | Grasses cut to 4 inches, spaced trees |
| Inspection program | - | Annual RCFPD Hazard Reduction Inspection each spring |
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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Is my property in the VHFHSZ?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer. Most properties north of Banyan Street and in Etiwanda are in the zone, along with parcels abutting the national forest.
What happens if I miss the brush clearance deadline?
RCFPD will abate the property using a contractor and bill the owner. Unpaid bills become a lien and can be added to the property tax roll.
Is Zone 0 actively enforced in Rancho Cucamonga?
Yes. AB 3074 Zone 0 rules are being phased in statewide and RCFPD is actively educating foothill homeowners about removing combustibles within 5 feet of structures.
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