Wildfire Zones: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Hesperia and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Updated CAL FIRE/OSFM Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps significantly expanded Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in Hesperia effective July 22, 2025. Properties in VHFHSZ must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (WUI ignition-resistant construction) and PRC §4291 defensible space.
View full Hesperia 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 | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Designation | Expanded VHFHSZ effective July 22, 2025 | - |
| Authority | CAL FIRE/OSFM + SB County Fire (LRA) | - |
| Building Standard | CBC Chapter 7A (WUI construction) | - |
| Defensible Space | 100 ft per PRC §4291 | - |
| Zone 0 | 0–5 ft ember-resistant (AB 3074) | - |
| Disclosure | AB 38 buyer disclosure required in VHFHSZ | - |
| 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.
Hesperia FAQ
Is my Hesperia property in a wildfire zone?
Possibly. Updated VHFHSZ maps took effect July 22, 2025 and expanded coverage significantly. Check the CAL FIRE OSFM FHSZ viewer or City of Hesperia Building & Safety, and review Hesperia Information Bulletin IB-25-002.
What construction standards apply in VHFHSZ?
California Building Code Chapter 7A: ignition-resistant exterior walls, Class A roof, dual-pane tempered glass windows, ember-resistant vents (1/16–1/8 in mesh), protected eaves, and non-combustible decking near structures.
Do I have to disclose VHFHSZ when selling?
Yes. AB 38 (2019) requires sellers to disclose VHFHSZ designation to buyers and, for homes built before 2010, provide a home-hardening disclosure as part of the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement.
What is Zone 0?
Zone 0 is the 0–5 ft ember-resistant zone immediately around a structure, mandated by AB 3074 (2020) and regulated by the California Board of Forestry. Combustible materials (wood mulch, fences attached to the home, stored items) must be removed.
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.
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