Brush Clearance: Ontario vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do brush clearance rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than Rancho Cucamonga.
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 →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 | Ontario | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | CA H and S 14875-14922 | PRC 4291, 100 feet defensible space |
| Weed height trigger | Typically over 4 to 6 inches | - |
| Abatement fees | Billed to owner plus admin cost | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement 909-395-2025 | - |
| Fire zone | Ontario not in state VHFHSZ | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
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