Brush Clearance: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do brush clearance rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291. San Bernardino County Fire conducts annual hazard inspections each spring.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement 909-395-2025 | - |
| Fire zone | Ontario not in state VHFHSZ | - |
| Legal authority | - | California PRC 4291 defensible space law |
| Clearance distance | - | 100 ft around structures in VHFHSZ areas |
| Zone 0 rule | - | 0 to 5 ft ember-resistant zone required under AB 3074 |
| Inspection window | - | Annual hazard inspections April through June |
| Non-compliance | - | County abates and liens property for work plus admin fees |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do all San Bernardino properties need 100-foot clearance?
Only parcels inside or within 100 ft of state-mapped VHFHSZ or Local Responsibility Area high-fire zones, primarily the foothills and wildland interface.
What is Zone 0 and when does it apply?
Zone 0 is the five-foot ember-resistant perimeter required by AB 3074; it prohibits combustibles like wood mulch, wood fencing, and stored firewood touching the house.
What happens if I miss the inspection deadline?
San Bernardino County Fire issues a Notice to Abate. If you do not clear the hazard, the county performs the work and bills you through a property lien.
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