Brush Clearance: Ontario vs Victorville
How do brush clearance rules compare between Ontario, CA and Victorville, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than Victorville.
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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville requires owners to keep lots free of dry weeds, brush, tumbleweeds, and rubbish under VMC nuisance rules and CA H and S 14875. High Desert parcels near hills require 100-foot defensible space under PRC 4291.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | CA H and S 14875-14922 | CA H and S 14875-14922 and PRC 4291 |
| Weed height trigger | Typically over 4 to 6 inches | - |
| Abatement fees | Billed to owner plus admin cost | Billed to owner plus admin cost |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement 909-395-2025 | Code Enforcement (760) 955-5104 |
| Fire zone | Ontario not in state VHFHSZ | - |
| Defensible space | - | 100 feet near VHFHSZ |
| Tumbleweeds | - | Specifically cited as fuel |
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.
Victorville FAQ
Do I need 100-foot defensible space in Victorville?
If your parcel touches or sits inside a CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (common along the north and east foothills), yes under PRC 4291. Valley-floor parcels still need weed and tumbleweed abatement.
Who handles tumbleweeds that blow in from a neighbor's vacant lot?
The owner of the parcel where the tumbleweeds accumulate is responsible for removal. You can also file a complaint against the source lot through Victorville Code Enforcement.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and Victorville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool