Brush Clearance: Rancho Cucamonga vs San Bernardino
How do brush clearance rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Rancho Cucamonga | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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