Brush Clearance: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do brush clearance rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto Municipal Code §15.28.060 (Vacant Lot Clearance) requires owners of vacant lots and improved parcels to clear weeds, brush, rubbish, and combustible vegetation creating a fire hazard. The Rialto Fire Department administers an annual weed abatement program; non-compliant lots are cleared by the city with costs (plus an administrative fee) becoming a lien on the property.
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local code | Rialto Mun. Code §15.28.060 (Vacant Lot Clearance) | - |
| WUI defensible space | 100 ft. per PRC §4291 (5 / 5-30 / 30-100 zones) | - |
| Annual program | Spring weed abatement notices, ~30-day compliance | - |
| Forced abatement | City contracts cleanup + admin fee + tax lien | - |
| Enforcement | Rialto Fire Dept. + Community Compliance (909-820-8070) | - |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
When do I need to clear my vacant lot?
By the date stated in your annual weed-abatement notice from Rialto Fire (typically late spring before fire season). Vegetation must be cut to 3 inches or less and combustible debris removed.
What happens if I don't clear my lot?
The city will contract a crew to clear it at your expense, adding administrative overhead (often 25–40%) and recording a lien on your property under Gov. Code §39574.
Does PRC 4291 apply to my Rialto home?
Only if your structure is in or adjacent to a State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (mainly the northern foothill / Cajon Pass overlay). Most Rialto residential parcels follow Mun. Code §15.28.060 instead.
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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