Chino, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Parcels ≤5 acres
- fully cleared of hazardous vegetation
- Parcels >5 acres
- 100-ft perimeter clearance minimum
- Fire road clearance
- 20 ft; driveways 10 ft
- Non-compliance
- city abatement plus property lien
Summary
Chino's amended Fire Code requires owners to clear hazardous vegetation from their property, full clearance on parcels of 5 acres or less, and a 100-foot perimeter buffer on larger parcels, plus separate roadway and driveway brush clearance.
304.1.2 Vegetation. Cut and uncut weeds, grass, tumbleweeds, vines, trees, or other vegetation that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Parcels five acres or less in size shall be completely cleared of all combustible vegetation deemed hazardous by the fire official. Parcels greater than five acres shall provide a minimum one hundred feet of clearance around the perimeter of the parcel and additional clearance as required by the fire code official.
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental vegetative fuels or cultivated ground cover, such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground cover, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.
(Ord. 2022-015, § 1, 7-19-2022.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Chino locally amended California Fire Code Section 304.1.2 to require that cut and uncut weeds, grass, tumbleweeds, vines, trees, or other vegetation capable of being ignited and endangering property be removed by the owner or occupant. Parcels of five acres or less must be completely cleared of vegetation the fire official deems hazardous; parcels larger than five acres must maintain a minimum 100-foot clearance around the parcel perimeter, plus any additional clearance the fire code official requires. A separate added section, 304.1.2.1, sets a minimum 20-foot brush clearance for fire apparatus access roads and 10 feet for driveways. Adopted by Ord. 2022-015, § 1, 7-19-2022.
Violations & Fines
Uncleared hazardous vegetation is a fire code violation; if an owner does not abate it after a notice to destroy weeds, the fire district can perform the abatement itself and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much brush clearance does Chino require around a house on a small lot?
What happens if I don't clear weeds after a city notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle brush clearance.