Bolthole Index

Kern County, California

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Kern County, California

31Index Score / 100
#44 of 58 in California

Unincorporated Kern County, California requires a building permit, issued by the county's Public Works Building Inspection Division1. Zoning comes from the county's Planning & Natural Resources Department and covers unincorporated land only, not the incorporated cities2. Septic permits come from the Kern County Environmental Health Division wherever sewer is not available within 200 feet3. Living in an RV on private land is generally unlawful4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Kern County; issued by Public Works Building Inspection, under the 2025 California Residential Code for houses15
Zoning
Countywide Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 19) for unincorporated land only; cities are excluded62
Septic
County permit required to construct, reconstruct or repair a system; unavailable where sewer is within 200 feet3
RV living
Generally unlawful on private land outside listed parks and camping areas; limited exceptions require county approval or an active construction permit4
Owner-builder
Contractor-license exemption (Business and Professions Code 7044) for qualifying owners; building permits, inspections and zoning still apply7
Minimum lot size
Set per zoning district; a zone modification can reduce it by up to 15%, more needs a variance8
Setbacks
In A, A-1, R-1 and R-2 zones: 5 ft side and rear yards; front setback measured from the road centerline (55 ft on local streets, never under 25 ft from the right-of-way)9101112
Manufactured/mobile home
Allowed outside parks with conditions: DMV/foundation registration, HCD insignia, 5-ft property-line setback13
Tiny home / ADU
A tiny home gets state ADU treatment only if it meets the legal ADU definition; other classifications follow their own occupancy rules1415

Who to call

Building permits

Kern County Public Works Department — Building Inspection Division

Residential and commercial building permits and inspections for unincorporated Kern County

(661) 862-5100

Public Services Building, 2700 "M" Street, Suite 400, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Zoning

Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Department

Zoning determinations, zone changes/variances, and the Zoning Ordinance (Title 19) for unincorporated Kern County

661-862-5263

zoning@kerncounty.com

Online permits →

Septic permits

Kern County Public Health Services Department — Environmental Health Division

Onsite wastewater treatment system (septic) construction, reconstruction and repair permits for Kern County

(661) 321-3000

1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Kern County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Kern County, California?

Yes, in unincorporated Kern County. The county's Public Works Building Inspection Division requires a permit for erection, construction, enlargement, alteration or repair of buildings1. Detached one- and two-family homes and townhouses are built to the 2025 California Residential Code with Kern County amendments5. Inspections are required for all gypsum board installations, and an inspection record card must stay on the job site16. A parcel in a wildland-urban interface area needs a separate permit for each regulated building or structure, subject to listed exemptions17. Development in a special flood-hazard, flood-related erosion or mudflow area also needs a floodplain development permit before work begins18.

Owner-builders: California's contractor-license exemption lets an owner personally do the work, use employees paid only wages, or hire licensed trades directly. A homeowner improving a principal residence must have lived there for the 12 months before completion, and selling or offering for sale within one year after completion raises a presumption that the work was for sale7. The exemption does not waive building permits, inspections or zoning7.

Inside Delano, California City and Arvin, the city issues its own building permits Delano19, California City20, Arvin21. The county's rules apply to unincorporated land only, and septic permits for any address still come from county Environmental Health.

Who is the Kern County building department, and how do you reach them?

Kern County Public Works' Building Inspection Division issues building permits and performs inspections for unincorporated Kern County; reach them at the Public Services Building, 2700 "M" Street, Suite 400, Bakersfield, CA 93301, phone (661) 862-510022. California law puts this duty on the county: every county building department must enforce the State Building Standards Code within its own jurisdiction, which is why Bakersfield city permits and Kern County unincorporated permits come from two different offices23. For zoning questions specifically — what you can build where — the Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Department is the right call instead, at 661-862-5263 or zoning@kerncounty.com24.

Does Kern County have zoning?

Yes, but only for unincorporated land: the Kern County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances, covers every zoning district in the county except the incorporated cities2. A parcel just outside a city's limits and one just inside can follow different rules25. Delano, Ridgecrest, McFarland and California City set their own zoning inside city limits Delano26, Ridgecrest27, McFarland28, California City29.

A single-family home is allowed by right in residential districts, and Planning & Natural Resources publishes the standards for each district30. Minimum lot sizes are set per district; a zone modification can shrink a lot by up to 15%, and anything beyond that needs a variance8.

Setbacks for buildings are the same shape in the Exclusive Agriculture (A), Limited Agriculture (A-1), R-1 and R-2 districts: the front setback is 55 feet from the centerline of a local street or access easement (70 feet from a secondary highway, 80 feet from a major highway) but never under 25 feet from the right-of-way, and side and rear yards are at least 5 feet, with 10 feet on the street side of corner lots9101112. Through lots follow the front-yard rule at the rear9. R-1 and R-2 front yards can differ under Section 19.08.1201112.

How do septic permits work in Kern County?

The Kern County Environmental Health Division regulates onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout unincorporated Kern County31. A county permit is required to construct, reconstruct or repair a septic system, and the county will issue one only where a sanitary sewer is not available within 200 feet of the structure3. Soil conditions, topography, high groundwater or other site factors can make an onsite system unsuitable3. Only about 19.3% of Kern County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the septic evaluation a purchase contingency rather than assuming a rural parcel will support a standard system32. Reach Environmental Health at (661) 321-3000 or 1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield33.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kern County?

In unincorporated Kern County, placing or occupying an RV on private land outside mobile home parks, travel-trailer parks, incidental camping areas and tent camps is unlawful unless an exception applies4. Dead storage is allowed only where zoning permits it on property with an existing conforming use, and private recreational use needs approval from the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors4. While you build, the building official may grant temporary RV occupancy at a construction site where building permits have been issued; that approval ends when construction is complete and the RV must be removed4. Any RV must also comply with the county's building regulations and zoning ordinance, including its sewage and water systems4.

A manufactured or mobile home outside a park must comply with county building and zoning rules; more than one on a parcel requires zoning authorization and proof that the additional occupant is an immediate family member who pays no rent34. A tiny home receives California ADU treatment only when it meets the statutory ADU definition, and applicable building, health, safety, fire, zoning and permitting requirements still apply14. Temporary tent camping on private land is not confirmed; ask Planning & Natural Resources.

Building a home in Kern County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district, minimum lot size and setbacks with Kern County Planning & Natural Resources before designing the home28.
  2. Ask whether the site is in a special flood-hazard, flood-related erosion or mudflow area; covered sites need a floodplain development permit before construction18.
  3. If sewer is not available within 200 feet, arrange the site work and apply to Environmental Health for the required septic permit3.
  4. If you need a well, obtain the required permit from the applicable local environmental health agency or water district before construction35.
  5. Check whether the parcel is in a wildland-urban interface area, where each regulated building or structure needs a separate WUI permit subject to listed exemptions17.
  6. Apply to Public Works Building Inspection for the building permit; owner-builder status does not waive building permits or inspections, and houses are built to the 2025 California Residential Code517.

What to check before you buy land in Kern County

Septic and soils: about 19.3% of Kern County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and a septic permit cannot be issued where sewer is available within 200 feet of the structure323. Flood exposure: development in mapped special flood-hazard, flood-related erosion or mudflow areas needs a floodplain development permit before work begins18. Water: a new or modified well needs a permit from the applicable local environmental health agency or water district35. Climate: Kern County experienced severe drought in about 41.5% of measured years and is projected to average roughly 41.6 days per year at or above 100°F by mid-century3637. About 31% of the county is federal land38. The effective property tax rate is about 0.9%, with a median annual bill near $2,8333940.

Watch-outs

  • Living in an RV on bare private land is generally unlawful in unincorporated Kern County; the main exception is temporary occupancy approved by the building official on a site with issued building permits, which ends at completion4.
  • Kern County's minimum dwelling size, lot-coverage standards and any agricultural building exemption could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Natural Resources for the standards in your parcel's zoning district before relying on an assumption30.
  • A parcel in a special flood-hazard, flood-related erosion or mudflow area needs a floodplain development permit before construction or other development begins18.
  • Placing a second mobile home on a parcel outside a mobile home park is not a general right in unincorporated Kern County; it requires zoning authorization and written proof the second occupant is an immediate family member paying no rent34.

Sources

  1. Kern County Public Works - Building Permit Application (2026 county census)
  2. Planning Documents - Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Dept., quoted and re-checked
  3. Kern County Onsite Systems Manual, quoted and re-checked
  4. Kern County Code of Building Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Kern County Code, § 17.06.030—California Residential Code adopted, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning Documents - Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Dept. (2026 county census)
  7. California Business and Professions Code section 7044, quoted and re-checked
  8. Zoning Ordinance - Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Dept., quoted and re-checked
  9. Kern County Code, § 19.12.070—Yards and setbacks, A district, quoted and re-checked
  10. Kern County Code, § 19.14.070—Yards and setbacks, A-1 district, quoted and re-checked
  11. Kern County Code, § 19.18.070—Yards and setbacks, R-1 district, quoted and re-checked
  12. Kern County Code, § 19.20.070—Yards and setbacks, R-2 district, quoted and re-checked
  13. Kern County Code of Building Regulations, Sections 17.44.050-17.44.070, quoted and re-checked
  14. Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook, March 2026, quoted and re-checked
  15. Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook March 2026, quoted and re-checked
  16. Kern County Code of Building Regulations — Complete PDF, quoted and re-checked
  17. Kern County Code of Building Regulations — Complete PDF, quoted and re-checked
  18. Kern County Code of Building Regulations, Chapter 17.48 Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  19. Delano: §20.11.200 - Accessory dwelling units (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  20. California City: Inspections (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Arvin: FAQs - Building Division (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Kern County Public Works Department — Building Inspection Division (kernpublicworks.com)
  23. Information Bulletin 2021-02: 2019 California Building Standards Code Supplement (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Department (kernplanning.com)
  25. Commercial Zoning Layer - Kern County GIS, quoted and re-checked
  26. Delano: Planning (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Ridgecrest: Ridgecrest Code Sec. 106-324. Dwellings in all residential zones (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  28. McFarland: McFarland Code 17.12.020 - R-1 Zone uses permitted (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  29. California City: Applications (Kern County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Zone Change, quoted and re-checked
  31. Local Agency Management Program for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Kern County, California, quoted and re-checked
  32. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Kern County Public Health Services Department — Environmental Health Division (kernpublichealth.com)
  34. Kern County Code of Building Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  35. Well Standards (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  36. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Projected mid-century days at or above 100°F: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Kern County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleKern CountyTulare CountyVentura CountyLos Angeles CountyKings CountySanta Barbara CountySan Luis Obispo County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Health Div.County Env. Health Div.County Env. Health Div.County Dept. of Public HealthCounty environmental healthCounty Public Health Dept.County Planning & Building Dept.

County locator

Kern County in California

31
County map
Kern County highlighted among the California counties · colored by Index score

How Kern County scores

Seclusion44100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency13100% ev.
Admin Boringness40100% ev.
Durability37100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost57100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$366kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$10,539Land / acre
8.9"Annual rain
41.5% of yrsSevere drought
41.6 / yr (+19.7)Mid-century 100°F days
110.3 daysMid-century dry spell
0.94" (+4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.1×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,203Home insurance / yr
4.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.21%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,363,703People within 2 hr
26,686Radius comparison (15 mi)
112.3People / sq mi
31%Federal land
48.1%Land at 15% slope or less
19.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
949,333 acWorkable land screen
15.8%Wooded land
25.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
62.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Kern County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Bakersfield · Maricopa · Wasco

Answers from the rulebook for Kern County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Kern County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Buildings and structures regulated by the Kern County Wildland Urban Interface Code in unincorporated Kern County

    • The requirement applies within a wildland-urban interface area regulated by the Kern County Wildland Urban Interface Code.
    • The code states the requirement is subject to listed exemptions.
    • A separate permit is required for each building or structure.
    “Section 107.2 Permits required. Unless otherwise exempted, no building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses within the scope of the Kern County Residential Code in unincorporated Kern County.

    • The adopted standard is California Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 2.5, 2025 edition.
    • Appendix Chapters BB, BF, CI, and CJ are included.
    • Kern County modifications and amendments apply by reference.

    code edition: 2025 · code: California Residential Code

    “the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code, referred to as the California Residential Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsLimited

    Gypsum board installations regulated by the Kern County Building Code in unincorporated Kern County

    • The code summary states that inspections are required for all gypsum board installations.
    • The same table states that an inspection record card must be kept on the job site.
    • Other inspection requirements may depend on the work and applicable code provisions.
    “17.08.090 110.3.5 Inspections required for all gypsum board installations”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Kern County zoning districts and land-use regulation in the unincorporated area of the county.

    • The county zoning layer excludes incorporated cities.
    • The Kern County Zoning Ordinance is identified as Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances.
    “The Kern County Zoning layer contains all zoning districts for the county, with the exclusion of the incorporated cities. The Kern County Zoning Ordinance is Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances. This title is adopted to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare through the orderly regulation of land uses throughout the unincorporated area of the County.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Kern County: county zoning applies in unincorporated areas, while incorporated cities are excluded from the county zoning layer and may have separate municipal controls.

    • The county zoning layer expressly excludes incorporated cities.
    • This is an aggregate conclusion and does not assert that Kern County administers municipal ordinances.
    “The Kern County Zoning layer contains all zoning districts for the county, with the exclusion of the incorporated cities.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and land-use regulation administered by Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department in unincorporated Kern County.

    • Base zoning districts regulate and control a diversity of land uses.
    • Specific uses may be authorized in one district or several districts.
    • A single-family residence is authorized by right in residential districts and in commercial and industrial districts when used as a proprietor's quarters.
    • A conditional use permit is generally required to authorize a dwelling as the primary use in commercial or industrial districts.
    • The source states that the detailed Zoning Ordinance can be ordered or purchased from the Planning Department.
    “Base zone districts were established to regulate and control a diversity of land uses. A separate handout is available that describes the various district classifications. The Zoning Ordinance, which contains detailed zoning regulations, can be ordered or purchased at the Planning Department.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot-size standards in Kern County zoning districts in the unincorporated county.

    • The County states that the Zoning Ordinance contains development standards for each zone district.
    • A zone modification may reduce lot sizes by no more than fifteen percent (15%).
    • A variance must be processed for a reduction greater than fifteen percent (15%).
    • Applications require payment of filing fees, property-owner approval, justification, a complete legal description, a scaled plot plan, and a completed Hazardous Waste Site Verification Statement.
    • The cited page states that lot-size variances or modifications are usually processed as a result of a land-division application.

    zone modification maximum lot-size reduction: <= 15 percent

    “The Zoning Ordinance lists development standards for each zone district. Relief from strict application of these requirements may be possible through either the ZONE MODIFICATION or ZONE VARIANCE process.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings in Kern County's Exclusive Agriculture (A) zoning district.

    • Front setback: 55 feet from the legal centerline of a local street or access easement, 70 feet from a secondary highway, or 80 feet from a major highway.
    • The front-yard setback may not be less than 25 feet from the applicable right-of-way.
    • Side yards must be at least 5 feet; street-side corner lots require 10 feet.
    • Rear yards must be at least 5 feet; through lots use front-yard setback requirements.

    front setback from local street or access easement: 55 feet from legal centerline · front setback from secondary highway: 70 feet from legal centerline · front setback from major highway: 80 feet from legal centerline · minimum front setback from right-of-way: >= 25 feet · side yard: >= 5 feet (10 feet on street side of corner lots) · rear yard: >= 5 feet (Through lots use front-yard setback requirements)

    “Fifty-five (55) feet from the legal centerline of any existing or proposed public or private local street or access easements;”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use or occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land in unincorporated Kern County outside mobile home parks, travel-trailer parks, temporary trailer parks, recreational trailer parks, incidental camping areas, and tent camps.

    • Recreational vehicles are unlawful for placement or occupancy unless an exception applies.
    • Dead storage is allowed only where permitted by the Kern County Zoning Ordinance and where the private property has an existing conforming use.
    • Private recreational use may be allowed only when approved by the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors.
    • Mobile homes or recreational vehicles may receive temporary approval from the building official for construction purposes only at construction sites with permits to construct; approval ends when construction is complete and the vehicles must be removed.
    • The vehicle and related accessory structures, electrical, fuel gas, sewage disposal, and water systems must comply with the Kern County Code of Building Regulations and Kern County land-use zoning ordinances.
    “Outside a mobile home park, travel-trailer park, temporary trailer park, recreational trailer park, incidental camping area or tent camp on land in his possession within the unincorporated area of the County of Kern, it is unlawful for any person to place or allow to be placed, or use, occupy or knowingly permit to be used for occupancy: [...] B. Recreational vehicles. EXCEPTIONS: (1) Recreational vehicles may be placed in dead storage, where allowed under the Kern County Zoning Ordinance, when located on private property on which there is an existing conforming use established. (2) Recreational vehicles may be allowed for private recreational use when approved by the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Use or occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land in unincorporated Kern County outside mobile home parks, travel-trailer parks, temporary trailer parks, recreational trailer parks, incidental camping areas, and tent camps.
      “Outside a mobile home park, travel-trailer park, temporary trailer park, recreational trailer park, incidental camping area or tent camp on land in his possession within the unincorporated area of the County of Kern, it is unlawful for any person to place or allow to be placed, or use, occupy or knowingly permit to be used for occupancy: [...] B. Recreational vehicles. EXCEPTIONS: (1) Recreational vehicles may be placed in dead storage, where allowed under the Kern County Zoning Ordinance, when located on private property on which there is an existing conforming use established. (2) Recreational vehicles may be allowed for private recreational use when approved by the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors. C. A mobile home or recreational vehicle used for industrial, professional or commercial purposes or occupancy. EXCEPTION: Mobile homes or recreational vehicles may be granted temporary approval by the building official for construction purposes when located on construction sites on which permits to construct have been issued. Such approval shall be terminated upon completion of construction and the vehicles removed. [...] E. Any mobile home, recreational vehicle, or commercial coach unless said vehicle complies with the Land Use Zoning Ordinance of the County of Kern, and all accessory structures, electrical services and installations, fuel gas systems, sewage disposal systems, and water piping thereto comply with provisions of this chapter.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Use or occupancy of mobile/manufactured homes on land in unincorporated Kern County outside mobile home parks, travel-trailer parks, temporary trailer parks, recreational trailer parks, incidental camping areas, and tent camps.

    • The county code regulates mobile-home use and occupancy in unincorporated territory, except in the listed park and camping areas.
    • A mobile home may not be placed or occupied unless the mobile home, accessory structures, electrical and fuel-gas systems, sewage disposal systems, and water piping comply with Chapter 17.44 and County Title 19 zoning ordinances.
    • More than one mobile home on a parcel requires authorization under the zoning ordinance plus written evidence that the second occupant is an immediate family member and no rent is offered or accepted.
    • Unoccupied storage is allowed with the landowner's consent only if the mobile home is not connected to electrical, fuel gas, water, or sewage systems, is not used for storage, and does not exceed applicable lot-coverage or zoning limits.
    • A mobile home or habitation-related accessory structure must be at least five feet from a property line and each mobile-home site must have an unobstructed access road at least fifteen feet wide to a public street.

    minimum setback from property line: >= 5 feet · minimum access-road width: >= 15 feet

    “This chapter regulates mobile home use and occupancy and the construction of mobile home accessory structures in the unincorporated territory of the County of Kern except in mobile home parks, travel-trailer parks, recreational trailer parks, temporary trailer parks, incidental camping areas and tent camps. [...] It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, owner of the land, or possessor to place or allow to be placed or to occupy a mobile home or to knowingly permit a mobile home to be occupied on land in his possession unless said mobile home and all accessory structures, electrical services and installations, fuel gas systems, sewage disposal systems, and water piping thereto comply with all of the provisions of this chapter in addition to the land use zoning ordinances of the County (Title 19 of this code).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of manufactured/mobile homes on land in unincorporated Kern County outside mobilehome parks and other listed park or camping areas.
      “It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, owner of the land, or possessor to place or allow to be placed or to occupy a mobile home or to knowingly permit a mobile home to be occupied on land in his possession unless said mobile home and all accessory structures, electrical services and installations, fuel gas systems, sewage disposal systems, and water piping thereto comply with all of the provisions of this chapter in addition to the land use zoning ordinances of the County (Title 19 of this code).”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems in unincorporated Kern County.

    • The Kern County Public Health Services Department, Environmental Health Division, regulates OWTS throughout unincorporated Kern County.
    • The EHD also administers OWTS regulations in various incorporated cities, but the LAMP states that cities must have designated the County Health Officer as their jurisdiction’s health officer by resolution or ordinance, with Board of Supervisors approval, for the purpose of enforcing state and local environmental health laws.
    • The LAMP is administered by the Director of the Environmental Health Division within the administrative control of the director of public health services.

    LAMP maximum wastewater design flow: <= 10000 gpd (Systems exceeding 10,000 gpd are regulated by the respective California Regional Water Quality Control Board)

    “The Kern County Public Health Services Department, Environmental Health Division, is responsible for regulating OWTS throughout the unincorporated areas of the county. The EHD also administers OWTS regulations in the various cities in the county.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Constructing, reconstructing, or repairing an onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal system in unincorporated Kern County.

    • A permit must be obtained from the Kern County Environmental Health Division.
    • Permits will only be issued where a sanitary sewer is not available within 200 feet of the structure.
    • OWTS cannot be used if soil conditions, topography, high groundwater, or other factors indicate the method is unsuitable.
    • The Kern County LAMP applies to OWTS with wastewater design flows up to 10,000 gpd, except systems on state- or federally-owned lands; systems exceeding 10,000 gpd are regulated by the respective California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

    maximum wastewater design flow: <= 10000 gpd (OWTS exceeding 10,000 gpd are regulated by the respective California Regional Water Quality Control Board) · minimum sewer distance for permit issuance: > 200 feet (Permit is issued only where a sanitary sewer is not available within 200 feet of the structure)

    “A permit must be obtained from the Kern County Environmental Health Division (EHD) to construct, reconstruct, or repair an onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal system. Permits will only be issued in those areas of the County where a sanitary sewer is not available within 200 feet of the structure. OWTS cannot be used if soil conditions, topography, high groundwater or other factors indicate this method of sewage disposal is unsuitable.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or other development within areas of special flood hazards, areas of flood-related erosion hazards, or areas of mudslide (mudflow) hazards in unincorporated Kern County

    • A development permit must be obtained before construction or other development begins.
    • The application is made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator.
    • The application may include plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area; existing or proposed structures; fill; storage of materials; drainage facilities; and their locations.
    • Required information includes proposed elevations relative to mean sea level, applicable certifications under Section 17.48.210, and a description of any watercourse alteration or relocation.
    • The Public Works Department director or authorized designee administers the chapter and grants or denies development permits.
    • The floodplain administrator reviews whether other required state and federal permits have been obtained, whether the development is reasonably safe from flooding, and whether it adversely affects the carrying capacity of the special flood hazard area.
    • Where floodways have not been designated, an adverse effect means the cumulative effect would increase the base-flood water-surface elevation by more than one foot at any point.
    • The ordinance authorizes a reasonable fee schedule, subject to Board of Supervisors approval, for flood-hazard evaluations, updates, elevation certifications, variances, appeals, and special services; no specific fee amount is stated in this ordinance excerpt.
    • The chapter's standards apply in all areas of special flood hazard, including required anchoring, flood-resistant materials and methods, drainage paths, and elevation or floodproofing requirements.

    maximum cumulative base-flood water-surface elevation increase where no floodway is designated: <= 1 foot (The ordinance defines an adverse effect as an increase of more than one foot at any point.) · lowest-floor elevation above base flood elevation: >= 1 foot (Except for areas of shallow flooding; nonresidential structures may use the standards in Section 17.48.270(C).)

    “This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards, areas of flood-related erosion hazards, and areas of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazards within the jurisdiction of unincorporated Kern County. [...] A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazards, areas of flood-related erosion hazards, or areas of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) established in Section 17.48.080.”

California rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Exemption from California contractor-licensing chapter for an owner-builder who builds or improves a structure on the owner’s property; this does not itself establish exemption from local building permits, inspections, or other code requirements.

    • For work personally performed by the owner or performed by the owner’s employees, none of the improvements may be intended or offered for sale, and employee compensation must be wages as their sole compensation.
    • For work directly contracted to licensed trade contractors, the owner must directly contract with licensees duly licensed for the respective trades.
    • For single-family residential structures under the licensed-contractor arrangement, no more than four structures may be intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this limitation does not apply if the owner contracts with a general contractor for construction.
    • For a homeowner improving a principal residence or its appurtenances, the work must be performed before sale, the homeowner must have actually resided in the residence for the 12 months before completion, and the homeowner must not have used this exemption on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.
    • A nonprofit corporation may qualify when assisting an owner-builder participating in a mutual self-help housing program.
    • Sale or offering for sale within one year after completion creates a rebuttable presumption that the structure was undertaken for sale; sale or offering for sale of five or more structures within one year creates a conclusive presumption.
    • This is a contractor-licensing exemption and should not be treated as a building-permit exemption.

    single-family structures intended or offered for sale: <= 4 structures per calendar year (Does not apply if the owner contracts with a general contractor for construction.) · prior residence occupancy: >= 12 months before completion (Applies to the principal-residence homeowner exemption.) · owner-builder exemption use: <= 2 structures during any three-year period (The statute states the homeowner has not availed himself or herself of the exemption on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.) · sale presumption period: 1 year after completion (Sale or offering for sale creates a rebuttable presumption; five or more structures creates a conclusive presumption.) · conclusive-presumption threshold: >= 5 structures within one year after completion (Structures sold or offered for sale by the owner-builder.)

    “This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owners, homeowners, and qualifying nonprofit corporations within Kern County claiming the California contractor-license exemption under Business and Professions Code section 7044.
      “(a) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:”
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner-builder in Kern County seeking exemption from California contractor-licensing requirements while building or improving a structure on the owner's property.
      “An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property, provided that both of the following conditions are met:”
    • Available (with conditions) — California owner-builders performing or arranging construction work on property they own, including projects in unincorporated Kern County.
      “An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property, provided that both of the following conditions are met: (A) None of the improvements are intended or offered for sale. (B) The property owner personally performs all of the work or any work not performed by the owner is performed by the owner’s employees with wages as their sole compensation.”
    • Conditional — Owners who build or improve structures on their own property, and homeowners improving their principal residence or appurtenances, subject to Business and Professions Code section 7044.
      “(a) This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
    • Available (with conditions) — California contractor-licensing requirements for an owner who builds or improves a structure on the owner’s property; this is not stated as an exemption from building permits, inspections, or other code requirements.
      “This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Completed construction projects within HCAI jurisdiction involving California health facilities.

    • The HCAI Compliance Officer issues the project-completion Substantial Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy once required conditions are met.
    • The stated examples include delivery of all test reports to the Inspector of Record, clearance of outstanding items, and completion of the Testing, Inspection and Observation Program.
    • Once construction is completed, the certificate of occupancy allows the owner to apply to the Department of Health Services for a license to operate the health facility.
    “Issues the certificate of occupancy and/or construction final.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Efficiency units permitted by a California city, county, or city and county.

    • The local jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance permitting the efficiency unit.
    • Occupancy is limited to no more than two persons.
    • The unit may have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities as specified by the local ordinance.
    • All other applicable minimum standards under Health and Safety Code Part 1.5 continue to apply.

    minimum floor area: >= 150 square feet · maximum occupancy: <= 2 persons

    “Notwithstanding Sections 17922, 17958, and 17958.5, a city, county, or city and county may, by ordinance, permit efficiency units for occupancy by no more than two persons which have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and which may also have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities, as specified by the ordinance.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in units operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation statewide.

    • Camping is confined to areas designated for that purpose.
    • Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles is generally limited to 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.
    • The Department may establish shorter or longer occupancy limits.
    • When a shorter seasonal limit applies, the camper must vacate the campsite and may not reregister in the unit until 48 hours have expired, measured from 12:00 noon on the checkout day to 12:00 noon on the second day following.
    • A district superintendent may permit one-night camping in a day-use area or portion of one, subject to Department-established fees and vehicle limitations; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.
    • California State Parks' current reservation policy states that each campground has a consecutive-night limit, requires a 48-hour absence after that limit, and generally has a 30-night annual maximum, subject to individual park policies.

    general annual occupancy limit: 30 days per calendar year per unit (The Department may establish shorter or longer limits of occupancy.) · return interval after shorter seasonal limit: 48 hours (Measured from 12:00 noon of the checkout day to 12:00 noon of the second day following.) · one-night camping in day-use area: 1 night (Only if permitted by the district superintendent; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.)

    “Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles of any camping facility is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping in California special occupancy parks, including parks containing recreational vehicles, tents, or camping cabins.
      ““Special occupancy park” means a recreational vehicle park, temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of a structure marketed or described as a tiny home in California.

    • The tiny home must comply with applicable standards and be approved as a HUD-Code manufactured home, California Residential or Building Code home, factory-built housing, recreational vehicle, park trailer, or camping cabin.
    • The location must be approved for the applicable classification.
    • A tiny home that does not fit one of those classifications and does not comply with the California Building Standards Code is a noncomplying structure whose occupancy is illegal.
    • Approving and enforcing agencies vary depending on whether the unit is inside or outside a mobilehome or special occupancy park.

    park trailer or RV gross area limit: <= 400 square feet (Applicable classification-specific exclusions and standards apply.)

    “In order to be occupied, a tiny home must comply with the standards of, and be approved as one of the following types of structures: a HUD-Code manufactured home (MH), California Residential Code or California Building Code home, factory-built housing (FBH), recreational vehicle (RV), park trailer (PT) or camping cabin (CC).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny homes in California that meet the statutory definition of an accessory dwelling unit; the term may describe different structures or vehicles.
      “Possibly. While State ADU Law does not specifically reference “tiny homes,” “tiny home” is an industry term that can mean different structures or vehicles. If the unit meets the definition of an ADU in Government Code section 66313, subdivision (a), it is subject to ADU Law.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    ADUs and junior ADUs subject to California State ADU Law.

    • Approval is ministerial and without discretionary review or a hearing.
    • Development standards must be objective and knowable in advance.
    • The local permitting agency must determine application completeness and provide written notice within 15 business days.
    • If an application is incomplete, the agency must identify missing items and explain how to complete it.
    • Local site, building, health, safety, fire, utility, and other applicable requirements continue to apply.

    written completeness determination: <= 15 business days (Measured from the permitting agency's receipt of the application.) · final written determination after appeal: <= 60 business days (Applies after receipt of the written appeal.)

    “A permit application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be considered and approved ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing [...] A permitting agency shall determine whether an application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit is complete and provide written notice of this determination to the applicant not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed — Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units subject to California State ADU Law, including applications in Kern County.
      “Yes. ADUs and JADUs subject to State ADU Law must be considered, approved or denied, and permitted ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (a); 66335, subd. (a); 66335.5). Development standards must be objective to allow for ministerial review (Gov. Code, § 66314, subd. (b)(1)). Objective standards require a uniform benchmark or reference that is knowable by both the permit applicant and the permitting agency prior to the submission of an application to create or serve an ADU (Gov. Code, § 66313, subd. (i)). [...] A permitting agency must determine whether an application for an ADU or JADU is complete and provide written notice of the determination not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (a)(2)(A); 66335, subd. (a)(2)(A)). [...] The permitting agency must provide a final written determination by not later than 60 business days after receipt of the written appeal (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (d)(2); 66335, subd. (e)(2)).”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OWTS in a Tier 3 Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment components, including systems in specified impaired-water-body areas statewide.

    • The requirement applies to OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment components.
    • Ongoing monitoring must follow the OWTS operation and maintenance manual or occur more frequently if required by the local agency or Regional Water Board.
    • Where telemetry is not possible, the owner or owner's agent must inspect at least monthly while the system is in use and notify the service provider at least quarterly of observed operating parameters.
    • For systems designed to meet disinfection requirements, a service provider must inspect proper operation quarterly while the system is in use unless continuous telemetric monitoring is capable of assessing operation.
    • Quarterly effluent sampling and certified-laboratory requirements apply to systems subject to the disinfection provisions.

    inspection frequency where telemetry is not possible: per monthly (While the system is in use.) · inspection frequency for disinfection systems: per quarterly (While the system is in use, unless continuous telemetric monitoring is capable of assessing operation.)

    “Where telemetry is not possible, the owner or owner’s agent shall inspect the system at least monthly while the system is in use as directed and instructed by a service provider and notify the service provider not less than quarterly of the observed operating parameters of the OWTS. [...] OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program designed to meet the disinfection requirements in Section 10.10 shall be inspected for proper operation quarterly while the system is in use by a service provider unless a telemetric monitoring system is capable of continuously assessing the operation of the disinfection system.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction, modification, or destruction of water wells in California.

    • The permit is obtained from the applicable local environmental health agency or local water district before construction, modification, or destruction.
    • Local enforcing agencies may adopt ordinances that meet or exceed DWR Well Standards.
    • If no local well ordinance is adopted, the local enforcing agency must enforce the Statewide Model Well Ordinance.
    • Water wells supplying public water systems have additional State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water certification requirements.
    • Water-well construction must be performed by a licensed C-57 Well Drilling Contractor.
    “Well owners need to obtain permits from local environmental health agencies or local water districts before construction, modification, or destruction takes place.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, alteration, maintenance, or destruction of water wells, monitoring wells, cathodic protection wells, and geothermal heat exchange wells in California.
      “Permitting and enforcement are carried out by the LEAs, such as the County Department of Environmental Health.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Certain existing OWTS in California Tier 3 impaired-water-body areas that commit to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.

    • The OWTS must have been constructed and operating, or permitted, on or before the date the nearby water body was added to OWTS Policy Attachment 2.
    • The owner must commit by legally binding document to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.
    • The owner must sign the legally binding document within 48 months after the nearby water body's initial listing on Attachment 2.
    • The specified connection date may not extend beyond nine years after the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.
    • The rule is an exception to Section 10 requirements for qualifying existing or permitted systems; it is not a general statewide requirement that every property connect to public sewer.

    deadline to sign connection commitment: 48 months (Measured from the date the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2.) · maximum time to complete connection: <= 9 years (Measured from the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.)

    “The owner must sign the document within forty-eight months of the date that the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2. The specified date for the connection to the centralized community wastewater collection and treatment system shall not extend beyond nine years following the date that the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land in California that falls within the statutory definition of subdivision, including division for sale, lease, or financing.

    • A parcel map is generally required unless a final or parcel map is otherwise required or the preparation is waived by local ordinance.
    • Local ordinances may require a tentative map and may establish additional area, improvement, design, drainage, road, sanitary-disposal, water-supply, environmental-protection, and related requirements.
    • Certain railroad-right-of-way and governmental or public-utility conveyances are excepted from the parcel-map requirement described in Government Code section 66428(a).
    “A parcel map shall be required for subdivisions as to which a final or parcel map is not otherwise required by this chapter, unless the preparation of the parcel map is waived by local ordinance as provided in this section.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways and driveway connections involving proposed encroachments within, under, or over State highway rights of way.

    • The requirement applies to proposed activities related to placement of encroachments within, under, or over State highway rights of way.
    • Applications are submitted to the appropriate District Encroachment Permits Office having jurisdictional authority over the site.
    • Local or other agency requirements may also apply outside State highway rights of way.
    “An encroachment permit must be obtained for all proposed activities related to the placement of encroachments within, under, or over the State highway rights of way.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, repair, movement, improvement, removal, conversion, or demolition of a building or structure in California.

    • A separate permit for each building or structure must be obtained from the building official before the work.
    • Code requirements vary by city and county; the applicable local building department must be consulted.
    “no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit [...] has first been obtained”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy and use of manufactured homes and mobilehomes in California mobilehome parks and other locations subject to HCD jurisdiction.

    • HCD administers titling and registration for manufactured homes and mobilehomes.
    • HCD-inspected mobilehome parks are subject to health and safety enforcement where local government has not assumed enforcement.
    • Manufactured/mobilehome park regulations address construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy.
    • Separate local land-use, building, fire, health, and utility requirements may apply.
    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy and use of recreational vehicles in California special occupancy parks and designated RV sections of mobilehome parks.
      “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    California county legislative bodies' authority to adopt zoning ordinances regulating buildings, structures, land uses, lots, yards, open space, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, loading, and setbacks within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised pursuant to Government Code Chapter 4, Zoning Regulations.
    • The statute separately authorizes city legislative bodies; incorporated municipalities may exercise their own zoning authority.
    • Government Code Section 65850 also lists authority to regulate signs and billboards, building and structure location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size, lot and open-space size and use, lot coverage, intensity of land use, offstreet parking and loading, and building setback lines.
    • The cited section states it was amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 376, Sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018.
    “The legislative body of any county or city may, pursuant to this chapter, adopt ordinances that do any of the following:”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    California counties administering and enforcing state building standards through county building departments, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Each county must maintain building standards and state building regulations in the office of the building official responsible for administration and enforcement of state building standards.
    • The statewide Title 24 standards apply subject to statutory exceptions and any authorized local amendments or local requirements.
    • The cited HCD bulletin concerns the 2019 California Building Standards Code and its July 1, 2021 supplement; later code editions may supersede those particular edition dates.
    “These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of state building standards”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage standards under the February 2026 Kern County Zoning Ordinance.
  • Building height — Building-height standards under the February 2026 Kern County Zoning Ordinance.
  • Agricultural exemption — Potential agricultural exemptions from county development, grading, zoning, or permit requirements.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Kern County.
  • Permit fees — County building-permit fees for construction in unincorporated Kern County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Kern County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from California’s water agency.

Adjudicated — rights fixed

Water rights here have been fixed by a court. New supply effectively means acquiring an existing right.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

California requires no STATE permit for a domestic well — wells are permitted by the county — but under SGMA a Groundwater Sustainability Agency can meter or restrict new wells in medium/high-priority and critically overdrafted basins, and Executive Order N-7-22 requires counties in those basins to get GSA verification that a new well is consistent with the Groundwater Sustainability Plan before permitting.

Limit: 2 acre-feet/year de minimis under SGMA (Water Code §10721(e)) — largely exempt from GSA metering/fees

California DWR / State Water Board — SGMA de minimis & EO N-7-22 Action 9 FAQ ↗
  • Antelope Valley Basin — Adjudicatedpartial of county

    Final judgment 2015; pumping allocated among parties by the Antelope Valley Watermaster with a ramp-down to safe yield; new appropriation effectively closed. (Distinct from the Sacramento Valley 'Antelope' subbasin in Tehama County.)

    California DWR — Adjudicated Areas ↗
  • Kern County Subbasin — Critically Overdraftedmajority of county

    Bakersfield / southern San Joaquin Valley; one of the largest-overdraft subbasins in the state; GSP allocations; new wells subject to GSA review and EO N-7-22.

    California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗
  • Tehachapi / Cummings / Brite Basins — Adjudicatedlocalized of county

    Tehachapi-area basins (adjudicated 1970–1973) under a watermaster; new appropriation effectively closed to new landowners.

    California DWR — Adjudicated Areas (Bulletin 118) ↗
  • Cuyama Valley Basin — Critically Overdraftedpartial of county

    Adopted GSP with allocation-based pumping reductions; new agricultural wells effectively curtailed; new wells subject to county permit + EO N-7-22/GSA review.

    California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗
  • Indian Wells Valley Basin — Critically Overdrafted (Under Adjudication)localized of county

    Ridgecrest / China Lake desert basin ~4x overdraft, also in active court adjudication; import-fee framework; effectively closed to new large appropriation.

    California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the California state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Kern County, California

Is Kern County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Kern County scores 31/100 on the Bolthole Index, a weak county profile. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 8.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 41.5% of years and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Kern County, California?

Kern County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kern County Environmental Health Division (Public Health Services Department). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kern County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Kern County is limited to specific cases: Use or occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land in unincorporated Kern County outside mobile home parks, travel-trailer parks, temporary trailer parks, recreational trailer parks, incidental camping areas, and tent camps. Recreational vehicles are unlawful for placement or occupancy unless an exception applies. Dead storage is allowed only where permitted by the Kern County Zoning Ordinance and where the private property has an existing conforming use. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Kern County, California?

Land in Kern County runs about $10,539 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kern County?

Kern County gets about 8.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 41.5% of years. On water rights, Kern County lies in the Antelope Valley Basin — Adjudicated — Final judgment 2015; pumping allocated among parties by the Antelope Valley Watermaster with a ramp-down to safe yield; new appropriation effectively closed. (Distinct from the Sacramento Valley 'Antelope' subbasin in Tehama County.).

How remote is Kern County?

A typical private-land location has about 26,686 people within 15 miles and 9,069,236 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Kern compares in California

Compare side-by-side →See all 58 California counties ranked →