Bolthole Index

Kern County, California

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in California City, California

California City, California issues its own building permits and administers its own zoning inside city limits12. Newer residential tracts must connect to city sewer, and a private septic system is allowed on older spot lots only when sewer is more than 200 feet away3. Septic permits come from Kern County Environmental Health, not the city4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most work; limited exemptions such as small sheds1
Zoning
California City Planning Department administers zoning inside city limits2
Septic
City sewer required in newer tracts; septic only on older spot lots over 200 feet from sewer3
RV living
Temporary occupancy permit, 30 days, one 30-day extension5
Tiny homes
Only in specified R-THO overlay tracts6
Minimum home size
1,200 sq. ft. for single-family dwellings in R1, R2 and R37
Owner-builder
Allowed, but still needs a building permit8
Permit fees
Set by City Council resolution9

Who to call

Building permits

California City Building & Safety Division (Public Works Department)

Building permits, plan review coordination and building inspections inside California City limits

(760) 338-1498

Online permits →

Zoning

California City Planning Department

Zoning information, variances, site plan reviews, conditional use permits and subdivision maps inside California City limits

760-373-7141

planning@californiacity-ca.gov

Septic permits

Kern County Public Health Services Department — Environmental Health Division

Septic (onsite wastewater treatment system) permits in Kern County

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 California City means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in California City, CA?

Yes. California City, California requires a building permit for construction and alteration work inside city limits1. The exemptions for residential work are narrow: cosmetic work, a one-story detached shed not on a permanent foundation and not over 120 square feet, low platforms and walkways, and small window awnings1. All commercial work needs a permit1. Work done without a permit can draw penalties, and the city's building page lists the residential penalty as $500 or double the permit fee, whichever is greater10. California City adopts the state building code as its own Building Code11, and inspections happen during construction12. Owner-builders can file an affidavit in place of workers' compensation proof, but that is not an exemption from the permit itself8. Fees are set by City Council resolution9.

Who issues building permits in California City, and how do you reach them?

The Building & Safety Division of the Public Works Department handles building permits and inspections inside California City10. Residential and commercial permits are submitted and searched through the city's online portal13. Before construction, plans go to the Planning Department for a zoning review10. The Planning Department is the contact for variances, site plan reviews, conditional use permits and zoning information2. Do not send questions about a lot inside the city to Kern County's building counter: the county's Public Works building division serves unincorporated land14.

Does California City have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes and lot size?

California City administers its own zoning, with published districts including R1, R2, R3, RA and overlay districts15. In the R1 district, the minimum lot is 6,000 square feet, 60 feet wide by 100 feet deep16. In the RA Residential/Agricultural district, the minimum lot is one acre, 120 feet wide by 150 feet deep17. Single-family dwellings in R1, R2 and R3 must have at least 1,200 square feet of building area7. Tiny and small homes below that size are allowed only in specified tracts of the R-THO overlay zone6. Manufactured homes are a permitted single-family use in residential districts, on a permanent foundation with a building permit18. R1 setbacks are 25 feet in front19; RA setbacks are 25 feet in front20. Second units must be 500 to 1,000 square feet21.

How do septic permits work in California City, CA?

Most new homes in California City connect to city sewer instead. Newer residential tracts must connect to city sewer, and older spot lots must connect when sewer is less than 200 feet away3. Over 200 feet, a private septic system is allowed22. That septic system needs a permit from the Kern County Environmental Health Division, which issues permits only where a sanitary sewer is not available within 200 feet of the structure4. County septic rules also bar systems where soil, slope or groundwater make them unsuitable4. Across Kern County, about 19% of soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation23. We could not confirm whether the county or the city handles septic oversight inside city limits, so ask Environmental Health before you design a system24.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in California City?

Only briefly in an RV. A motor home may temporarily occupy private property inside California City with a temporary occupancy permit from the Planning Director5. Occupancy is limited to 30 days, and the Director may extend it once for another 30 days for good cause5. The motor home needs a self-contained sewage tank and approved waste disposal5. In flood zones A1-30, AH and AE, an RV must be onsite fewer than 180 consecutive days, be highway-ready, or meet flood-permit requirements5. Tiny homes are limited to the R-THO overlay tracts, where they need water, sewer or septic, electric or solar with battery backup, and sprinklers6. Camping is allowed in city parks only in designated places with a permit fee25.

Building a home in California City: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the zoning district and minimum lot, size and setback rules with the Planning Department26.
  2. Check whether city sewer reaches the lot; this decides sewer hookup or septic3.
  3. Submit plans to Planning for zoning review10.
  4. Apply for the building permit through the city's online portal13.
  5. Expect access improvements such as curb, gutter, sidewalk, grading and paving where an easement is needed27.
  6. Schedule inspections with the Building & Safety Division during construction12.
  7. If the lot is in a flood zone, add a floodplain permit and elevation requirements28.

What stays with Kern County, and what to check before you buy in California City

Septic permits and the county's unincorporated-area rules sit with Kern County; the county page for land outside city limits is Kern County. The county's rules there apply to unincorporated land, not to lots inside California City29. Check the flood zone, since the city's flood-damage chapter applies to all special flood hazard areas in its jurisdiction28. Kern County's median property tax bill is $2,833 a year30, and Kern County's annual precipitation averages 8.9 inches31. We could not confirm rules for private wells, certificates of occupancy, agricultural buildings or short-term rentals inside the city, so ask the Building & Safety Division and Planning Department before you buy10.

Watch-outs

  • Search results for California City often mix in Kern County's unincorporated rules; inside city limits the city's own building and zoning offices decide2.
  • Newer residential tracts must connect to city sewer, so a lot there cannot assume a septic system3.
  • RV occupancy on private property is capped at 30 days plus one 30-day extension5.
  • We could not confirm private well permits inside the city; ask Kern County Environmental Health and the city's Building & Safety Division32.

Sources

  1. Inspections (California City), quoted and re-checked
  2. Applications (California City), quoted and re-checked
  3. California City 2023-2031 Housing Element (California City), quoted and re-checked
  4. Kern County Onsite Systems Manual, quoted and re-checked
  5. City of California City Municipal Code (California City), quoted and re-checked
  6. library.municode.com (California City), quoted and re-checked
  7. library.municode.com (California City), quoted and re-checked
  8. City of California City Municipal Code (California City), quoted and re-checked
  9. City of California City Municipal Code (California City), quoted and re-checked
  10. California City Building & Safety Division (Public Works Department) (californiacity-ca.gov)
  11. City of California City Municipal Code (California City), quoted and re-checked
  12. Inspections (California City), quoted and re-checked
  13. Applications (California City), quoted and re-checked
  14. Kern County Public Works - Building Permit Application (2026 county census)
  15. Applications (California City), quoted and re-checked
  16. library.municode.com (California City), quoted and re-checked
  17. library.municode.com (California City), quoted and re-checked
  18. Sec. 9-2.215. Manufactured Units and Commercial Modular Unit (California City), quoted and re-checked
  19. Sec. 9-2.503. Site and Structure Requirements (California City), quoted and re-checked
  20. Sec. 9-2.403. Site and Structure Requirements (California City), quoted and re-checked
  21. Sec. 9-2.307. Second Unit Housing (California City), quoted and re-checked
  22. California City 2023-2031 Housing Element (California City), quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Local Agency Management Program for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Kern County, California, quoted and re-checked
  25. Sec. 7-5.106. Camping: Permits Required: Fees (California City), quoted and re-checked
  26. California City Planning Department (californiacity-ca.gov)
  27. City of California City Municipal Code (California City), quoted and re-checked
  28. City of California City Municipal Code (California City), quoted and re-checked
  29. Planning Documents - Kern County Planning & Natural Resources Dept., quoted and re-checked
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Kern County Public Health Services Department — Environmental Health Division (kernpublichealth.com)

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.

Answers from the rulebook for California City

California City’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and alteration work inside California City city limits.

    • Limited residential exemptions include cosmetic work, certain detached accessory buildings not exceeding 120 square feet, certain platforms/walkways/driveways, and window awnings not exceeding 54 inches.
    • All commercial work requires a building permit.
    “exempt- no residential building permits are required the following projects (only). cosmetic work, e.g. carpeting, painting, trim, and wall covering one story detached accessory buildings not on a permanent foundation such as a shed not exceeding 120 square feet (shell only) platforms, walkways, and driveways no more than 30 inches above ground, 10 feet from the curb face and not over a basement or story below window awning project no more than 54 inches”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner-builder applying for a building permit inside California City city limits.

    • The owner may satisfy the workers' compensation prerequisite by filing an affidavit that the project will be undertaken by the owner as builder; this is not a general exemption from building permits.
    “providing a certificate of insurance showing workers‟ compensation coverage or filing an affidavit that the project will be undertaken by the owner of the property as the builder;”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Buildings and structures inside California City city limits.

    • The City adopts the current Uniform Building Code and its appendices as the City Building Code.
    • The City may approve local amendments.
    “The most current edition, now or in the future published, of the Code designated as the “Uniform Building Code,” adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, together with its Appendices is adopted to protect the public health and safety, requiring permits, and regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, use, height, and maintenance of structures and certain equipment. This Code shall be known as the Building Code of the City.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside California City city limits.

    • Inspections occur during construction, with periodic site visits to confirm consistency with approved plans.
    “Building inspections are made during the construction phase of development by the City's Building Inspectors. Periodic site visits are made to ensure that projects are proceeding consistent with approved plans.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside California City city limits; the City administers zoning and land-use standards.

    • Planning staff review development permits, variances, subdivision maps, site-plan reviews, conditional-use permits, and zoning information.
    “We are here to provide you with information and assist with the application process regarding the use and standards for development within City limits.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside California City city limits, including R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, RM1, RM2, RA, O, and overlay districts.

    • The City publishes zoning-code articles and provides zoning information and zoning-map resources through its Planning Department.
    “Staff reviews and processes requests for Development Permits. Variances, Lot Mergers, Lot Line Adjustments, TPM, TTM's, SPR Minors, SPR Major's, Conditional Use Permit and Zoning Information. [...] California City Municipal Code [...] Kern County GIS Interactive Zoning Map”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in R1, R2, and R3 districts; R1 is the main single-family residential example.

    • Each single-family dwelling, including manufactured homes, must contain at least 1,200 square feet of building area and be at least 24 feet wide; special permit exceptions apply to certain multistory manufactured homes.

    minimum building area: >= 1200 sq. ft. (Special permit may allow certain multistory manufactured homes under 24 feet wide.)

    “Each single-family dwelling, including manufactured homes, shall contain not less than one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet of building area and shall be at least twenty-four (24) ft. wide.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R1 One-Family Residential District.

    • Minimum lot dimensions are 60 feet wide by 100 feet deep.

    minimum lot area: 6000 sq. ft. · minimum width: 60 feet · minimum depth: 100 feet

    “(a) the minimum lot area in the r1 district is 6,000 square feet. (b) the minimum dimensions of a lot in the r1 district is: min. width min. depth 60 ft. 100 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RA Residential/Agricultural District.
      “(a) the minimum lot area in the ra district is one acre (43,560 sq. ft). (b) the minimum dimension of a lot in the ra district is: min. width min. depth 120 ft. 150 ft.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    R1 One-Family Residential District.

    • Front setback is 25 feet; side setback is 5 feet for single-story structures and 10 feet for two-story structures; rear setback is 5 feet for single-story structures and 10 feet for two-story structures; corner street-side setback is 15 feet.
    “(d) set back requirements in the r1 district are: front yard side yard rear yard 25 ft. 5 ft. (single) 5 ft. (single story) 10 ft. (two story) 10 ft. (two story) 15 ft. (street corner)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RA Residential/Agricultural District.
      “(d) set back requirements in the ra district are: front yard side yard rear yard 25 ft. 10 ft. (single) 25 ft. (single story) 15 ft. (two story) 20 ft. (two story) 20 ft. (street corner)”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    R1 One-Family Residential District.

    • Structures may cover no more than 45 percent of lot area.

    maximum coverage: <= 45 percent

    “Structures shall cover no more than 45% of the lot area in an R1 District.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RA Residential/Agricultural District.
      “The maximum lot area covered by structures shall be ten thousand (10,000) sq. ft., of which a maximum of one thousand (1,750) sq. ft. being accessory buildings.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Single- and multiple-family dwellings in California City residential districts.

    • The limit is 2.5 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
    • A special permit allows RM1 multiple-family dwellings up to 4 stories or 45 feet, whichever is less.

    ordinary maximum height: 2.5 stories or 35 feet (RM1 multiple-family dwellings with special permit: 4 stories or 45 feet, whichever is less.)

    “single or multiple family dwellings shall not exceed two and one-half (2½) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height, whichever is less, provided, with a special permit multiple family dwellings in a rm1 district shall not exceed four (4) stories or forty-five (45) feet in height, whichever is less.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Temporary motor-home occupancy on private property inside California City city limits.

    • A temporary occupancy permit from the Planning Director is required.
    • The motor home must have a self-contained sewage tank and approved waste-disposal arrangements.
    • Occupancy is limited to 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days for good cause.
    • In flood zones A1-30, AH, and AE, an RV must be onsite fewer than 180 consecutive days, be highway-ready, or satisfy flood-permit/elevation/anchoring requirements.

    initial occupancy period: 30 days (One additional 30-day extension may be granted for good cause.) · flood-zone temporary period: < 180 consecutive days (Applies in zones A1-30, AH, and AE.)

    “A person may use a motor home to temporarily occupy property with a temporary use permit. The permit shall contain at least the following conditions: (1) The person proposing to occupy the motor home secures a temporary occupancy permit from the Planning Director, or designee; [...] (3) The occupancy is limited to a period of not more than thirty (30) days, provided the Director may extend the period of occupancy for one additional thirty-day period upon the showing of good cause;”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping or lodging inside California City city parks.

    • Camping is allowed only in City-designated places and after payment of a camping permit fee issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
    “No person shall camp or lodge in any City park except in places designated as such by the City and after the payment of a camping permit fee. The camping permit shall be issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny and small homes in specified California City R-THO Overlay Zone tracts.

    • The overlay permits homes smaller than the City's current 1,200-square-foot minimum only in specified tracts.
    • Homes are for independent living quarters and permanent, year-round residence.
    • The overlay requires connection to water, sewer/septic, and electric or solar with battery backup, plus sprinklers and sufficient fire-protection water.

    ordinary minimum living area: 1200 sq. ft. (R-THO overlay allows smaller homes in specified tracts.)

    “The Residential Tiny and Small Homes (R-THO) Overlay Zone District is established to provide housing options in specified tracts within the City by permitting homes smaller in size than the current City minimum square footage of one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet of living area, and shall be used for independent living quarters, designed as a permanent, year-round residence.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Single-family manufactured homes inside California City residential districts and permitted mobile-home parks.

    • Underlying zoning standards apply.
    • A permanent foundation is required.
    • A building permit is required before placement.
    “Manufactured homes are a permitted use, as a single-family dwelling in all Residential zoning districts, and within a permitted mobile home park.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Second-unit housing inside California City city limits.

    • A building permit is required.
    • The second unit must be 500 to 1,000 square feet.
    • It must have independent ingress and egress.
    • It must use the primary residence sewer system if capacity is adequate; otherwise a separate septic or sewer system is required.
    • It may not have independent water, electric, or gas service.

    minimum floor area: >= 500 sq. ft. · maximum floor area: <= 1000 sq. ft.

    “(b) a second unit shall have a minimum of five hundred (500) sq. ft. of floor area and not more than one thousand (1,000) sq. ft. of floor area. (c) a second unit shall have ingress and egress to the second unit independent of the primary unit.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private septic sanitation for qualifying property inside California City city limits.

    • Private septic is allowed for older residential spot lots when sewer is over 200 feet away, subject to Kern County OWTS requirements and City sewage-disposal arrangements.
    “New construction in the older residential tracts on spot lots are required to hookup to the sewer system if the sewer is less than 200 feet away; over 200 feet, a private septic system is allowed.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    New residential development inside California City city limits.

    • Development of and connection to municipal water and sewer are required as tract-map conditions.
    • Newer residential tracts and pending housing starts must connect to City sewer.
    • For older residential spot lots, sewer connection is required when sewer is less than 200 feet away; over 200 feet, private septic is allowed.

    sewer-distance threshold: 200 feet (Over 200 feet, private septic is allowed.)

    “New construction in the older residential tracts on spot lots are required to hookup to the sewer system if the sewer is less than 200 feet away; over 200 feet, a private septic system is allowed.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and parcel-map activity inside California City city limits.

    • The City planning department processes tentative parcel maps and tentative tract maps; subdivision-related applications are reviewed under the General Plan and Municipal Code.
    “Staff reviews and processes requests for Development Permits. Variances, Lot Mergers, Lot Line Adjustments, TPM, TTM's, SPR Minors, SPR Major's, Conditional Use Permit and Zoning Information.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Property requiring access improvements for a building permit inside California City city limits.

    • An easement must be dedicated and improved for public road purposes when necessary for access.
    • Required improvements include curb, gutter, sidewalk, grading, and paving under City standards.
    • The Planning Director may defer dedication or improvement where existing improved streets are absent, but an offer of dedication and surety bond are then required.
    “a person applying for a building permit shall dedicate and improve an easement to the city for public road purposes if such dedication is necessary for access to the affected property. the easement shall be improved with curb, gutter, sidewalk, grading and paving in accordance with the city‟s standards for street construction.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in areas of special flood hazard inside California City city limits.

    • The City's flood-damage-prevention chapter applies to all areas of special flood hazards within the City's jurisdiction.
    • Floodplain permits, elevation, anchoring, and related standards apply according to the flood zone and development type.
    “This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the city.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building permits, inspections, and related services inside California City city limits.

    • Fees are established by City Council resolution rather than stated as fixed amounts in the municipal-code section.
    “Fees and charges for the issuance of building permits, related inspections, and services shall be as established by the City Council by resolution.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and building permit applications inside California City city limits.

    • Planning applications are submitted or searched online through the City's portal.
    • Building plans must be prepared and submitted to Planning for zoning review before construction; other permits are submitted online.
    “Before building construction can occur, plans must be prepared and submitted to the Planning Department to be reviewed for compliance with zoning regulations. [...] To submit or search all other building permits, residential and commercial, use this link: https://californiacity.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/californiacity”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask California City or Kern County directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy of buildings inside California City city limits.
  • Well permit — Private wells inside California City city limits.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural structures or uses inside California City city limits.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use inside California City city limits.

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that California City publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Kern County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Kern County: county rules, score and offices