Planning
Budget Functional Statement
The Planning and Natural Resources Department was established in accordance with Section 65200 of the Government Code and is responsible for carrying out State mandated planning functions and facilitating the processing of various land use applications. The Planning and Natural Resources Department provides staff support to the Planning Commission.
Fundamental Functions and Responsibilities of the Planning and Natural Resources Department:
- Prepare, administer and update the Kern County and Metropolitan General Plans and implement programs to effectuate General Plan goals and policies
- Prepare, administer and update Kern County Zoning and Land Division Ordinances
- Prepare environmental documents pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Administration of the Agricultural Preserve Program, Home Rule Program, endangered species planning and other activities
- Respond to applicant, agency and public comments and inquiries regarding land use, environmental and coordinative matters
Our Mission
Craig Murphy - Interim Director
Paul Johnson - Assistant Director
To administer land use programs in a manner that fosters economic vitality, resource conservation, and responsiveness to public needs. Promote customer service and delivery of programs in a responsive and cost-effective manner.
Advanced Planning Division:
Vacant - Division Chief
* Advanced Planning/Natural Resources Permitting Unit - Vacant, Supervising Planner
This unit is responsible for the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports for major development projects. This unit serves as the lead for all matters for the County regarding implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as both Lead and Responsible Agency. In addition, this unit is responsible for administering the County's Home Rule Program, which involves the monitoring, coordination and commenting on State and Federal regulations that affect County residents.
* Advanced Planning/Compliance Unit - Nicole Menchaca, Supervising Planner
This unit is responsible for the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports for major development projects. This unit serves as the lead for all matters for the County regarding implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as both Lead and Responsible Agency. In addition, this unit is responsible for administering the County's Home Rule Program, which involves the monitoring, coordination and commenting on State and Federal regulations that affect County residents.
Current Planning Division:
Anjanette Simon - Division Chief
* Current Planning - Kathy Barker, Supervising Planner
This unit is responsible for reviewing and processing general, community and specific plan amendments and zoning applications including conditional use permits, variances, road vacations, street name changes, etc. It administers the Williamson Act Program and the Zoning Ordinance. It prepares staff reports for the Director's Hearing, Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors and responds to public inquires.
* Graphics & GIS - Julie Williams, Supervising Planner
This unit is responsible for providing graphic support to the Department. Its functions include updating of maps and other land use data, development of graphics and administration of the street addressing program.
General Plan & Housing Division:
Vacant - Division Chief
* Subdivision Unit - Holly Nelson and Lonnie Bell, Supervising Planners
This unit is responsible for the review and processing of parcel maps, tract maps, lot line adjustments, parcel map waivers, certificate of compliance, and other applications subject to the County's Land Division Ordinance. This unit is responsible to chair the County Subdivision Review Committee and coordinates comments from various agencies related to land division applications.
* General Plan & Housing Unit - Asha Chandy, Supervising Planner
This unit streamlines residential permit processing and strengthens community engagement to identify and advance a range of housing solutions. This unit will also focus on implementing the Housing Element and leading the General Plan 2040 update.
Permit Assistance Counter/Community Development Division:
Dennis McNamara - Division Chief
* Permit Assistance Counter - Matt Hall, Supervising Planner
This unit is responsible for receiving and reviewing applications for planning related cases. It reviews applications for completeness, collects fees and provides the public with procedural and technical information. This unit reviews ministerial zoning permits and responds to inquiries from the public.
* Community Development Unit - James Golden, Supervising Planner
This unit is primarily responsible for the preparation and coordination of various countywide community planning and visioning activities, including implementation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This unit coordinates with other jurisdictions and represents the County during the preparation of these regional planning efforts.
State & Federal Housing Division:
Catherine Vasquez - Program Manager
* State and Federal Housing Programs - Yerania Molina-Reyes, Supervisor
This unit administers state and federal funding to support affordable housing development, preservation, and community development initiatives. It manages grants, loans, and compliance programs to assist low- and moderate-income households, working closely with local governments, developers, and nonprofit organizations.
Administrative & Human Resources Division:
Teresa Pickens - Division Chief
* Planning Fiscal Support - Lacie Galvan, Senior Accountant
This unit is responsible for the budgeting and administration of department’s fiscal resources, including contracts administration.
* Community Development Fiscal Support - Na Deng, Senior Accountant
This unit is responsible for fiscal administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the State-funded Housing related grants.
* Administrative & Word Processing Unit - Amber Neathery, Sr. Office Services Specialist
This unit is responsible for the preparation of public hearing notices and agenda items for Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and Director's hearings for all planning applications. It is responsible for the typing of staff reports, negative declarations, general and specific plans, ordinances, document duplication, and clerical work for special planning projects.
* Dora Vega Azcarate - Administrative Coordinator
This unit undertakes various administrative and coordinative functions. This includes payroll, personnel support, document duplication, mail services, filing, and clerical work.
* Alyssa Torres - Office Services Coordinator
The Office Services Coordinator undertakes various administrative and coordinative functions in support of the Director.