COVID-19 Local Emergency Declaration

On March 16, 2020 a local emergency related to the Coronavirus, was declared by the Kern County Administrative Office. This declaration was subsequently ratified by the Kern County Board of Supervisors on March 17, 2020.  As a result of the emergency and subsequent declaration, the Planning and Natural Resources Department will be closed to the public and operating under limited staffing to take calls, answer emails and process existing applications in preparation for future public hearings. New applications will be accepted by mail or by appointment, however may have delayed processing. Oil and Gas Conformity Reviews, which can be submitted and processed on-line until 5:00pm, on March 25, 2020 are still being processed. All planning related items currently in process, including plan check as necessary with the submittal of a building permit, will continue to be processed.

Based on this determination the following public hearings will be rescheduled:

  • March 26, 2020 Planning Commission Hearing is being cancelled. All items scheduled for consideration are being continued until May 14, 2020.
  • The April 2, 2020 Directors Hearing is being cancelled. All items scheduled for consideration are being continued until May 7, 2020.
  • The April 9, 2020 Planning Commission Hearing is being cancelled. All items scheduled for consideration are being continued until May 28, 2020.
  • The April 16, 2020 Directors Hearing is being cancelled.
  • The April 23, 2020 Planning Commission Hearing is being cancelled.

To schedule an appointment to submit applications, please visit the PLANNING INFORMATION page for contact information.