News & Press Releases

The Kern County Zoning Ordinance contains provisions for local permitting of oil and gas production. Specifically, Chapter 19.98 (Oil and Gas Production) provides development standards for all future oil and gas exploration, extraction, operations, and production activities in the unincorporated Kern County. The Amendment to the Kern County Zoning Ordinance…

The RENEWBIZ Grant Program assists organizations with the cost of developing or improving commercial and industrial districts within the unincorporated communities of East Kern County. It is a flexible source of competitive funding for a broad range of facade improvement activities. For further information, please view the Grant Application and Handbook below.…

Section 19.81 of the Kern County Zoning Ordinance is intended to reduce unnecessary night lighting and to minimize lighting impacts on surrounding properties to help protect Kern County’s rural characteristic of access to a natural dark sky environment and to avoid public nuisances. Full Informational Guide (90 KB) Please refer to…

The County of Kern has updated the Housing Element of the General Plan in accordance to State law for the planning period 2015-2023. The Housing Element provides an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, and implementation programs that enable Kern County…

May  19, 2015 – Board of Supervisors Hearing 5/19/2015 Staff Report (45.1 MB) 5/19/2015 Addendum Staff Report (23.5 MB) May 13, 2015 – Board of Supervisors Hearing IWVLMP 5.13.15 Staff Report (36.3 MB) April 9, 2015 – Planning Commission Hearing 4/9/2015 Staff Report (19 MB) Notice of Public Hearing (1.5 MB) March 30, 2015 –…

This project was approved on November 9, 2015 and became effective on December 9, 2015. A Notice of Preparation for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report was released on May 31, 2018. The Project Boundary (Local Permitting Boundary Area) encompasses 3,110 square miles and generally includes the San Joaquin Valley Floor portion…

Document: Kern County Zoning Ordinance – November 2017 revision

Changes in Permit Process with the Issuance of new Incidental Take Permit for the Metropolitan Bakersfield Area The County of Kern and the City of Bakersfield have received a new Incidental Take Permit (ITP) from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The Metropolitan Bakersfield Habitat Conservation Plan (MBHCP) ensures…

Report on Outreach Planning Commission Workshops – January to June 2017 California State Law requires counties and cities to adopt and periodically update a General Plan to guide land use development. Kern County is initiating the General Plan update and is seeking community involvement and input. This website will serve as…

Final Report – May 2012 Methodology Documents – Volume 1 Methodology Documents – Volume 2