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 related to Chapter 19.98 and other oil and gas provisions in the Zoning Ordinance was approved on March 8, 2021, and became effective on April 7, 2021.

The Project Boundary (Local Permitting Boundary Area) encompasses 3,110 square miles and generally includes the San Joaquin Valley Floor portion of Kern County up to an elevation of 2,000 feet. The boundary includes: west side-the San Luis Obispo County line, north side- the Kings and Tulare county lines, east and south sides-the 2,000-foot elevation contours, squared off to the nearest section line.

For Oil and Gas Permitting Questions, Please Email: oilandgasplanning@kerncounty.com

Project Area Map