New Planning Counter Hours - 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday

Effective January 18, 2023, the Planning Counter will be open to the public from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday for walk in customers who wish to meet with a Planner. All other submittals for any planning applications, plans, and payments may be made at the front desk.

Public Information

For general questions, including zoning, please contact us by phone or email:

Please have your assessor's parcel number (APN) or the site address ready so that we may expedite your request. The APN can be found on your assessor's tax bill. A response will be provided within 24 hours during the business week.

For any project specific questions, please contact your assigned planner. 

Planning Department Services Update

While the Public Services Building is open to the public, Department Staff are currently working a hybrid onsite/remote schedule. All services are available, and any emails and phone messages will be returned by Staff.

Public Assistance

The Public Services Building and Public Assistance Counter is fully open to the public. The Public Assistance Counter is available to answer any department and zoning related questions via phone, email, or in-person. Please feel free to contact Staff by phone at (661) 862-5263 or by email at zoning@kerncounty.com. All messages are being checked daily and any inquiries will be returned within 24 hours.

Submitting Applications

Should you wish to submit an application to the Planning & Natural Resources Department and have questions, please contact the Public Assistance Counter by phone at (661) 862-5263 or by email at zoning@kerncounty.com. Applications can be submitted in the following format:

By mail:  The Planning & Natural Resources Department is receiving regular mail. Applications, along with appropriate application fees can be submitted and accepted by mail. Applications packets should be mailed to the attention of Mr. Dennis McNamara at the Planning & Natural Resources Department 2700 “M” Street, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93301. Any applications submitted via mail should be accompanied by a check with the appropriate application fees made payable to the Planning & Natural Resources Department. Staff further requests an electronic version of any submitted materials be included.

By email:  Applications are being accepted via email at this time. If submitting applications by email, payment of application fees will be done through credit card or wire transfers. PDFs of application materials should be emailed to zoning@kerncounty.com. Once received and reviewed, Staff will contact the applicant of record to discuss payment of application fees. Once payment is received, Staff will be able to begin processing the requested applications.

In-Person:  Staff will be able to collect applications, cash any payments and provide written receipts. Staff is requesting all visitors wear masks. Social distancing provisions will be implemented during this visit.

Requesting a Meeting with Staff to Discuss a Future Project

If you are interested in discussing a future project with the Planning & Natural Resources Department, please contact Staff via email at zoning@kerncounty.com. Meetings can be held in-person or facilitated via teleconference or electronic conferencing platforms such as Teams or Go To Meeting.

Public Hearings

Hearings are again being held in-person. For hearing times and locations, please visit the following: