Kern County, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Kern County Public Works handles building permits in unincorporated Kern County. Incorporated cities may use their own building departments; the county's office-locations page specifically directs City of Bakersfield sites to the City of Bakersfield Building Department.

Department

Kern County Public Works Department, Building Inspection Division

Address

Public Services Building, 2700 "M" Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301-2370 (the Building Inspection page lists Suite 150; some permit PDFs reference Suite 570/First Floor)

Phone

(661) 862-8650

Email

bid@kerncounty.com

Website

https://www.kernpublicworks.com/services/development/building-inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Kern County and whether a permit is required. Kern says permits are required for construction that physically changes or adds structures, or for work regulated by county codes or ordinances.
2. Prepare the application package. County FAQs say standard submittals include at least three plan sets for paper review, plus supporting items such as site plan, floor plan, structural plans, electrical plan, and when applicable structural calculations, soils reports, Title 24 energy documents, owner/applicant/contractor information, contractor license information, and workers' compensation information.
3. Submit either in person using the county building permit application form or online through the Citizen Portal. For electronic review, Kern says plans, calculations, and supplemental sheets must be separate flattened PDF files, generally no more than 195 MB per file, with page sizes no larger than 36 inches.
4. Pay minimum fees and wait for concurrent departmental review. Kern's "How a Permit becomes a Structure" guide says departments review the permit for code and ordinance compliance and send correction letters if the submittal is deficient.
5. Respond to corrections and resubmit through the Citizen Portal if required. Kern instructs applicants to use the portal's resubmittal function so approvals and redlines remain linked to the permit record.
6. After all reviewing departments approve the permit and remaining fees are paid, the permit is issued and construction may begin.
7. Keep approved plans and the job card on site, request required inspections, and obtain final approval before occupancy. Kern states structures are not legally occupiable until the permit is finaled.

Typical processing time: No general countywide turnaround was published in the sources reviewed. Kern's published process makes timing dependent on completeness of the submittal, departmental reviews, and correction cycles.

Source: Kern County Public Works Department, Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

Kern County says a building permit is required for any construction that physically changes or adds structures to property, and for work regulated by local codes or ordinances. The county code also requires a permit for erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, conversion, or demolition of buildings or structures governed by the code.

Required Documents

• Standard county FAQ items include site plan, floor plan, structural plans, electrical plan, and when applicable plumbing/mechanical plans, structural calculations, soils investigation, Title 24 energy documentation, owner/applicant/contractor/design professional information, contractor license information, and workers' compensation information. The application form also flags owner-builder documentation, hazardous material/APCD approval for commercial and residential demolition permits, and zoning/other departmental approvals as applicable.

Permit validity

Under Kern County Code section 17.04.180, a permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days from issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days without an extension. Reissuance after lapse is generally one-half of the new permit fee if no plan changes are made and other stated conditions are met.

Building code

Kern County adopted a revised Code of Building Regulations in November 2025 that is partially comprised of the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24). The county's building forms page states 2025 Building Code forms are required for permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete the county's owner-builder declarations and property owner package. Kern says it will not issue the permit until the property owner signs and returns the acknowledgment, and a driver's license, notarization, or other acceptable verification is presented at issuance. The form warns owners about liability, employer obligations, and California limits on selling owner-built single-family residential structures.

Contractor requirements

County FAQs say contractors must provide a valid contractor's license and workers' compensation information. The owner-builder package also states contractors are required by law to be licensed and bonded in California and to list license numbers on permits and contracts.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

The current county fees page links the Building Permit Fees 07/2008 resolution. In that linked resolution, the permit issuance fee is $23 per permit issued. Building permits themselves are otherwise generally calculated by valuation or itemized trade schedules depending on permit type.

Plan check fee

Where the permit fee is determined by the percentage method, the total building permit fee excluding the permit issuance fee is composed of 1/3 plan check fee and 2/3 building inspection fee. If no plan is required, the 1/3 plan check portion is deleted.

Permit fee formula

New-construction building permit fees in the linked county resolution use a valuation-based formula. The same resolution shows 1.1% of valuation for $28,001 to $500,000; $5,500 for the first $500,000 plus $0.80 per $100 over that amount up to $1,000,000; and $9,500 for the first $1,000,000 plus $0.50 per $100 over that amount above $1,000,000. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, grading, demolition, and similar permits also use itemized fee schedules in the same resolution.

Reinspection fee

The linked fee resolution lists the second and each subsequent reinspection caused by faulty or incomplete work at $23 each. The county code states reinspection fees must be paid before additional inspections. The county code also states permit fees are doubled when work requiring a permit is started before obtaining the permit.

Penalty (no permit)

The linked fee resolution lists the second and each subsequent reinspection caused by faulty or incomplete work at $23 each. The county code states reinspection fees must be paid before additional inspections. The county code also states permit fees are doubled when work requiring a permit is started before obtaining the permit.

Payment note

Kern states fees are paid in advance or when capable of calculation; additional fees must be paid before additional work, before permit issuance, or before project approval where time-and-material charges apply. Minimum fees must be paid before review begins, and the Citizen Portal supports payments for registered users.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, if they do not support a surcharge or impound Class I, II, or III-A liquids
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1
• Platforms, walks, or driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Window awnings on Group R-3 or U-1 occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches

Important: Kern's FAQ says this may not be a complete list. The county specifically notes that retaining walls near property lines and publicly accessible walks/platforms should be reviewed with the local Building Official. Separate zoning, floodplain, environmental health, fire, or utility requirements may still apply even if a building permit is not required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (661) 862-8681 (phone)
• online through the Citizen Portal at for registered users associated with the permit (online)

Scheduling deadline

Same-day inspections are available if scheduled before 8:00 AM.

Inspection hours

Building Inspection office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Time windows

Building Inspection office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Kern's process guide says same-day inspections are available if scheduled before 8:00 AM.

Typical inspection sequence: After issuance, Kern gives the applicant a job card listing required inspections. The permit holder schedules inspections as work progresses. After all required inspections are completed and approved, the permit is finaled; if required by code, a Certificate of Occupancy is then issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kern County adopted a revised Code of Building Regulations in November 2025 that is partially comprised of the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24). The county's building forms page states 2025 Building Code forms are required for permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Frequently asked questions
• Bulletins, documents, and forms
• Building inspection office locations and hours
• Check permit status
• Pre-approved accessory dwelling units
• SolarAPP streamlined permitting process
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Kern County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kern County, CA?

Kern County says a building permit is required for any construction that physically changes or adds structures to property, and for work regulated by local codes or ordinances. The county code also requires a permit for erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, conversion, or demolition of buildings or structures governed by the code.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kern County, CA?

The minimum permit fee is The current county fees page links the Building Permit Fees 07/2008 resolution. In that linked resolution, the permit issuance fee is $23 per permit issued. Building permits themselves are otherwise generally calculated by valuation or itemized trade schedules depending on permit type.. Fees are calculated as: New-construction building permit fees in the linked county resolution use a valuation-based formula. The same resolution shows 1.1% of valuation for $28,001 to $500,000; $5,500 for the first $500,000 plus $0.80 per $100 over that amount up to $1,000,000; and $9,500 for the first $1,000,000 plus $0.50 per $100 over that amount above $1,000,000. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, grading, demolition, and similar permits also use itemized fee schedules in the same resolution.. Plan check fee: Where the permit fee is determined by the percentage method, the total building permit fee excluding the permit issuance fee is composed of 1/3 plan check fee and 2/3 building inspection fee. If no plan is required, the 1/3 plan check portion is deleted..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kern County, CA?

1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Kern County and whether a permit is required. Kern says permits are required for construction that physically changes or adds structures, or for work regulated by county codes or ordinances. 2. Prepare the application package. County FAQs say standard submittals include at least three plan sets for paper review, plus supporting items such as site plan, floor plan, structural plans, electrical plan, and when applicable structural calculations, soils reports, Title 24 energy documents, owner/applicant/contractor information, contractor license information, and workers' compensation information. 3. Submit either in person using the county building permit application form or online through the Citizen Portal. For electronic review, Kern says plans, calculations, and supplemental sheets must be separate flattened PDF files, generally no more than 195 MB per file, with page sizes no larger than 36 inches. 4. Pay minimum fees and wait for concurrent departmental review. Kern's "How a Permit becomes a Structure" guide says departments review the permit for code and ordinance compliance and send correction letters if the submittal is deficient. 5. Respond to corrections and resubmit through the Citizen Portal if required. Kern instructs applicants to use the portal's resubmittal function so approvals and redlines remain linked to the permit record. 6. After all reviewing departments approve the permit and remaining fees are paid, the permit is issued and construction may begin. 7. Keep approved plans and the job card on site, request required inspections, and obtain final approval before occupancy. Kern states structures are not legally occupiable until the permit is finaled.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Kern County, CA?

Typical processing time is No general countywide turnaround was published in the sources reviewed. Kern's published process makes timing dependent on completeness of the submittal, departmental reviews, and correction cycles..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kern County, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, if they do not support a surcharge or impound Class I, II, or III-A liquids; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1; Platforms, walks, or driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Window awnings on Group R-3 or U-1 occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches. Note: Kern's FAQ says this may not be a complete list. The county specifically notes that retaining walls near property lines and publicly accessible walks/platforms should be reviewed with the local Building Official. Separate zoning, floodplain, environmental health, fire, or utility requirements may still apply even if a building permit is not required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kern County, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (661) 862-8681, online through the Citizen Portal at for registered users associated with the permit. Same-day inspections are available if scheduled before 8:00 AM..