Kern County, CA Building Permits: Review Times & Permit Guide
Kern County, CA building permits: Plan review takes 10 to 30 days depending on project type and complexity. The Kern County Building Department issues permits for unincorporated areas. Cities within the county handle their own permitting.
Home to 900,202 residents, Kern County, CA covers 5 cities and communities including the county seat of Bakersfield. Building permit review at the county level typically takes 10 to 30 days for initial plan check. Below you will find links to city-specific permit guides along with county-level permit information for unincorporated areas.
Kern County Building Department
Kern County Building Department
- Website: www.kernpublicworks.com/services/development/building-inspection
- Contact: (661) 862-8650
- Online Portal: aca-prod.accela.com/KERNCO/Default.aspx
- Building Code: California Building Code (CBC) 2022
Cities in Kern County, CA
Kern County contains 5 major cities and communities. Permit Place has detailed permit guides for 1 of these cities. Each city operates its own building department and issues permits for projects within city limits.
Bakersfield, CA
Ridgecrest, CA
City permit info
Tehachapi, CA
City permit info
Wasco, CA
City permit info
Delano, CA
City permit info
Projects in unincorporated Kern County (outside any city limits) require permits from the Kern County Building Department.
County vs. City Permits: When to Contact Kern County
Kern County, CA has both incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. Knowing which jurisdiction covers your project site is the first step in the permit process.
Contact Kern County Building Department When:
- Your project is in unincorporated Kern County (outside any city limits)
- You are unsure whether your address falls within a city or the county
- Your project spans both city and county jurisdictions
Contact the City Building Department When:
- Your project is within the city limits of Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, or another incorporated city
- You have confirmed your address falls within city jurisdiction
If you are unsure about your property’s jurisdiction, the Kern County building department can help you verify. A permit expediter like Permit Place can also determine the correct jurisdiction for your project.
Permit Types Available in Kern County
Kern County issues several categories of building permits for projects in unincorporated areas.
Building Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review required across all building disciplines
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: required for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes
- Additions and renovations: any work that changes the building footprint or structure
- Change of use: required when converting a building from one use category to another
Trade Permits
- Electrical: new wiring, panel upgrades, and electrical service changes
- Plumbing: new fixtures, piping, and water heater installations
- Mechanical (HVAC): heating, cooling, and ventilation system work
- Fire protection: sprinkler systems and fire alarm installations
Kern County Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Kern County are based on project valuation and type. Below are typical ranges for common project categories.
Commercial Projects
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Kern County building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kern County Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Kern County?
Plan review in Kern County, CA takes 10 to 30 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will require additional review cycles. Commercial projects often go through two or three review rounds before final approval.
What is the difference between a Kern County permit and a city permit?
Kern County issues building permits for projects in unincorporated areas outside city limits. If your project is within an incorporated city like Bakersfield, you need a permit from that city’s building department instead. Confirming your exact jurisdiction before applying will save time and prevent delays.
Do I need a Kern County building permit or a Bakersfield permit?
That depends on your project location. Properties inside Bakersfield city limits require permits from the City of Bakersfield. Properties in unincorporated Kern County require permits from the county building department. Check your property’s address with the county to confirm jurisdiction.
What building permits does Kern County require?
Kern County requires permits for new construction, additions, renovations, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical systems, and roofing. Commercial projects also need separate trade permits. Minor repairs and cosmetic changes like painting or flooring typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Kern County?
Permit fees in Kern County are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial permit fees typically range from $500 to $25,000 or more. Plan review fees are usually 50% to 65% of the building permit fee. Contact the Kern County building department for exact fee schedules.
Can I get a building permit online in Kern County?
Yes. Kern County offers an online permitting portal where you can submit applications, upload plans, and check permit status. Some permit types still require in-person visits. Visit the county’s online portal or contact the building department for details on which permits can be processed electronically.
Can a permit expediter help with my Kern County project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Kern County and across California. We handle application preparation, plan review management, corrections, and final permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete, code-compliant applications on the first attempt.
Need Help With Kern County Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Kern County and across California. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
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