Kern County, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Card requirement
- Posted before work begins (Section 17.08.100)
- Card use
- Building official logs each required inspection
- Reinspection fee
- Charged for incomplete or inaccessible work, Section 17.04.140(D)
- Electrical rule
- No concealing or energizing before department approval
- Grading inspection
- Civil engineer, soils engineer, geologist for engineered grading
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, six months in jail
Summary
Every permitted building project in unincorporated Kern County must post an inspection record card on site before work starts, under Section 17.08.100 (and its Residential Code twin, Section 17.06.080), so the building official can log each required inspection. Work can't be concealed, and the card plus approved plans must stay available until final approval.
17.08.100 - Section 110.5.1 added—Inspection record card.
Section 110.5.1 is added to read as follows:
110.5.1 Inspection record card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder shall have posted or otherwise made available an inspection record card such as to allow the building official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. The card and approved plans shall be maintained available by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by the building official.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
1), so the same card requirement covers houses and other buildings alike. 170 gets its own layered inspection, the building official for regular grading and a civil engineer, soils engineer and engineering geologist for engineered grading, each reporting discrepancies from the approved plans in writing. 140(D) lets the department charge a reinspection fee, which applies when the called-for work isn't complete, ordered corrections weren't made, the inspection card isn't posted or available, the approved plans aren't on site, access isn't provided on the requested date, or the work deviates from what was approved; the fee is set by Board of Supervisors resolution and due before any further inspection.
Violations & Fines
Failing to have the inspection card and approved plans available, or having incomplete or noncomplying work when an inspector shows up, triggers a reinspection fee under Section 17.04.140(D), payable before any further inspection is scheduled. Concealing plumbing, electrical or other work before it's inspected, or energizing electrical work before approval under Section 17.24.190, is separately enforceable as a Title 17 misdemeanor under Section 17.04.200, punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in county jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to post anything at my Kern County job site for inspections?
What triggers an extra reinspection fee in Kern County?
Can I cover up new electrical wiring before an inspector sees it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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