Kern County, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Plumbing Code, Title 24 Part 5
- Applies to
- New construction, alterations, repairs in unincorporated county
- Administrative authority
- Director of the Public Works Department
- Unpermitted work penalty
- Double permit fee under Section 17.04.140(C)
- Permit expiration
- 360 days unused or abandoned (Section 17.04.180)
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine and six months in jail
Summary
Kern County's Plumbing Code covers new construction and any alteration, repair or reconstruction of plumbing systems in the unincorporated county under Section 17.20.020, adopting the 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) by Section 17.20.030. Unlike the building and electrical codes, plumbing permits are administered by the Director of the Public Works Department, not the Planning building official.
17.20.020 - Applicability. The Kern County Plumbing Code shall apply to new construction, relocated buildings, and to any alterations, repairs, or reconstruction of buildings in the unincorporated territory of the county of Kern.
17.20.070 - Section 203.0 amended—Administrative authority.
Section 203.0 is amended to include the following definition: Administrative Authority. The administrative authority is the director of the Public Works Department or his designee.
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
190. 0 to define the "Administrative Authority" as "the director of the Public Works Department or his designee," meaning plumbing permits are reviewed and issued by Public Works rather than the Planning and Natural Resources building official who handles most other Title 17 permits. 180 expires any unused or abandoned Title 17 permit, including a plumbing permit, after 360 days. Plan-check submissions follow the same rule used chapter-wide: two sets of plans at the Bakersfield office, three sets at any other county office, before the department will check and stamp them approved.
Violations & Fines
Section 17.04.140(C) doubles the standard permit fee for plumbing work "started or proceeded with prior to obtaining said permit," unless it qualifies as emergency work applied for within two working days, and a reinspection fee applies under Section 17.04.140(D) when work isn't ready, the inspection card is missing, or plans aren't on site. Section 17.04.200 backs this with a Title 17 misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and six months in county jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace plumbing fixtures in unincorporated Kern County?
Which department actually issues Kern County plumbing permits?
What's the penalty for starting plumbing work before pulling a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.