Permit Requirements: Delano vs Ridgecrest
How do permit requirements rules compare between Delano, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest has fewer restrictions than Delano.
Delano, CA
Kern County
Delano follows the California Building Code threshold for fence permits: fences 7 feet tall or shorter are generally exempt from building permits, while fences over 7 feet require a building permit issued by the Delano Building Department.
View full Delano rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Per the California Building Code as adopted in Kern County Title 17, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from building permits. Fences exceeding 7 feet, masonry retaining walls, and pool-enclosure barriers require a permit from the Kern County Public Works Building Inspection Division.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Delano | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Trigger | Fence > 7 ft | - |
| Code | Delano DC §20.10.90 | - |
| Issuer | Delano Building Department | - |
| Permit exemption | - | Fences <= 7 feet high (CBC 105.2 as adopted) |
| Permit required | - | Fences > 7 feet, retaining walls, pool barriers |
| Issuing agency | - | Kern County Public Works - Building Inspection Division |
| Plan review timeline | - | 10 to 30 days typical |
| Zoning compliance | - | Required even if no building permit needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Delano FAQ
Where do I apply?
Delano Community Development Department, 1015 11th Ave. Call (661) 721-3300.
Ridgecrest FAQ
Do I need a permit for a typical 6-foot backyard fence in unincorporated Kern County?
No building permit is required because the fence is 7 feet or less. However, the fence must still comply with Title 19 zoning rules: 6 ft max in side/rear yards in residential zones, 4 ft max in front yards.
What if I want a fence taller than 7 feet?
You will need a building permit from Kern County Public Works Building Inspection, AND a discretionary planning permit because § 19.08.210 caps standard residential fence heights at 4-6 feet without director or commission approval.
Where do I apply for a fence permit in Kern County?
Kern County Public Works Building Inspection Division handles building permits for unincorporated areas. Visit kernpublicworks.com or the county service center. Cities within Kern County (Bakersfield, Delano, etc.) issue their own permits separately.
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