Parking Rules: Delano vs Ridgecrest
How do parking rules rules compare between Delano, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest has fewer restrictions than Delano.
Delano, CA
Kern County
Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 (Off-Street Parking) sets minimum parking for residential uses in unincorporated areas; STRs follow the dwelling-unit parking standard for the underlying zone since no STR-specific parking ratio is published. Operators must also avoid blocking public rights-of-way under Title 12.
View full Delano rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Ridgecrest has no dedicated short-term rental parking ordinance. STR guests use the same on-site parking and on-street parking rules that apply to any single-family residence in the city, governed by the Ridgecrest Municipal Code traffic and parking chapters and the city's zoning code.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Delano | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Authority | Kern County Code Ch. 19.82 | - |
| Key Section | Section 19.82.020 (Required spaces) | - |
| STR-Specific Ratio | None published; uses dwelling standard | - |
| Single-Family Standard | Typically 2 off-street spaces | - |
| Right-of-Way Rules | Title 12 + Cal. Veh. Code 22500 | - |
| Fire Lane Enforcement | Kern County Fire Department | - |
| Applies To | Unincorporated areas only | - |
| Confirm With | Kern County Planning (661) 862-8600 | - |
| STR-Specific Parking Cap | - | None - general zoning rules apply |
| Single-Family Baseline | - | Typically 2 off-street spaces |
| On-Street Storage Limit | - | 72 hours |
| Lawn / Unpaved Parking | - | Prohibited in residential zones |
| Hydrant / Driveway Block | - | Prohibited - tow-away |
| Code Source | - | RMC Chapter 86 (Traffic) and Chapter 106 (Zoning) |
| Planning Division | - | 760-499-5061 |
| Verify Minimums With | - | Ridgecrest Planning Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Delano FAQ
How many parking spaces does an unincorporated Kern County STR need?
Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 sets minimum off-street parking by use, and Section 19.82.020 lists the ratios. There is no STR-specific number in Title 19, so a short-term rental uses the residential dwelling-unit standard for its zone — typically two off-street spaces per single-family dwelling in R-1 type districts. Confirm the exact ratio for your parcel with Kern County Planning at (661) 862-8600.
Can my STR guests park on the street in unincorporated Kern County?
On-street parking is allowed where it is not posted or otherwise restricted, but Title 12 of the Kern County Code and California Vehicle Code Section 22500 prohibit blocking sidewalks, driveways, fire lanes, and county rights-of-way. Mountain and East Kern communities often have narrow rural roads where over-parking can create fire-access problems enforced by the Kern County Fire Department; off-street guest parking is strongly recommended.
Does the 6% TOT certificate include parking approval?
No. The Transient Occupancy Tax certificate issued by the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector under Chapter 4.16 only covers tax collection. Parking compliance is a separate zoning issue under Chapter 19.82, and Title 12 right-of-way rules and California Vehicle Code Section 22500 apply on top of it. Verify your zone's parking minimum with Kern County Planning at (661) 862-8600.
Ridgecrest FAQ
How many off-street parking spaces does a Ridgecrest STR need?
Ridgecrest has no STR-specific parking minimum. STRs follow the underlying single-family residential standard, which is typically two off-street spaces. Confirm the exact number for your zoning district with the Planning Division at 760-499-5061.
Can my STR guests park RVs or trailers on the street?
Only briefly. Ridgecrest's traffic code limits storing any vehicle on a public street to 72 hours. RVs, boats, and oversize trailers parked beyond that window can be cited and towed.
Can guests park on the front lawn if the driveway is full?
No. Parking on lawns or unpaved front-yard areas is prohibited in Ridgecrest residential zones. Guests must use the driveway, garage, or legal on-street spaces.
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