Building Setbacks & Zoning in Kern County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kern County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Kern County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

In Kern County's R-1 low-density residential district, buildings must have a front-yard setback of at least 25 feet, side yards of at least 5 feet (10 feet on the street side of corner lots), and a rear yard of at least 5 feet.

Kern County R-1 Setback Requirements

Some Restrictions

Kern County Ordinance Code sec. 19.18.070

Front Yard... In no case shall the front-yard minimum setback be less than twenty-five (25) feet... Side Yard. There shall be a side yard on each side of any building of not less than five (5) feet, except that on the street side of corner lots, buildings shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way of any local street... Rear Yard. There shall be a rear yard of not less t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

In unincorporated Kern County's R-1 Low-Density Residential district, houses are capped at three stories or 35 feet, whichever binds first, and detached accessory buildings top out at two stories or 35 feet. Antennas, towers and chimneys get a taller allowance of 80 feet under Kern County Code section 19.18.080.

Kern County R-1 Building Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Kern County Code of Ordinances § 19.18.080 (Height limits, R-1 Low-Density Residential District)

19.18.080 - Height limits. The following height limits apply in the R-1 district: A. Buildings shall not exceed three (3) stories or thirty-five (35) feet. B. Detached accessory structures shall not exceed two (2) stories or thirty-five (35) feet. C. Radio and television antennas, communication towers, chimneys, and other similar structures shall not exceed eighty (80) feet.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Building Setbacks & Zoning by City in Kern County

2 cities in Kern County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BakersfieldPop. 403,455

2 verified rules • Setback Rules, Structure Height Limits

RidgecrestPop. 27,959

3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules

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