Drone Rules in Kern County, CA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated 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.
Commercial Drones
Kern County requires an operational permit from the Fire Marshal before anyone may "operate aircraft or drones for filming or theatrical purposes," grouped under the Special Effects/Operations permit at Fire Code Section 105.5.19. The rule targets commercial production drone flights tied to filming, not recreational or agricultural drone use, and pairs with a separate general filming permit.
Kern County Drone Filming Permit Required
Some RestrictionsKern County Fire Code § 105.5.19 (Kern County Ordinance Code § 17.32.030)
17.32.030 - Section 105.5 amended—Required operational permits. Section 105.5 of Chapter 1 DIVISION II ADMINISTRATION of the Kern County Fire Code is amended to read as follows: 105.5 Required Operational Permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.5.1 through 105.5.19. An operational permit shall be obtained from the ...
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