Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Kern County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city 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.

Sit-Lie Rules

Kern County Code Section 8.30.040 bars sitting, lying, sleeping or camping with the intent to camp on public sidewalks in a way that blocks ADA passage, and bans the same conduct outright within five hundred feet of schools, libraries and senior centers, and within ten feet of residential curbs.

Sidewalk Sitting and Lying Ban in Kern County

Significant Restrictions

Kern County Code of Ordinances Section 8.30.040 (Prohibited Acts)

A. At no time shall any person place personal effects, camp, occupy camp facilities, sit or lie down with the intent to camp upon a public sidewalk or place personal effects, camp, occupy camp facilities, sit or lie down with the intent to camp in doorways or entrances to buildings abutting such sidewalks in such a way to obstruct vehicular traffic or pedestrian access as required under the Ame...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encampment Sanitation

Kern County bans camping on public property for more than three consecutive days in the same spot, plus any semi-permanent structure. Before enforcement officers can clear a site, Section 8.30.060 requires an offer of shelter and a 48-hour posted notice, and removed belongings are tagged and stored for sixty days.

Encampment Enforcement Protocol in Kern County

Significant Restrictions

Kern County Code of Ordinances Section 8.30.040 (Encampments); Section 8.30.060 (Enforcement); Section 8.30.080 (Property Removal)

Unless authorized by permit or other applicable law, it is unlawful: A. To construct, place, or maintain on public property any semi-permanent structure, including but not limited to hand-built sheds and structures with metal or other heavy roofing and siding materials, for the purpose of sheltering one (1) or more persons. B. To camp on public property, including but not limited to using, plac...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Homelessness & Encampment Rules by City in Kern County

1 cities in Kern County have their own homelessness & encampment rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BakersfieldPop. 403,455

1 verified rule • Encampment Sanitation

All Kern County ordinances

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