Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules 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
Obstruction Rules
Blocking a sidewalk with personal property in unincorporated Kern County is allowed for no more than one hour a day, and the code's narrow trade exception only reaches three feet from the adjoining building, under a chapter that also bars running water across sidewalks and loitering on county bridges.
Kern County Sidewalk Obstruction Rules
Some RestrictionsKern County Code § 12.28.010 (Sidewalk obstruction unlawful—Exceptions)
It is unlawful for any person, association or firm to obstruct any part of the sidewalks of any town in the county by means of any personal property for a longer period than one (1) hour each day except as set out in subsection (B) of this section. For the purposes of trade and convenience any such sidewalk may be utilized not to exceed three (3) feet from the inner part of such sidewalks next ...
Encroachment Permits
Digging, excavating, placing material, or building curbs, driveways or other improvements in a public highway right-of-way in unincorporated Kern County requires an encroachment permit from the director of roads under Chapter 12.16, with a narrow exception for emergency utility repairs on unimproved roads.
Kern County Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit
Significant RestrictionsKern County Code § 12.16.020(A) (Highway Encroachments, Permit required—Exceptions)
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to dig in, excavate, plow up, tear up, fill, cover, disturb or change any part of the portion of any public highway in the county, or to place any obstruction or pile any material on the surface of any highway, without first obtaining a permit therefor, and doing such work in the manner as provided in this chapter.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules by City in Kern County
2 cities in Kern County have their own sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Kern County ordinances
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