Water Use Rules in Kern County, CA (2026)

1 county-level rule, 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.

Turf Replacement Rebates

New or replaced front-yard landscaping on single-family lots inside the Indian Wells Valley Land Use Management Plan area of unincorporated Kern County cannot include any turf at all. Front-yard plants must come from the Indian Wells Valley Water District's Approved Plant List, irrigation must run on a low-volume system, and runoff onto sidewalks and streets is prohibited under Zoning Ordinance Section 19.86.025.

Kern County Bans Front-Yard Turf in Indian Wells Valley

Significant Restrictions

Kern County Zoning Ordinance § 19.86.025(A) (Landscaping standards—Single-family dwellings)

A.Single-family dwellings located within the Indian Wells Valley Land Use Management Plan area (as defined by Section 19.08.015) shall be subject to the following:1.Landscaping installed after the referenced plan's adoption shall be subject to the following restrictions.a.There shall be no turf allowed in the landscape area of the front yard.b.All plants and trees used within the landscape area...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Water Use Rules by City in Kern County

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

RidgecrestPop. 27,959

1 verified rule • Recycled Water Rules

All Kern County ordinances

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