Zoning Overlays & Bonuses 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.

Density Bonus Law

Kern County grants density bonuses above the general plan's maximum residential density for qualifying unincorporated projects: up to 20 percent for on-site day care in larger multifamily developments, up to 20 percent for projects that build full public infrastructure, 25 percent for projects reserving units for lower- or very-low-income households, and 10 percent for an approved cluster plan, under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.92.

Kern County Residential Density Bonus Program

Some Restrictions

Kern County Zoning Ordinance § 19.92.020(A), (C) (Density bonuses for residential projects)

A.A density bonus of up to twenty percent (20%) over the maximum density specified by the applicable general plan land use category shall be allowed for any residential project of fifty (50) or more units located in the Medium-density Residential (R-2), High-density Residential (R-3), Mobilehome Park (MP) or General Commercial (C-2) districts if the residential project provides adequate on-site...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses by City in Kern County

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

BakersfieldPop. 403,455

1 verified rule • Density Bonus Law

All Kern County ordinances

See every category we cover for Kern County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Kern County Ordinance Hub →