Kern County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

080). 140, a development permit must be obtained before any construction or other development begins in a mapped hazard area; the application must include scaled plans showing proposed elevations, structures, fill, storage of materials, and drainage facilities, plus the proposed elevation to which any structure will be flood-proofed. 160 designates the director of the Public Works Department, or an authorized designee, as floodplain administrator, responsible for granting or denying permits. 270 require new construction and substantial improvements to be anchored against flotation and lateral movement, built with flood-damage-resistant materials, and elevated so the lowest floor, including any basement, sits at least one foot above the base flood elevation; nonresidential structures may instead be flood-proofed to that same one-foot-above-BFE standard and certified by a registered engineer or architect.

Detached garages and accessory storage limited to one story and 600 square feet may have finished floors below the base flood elevation if anchored and built with flood-resistant materials. 150 lets the floodplain administrator charge Board-of-Supervisors-approved fees for flood hazard evaluations, elevation certifications, and variance or appeal processing. 185 requires inspections of authorized development, including verification of lowest-floor elevation before and after construction, with certification by a registered engineer, architect, or licensed surveyor submitted to the floodplain administrator.