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Kern County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Water restrictions in Kern County, CA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.

Key Facts

Code Section
Kern County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.86
State Standard Referenced
23 CCR Div. 2, Ch. 2.7 (MWELO)
Plan Preparer
Licensed landscape architect or C-27 contractor
Min. Plant Sizes (§ 19.86.020)
Trees 15 gal, shrubs 5 gal, groundcover 1 gal
Single-Family Standard
§ 19.86.025. MWELO + Title 17

Summary

Unincorporated Kern County requires new and rehabilitated landscapes to comply with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under Title 19, Chapter 19.86 of the Kern County Zoning Ordinance.

City-specific rules exist: Delano, Bakersfield, and Ridgecrest have their own water restrictions rules that differ from Kern County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

All landscaping shall be consistent with: A. California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; B. Kern County Code of Building Regulations (Title 17); and C. The State Fire Safe regulations contained in Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code...

View official code

Full Breakdown

Per Kern County Zoning Ordinance § 19.86.020, all landscaping in unincorporated Kern County must be consistent with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7 (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance), the Kern County Code of Building Regulations (Title 17), and State Fire Safe regulations (Public Resources Code § 4290). Section 19.86.065 requires projects subject to MWELO to demonstrate compliance prior to building permit issuance. Section 19.86.070 mandates that landscape and irrigation plans be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, or licensed C-27 contractor. Section 19.86.020 also requires water-efficient irrigation systems with automatic timers; drip irrigation is strongly encouraged. The county does not impose its own day-of-week outdoor watering restrictions: those are set by individual water districts (e.g., Indian Wells Valley Water District has stricter rules under § 19.86.025).

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply with MWELO during permit review will block building permit issuance and certificate of occupancy. Section 19.86.090 requires a signed Certificate of Completion from the landscape architect or contractor before occupancy. Water districts may impose separate fines for watering during prohibited hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kern County set specific outdoor watering days for unincorporated residents?
No. The county code defers to MWELO (state law) and to the local water purveyor. Public water agencies, community services districts, and public utility districts may adopt more restrictive watering rules under § 19.86.070(E), subject to Board of Supervisors approval. Watering days/hours therefore depend on which water district serves the property.
Do I need MWELO compliance for a small residential landscape?
All new single-family dwellings that install landscaping must comply with MWELO and Title 17 under § 19.86.025(B). Within the Indian Wells Valley Land Use Management Plan area, additional restrictions apply, including no turf in the front yard and a low-volume irrigation system requirement (§ 19.86.025.A).
What landscape uses are exempt from MWELO?
Under § 19.86.070(B), exemptions include: historical sites on official registers, ecological restoration projects without permanent irrigation, mined land reclamation projects without permanent irrigation, agricultural uses or community gardens, and botanical gardens or arboretums open to the public.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kern County

Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingSome RestrictionsArtificial TurfHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsZoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus LawSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Turf Replacement RebatesSignificant RestrictionsSign Regulations: Political SignsSome Restrictions

All Kern County rules

How Kern County compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview

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Water Restrictions in Cities Across Kern County

Bakersfield, CARidgecrest, CADelano, CA