Kings County, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Surface standard
- Durable, dustless required
- Approval
- Public Works Director reviews grading
- Rural access
- Design Table 2013 applies
- Dust control
- Ties to SJV APCD PM10 plan
Summary
Kings County requires every parking area, aisle and access drive, including residential driveways, to have a durable, dustless surface, graded to drain water and approved by the Public Works Director.
All parking areas, aisles and access drives shall be surfaced as to provide and maintain a durable, dustless surface and shall be so graded and drained as to dispose of surface water, with the design and specifications of such work subject to the approval of the Public Works Director.
b. Sufficient room for turning and maneuvering vehicles shall be provided on the site.
c. Concrete wheel stops shall be provided where needed for safety or to protect property, as determined by the County Public Works Director.
d. Entrances and exits to parking lots and other parking facilities shall be provided at locations approved by the Zoning Administrator and Public Works Director.
e. If the parking area is illuminated, lighting shall be hooded and/or deflected away from adjoining uses to prevent annoying glare.
f. All parking spaces for compact cars shall be clearly marked with the word "Compact" on the pavement at the opening of the space.
g. All parking spaces for "low-emitting", "fuel efficient" and "carpool/vanpool" vehicles shall be clearly marked on the pavement as required by the California Building Code. Electric Vehicle (EV) recharging stations installed to charge electric vehicles parked within a properly designated on-site space shall not block or impede pedestrian access or passage of a sidewalk.
Full Breakdown
Section 1306(A)(2)(a) of the Development Code bars raw dirt or gravel driveways: all parking areas, aisles and access drives must be surfaced to a durable, dustless standard, graded and drained subject to the approval of the Public Works Director. The dustless requirement ties into the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's PM10 dust plans referenced in Section 1302(C), reflecting the county's agricultural dust exposure. Rural residential and agricultural access drives follow Design Table 2013 of the Kings County Improvement Standards under Section 1306(A)(1)(a), while access to designated urban facilities follows Design Table 2012.
Violations & Fines
An unsurfaced dirt or gravel driveway, or one that fails to drain properly, is noncompliant with Section 1306; Public Works can require regrading or paving before a building permit is finaled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gravel driveway legal in unincorporated Kings County?
Do farm or rural driveways follow the same rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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