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Kern County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Parking Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 (Off-Street Parking) →

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Key Facts

Parking Authority: Kern County Code Ch. 19.82
Key Section: Section 19.82.020 (Required spaces)
STR-Specific Ratio: None published; uses dwelling standard
Single-Family Standard: Typically 2 off-street spaces

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

Summary

Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 (Off-Street Parking) sets minimum parking for residential uses in unincorporated areas; STRs follow the dwelling-unit parking standard for the underlying zone since no STR-specific parking ratio is published. Operators must also avoid blocking public rights-of-way under Title 12.

Full Breakdown

Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 (Off-Street Parking), specifically Section 19.82.020, sets minimum off-street parking by use category for properties in unincorporated Kern County. There is no separate STR parking ratio published in Title 19, so a short-term rental operates under the residential dwelling-unit parking standard for its zone (typically two off-street spaces per single-family dwelling in R-1 and similar districts). STR operators are also bound by Title 12 of the County Code, which prohibits blocking sidewalks, fire lanes, and county rights-of-way, and California Vehicle Code Sections 22500 and following on parking violations. Guest vehicles must use on-site spaces or legal on-street parking; rural East Kern and mountain communities frequently have narrow rights-of-way where over-parking creates fire-access problems regulated by the Kern County Fire Department. Confirm the parking ratio for your specific zone with Kern County Planning at (661) 862-8600 before listing.

Violations & Fines

Failing to provide the off-street spaces required by Section 19.82.020 for the underlying zone can result in a zoning violation. Guest vehicles blocking a sidewalk, fire lane, or right-of-way are citable under Title 12 and California Vehicle Code Section 22500.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many parking spaces does an unincorporated Kern County STR need?

Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 sets minimum off-street parking by use, and Section 19.82.020 lists the ratios. There is no STR-specific number in Title 19, so a short-term rental uses the residential dwelling-unit standard for its zone — typically two off-street spaces per single-family dwelling in R-1 type districts. Confirm the exact ratio for your parcel with Kern County Planning at (661) 862-8600.

Can my STR guests park on the street in unincorporated Kern County?

On-street parking is allowed where it is not posted or otherwise restricted, but Title 12 of the Kern County Code and California Vehicle Code Section 22500 prohibit blocking sidewalks, driveways, fire lanes, and county rights-of-way. Mountain and East Kern communities often have narrow rural roads where over-parking can create fire-access problems enforced by the Kern County Fire Department; off-street guest parking is strongly recommended.

Does the 6% TOT certificate include parking approval?

No. The Transient Occupancy Tax certificate issued by the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector under Chapter 4.16 only covers tax collection. Parking compliance is a separate zoning issue under Chapter 19.82, and Title 12 right-of-way rules and California Vehicle Code Section 22500 apply on top of it. Verify your zone's parking minimum with Kern County Planning at (661) 862-8600.

Kern County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Parking Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Kern County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Fence Regulations: Height Limits

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Fire Regulations: Fireworks

Environmental Rules: Flood Zones

Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements

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