Frequently Asked Questions
Building & Code Questions
Building Inspection & Permit Services
How do I apply for a job in the Permit Services Division?
County Job Postings can be found here >>> Job Board Engineering jobs will look like this if there are any ...
Continue Reading What documents are required for a permit application?
Three (3) sets of plans, drawn to scale, are required which include the following: A site plan showing the location ...
Continue Reading What if something is built without a permit?
If work is completed without the benefit of permits, it is a violation. No further permits will be issued for ...
Continue Reading What is the permit application process?
When a permit is required, it is necessary to provide at least three (3) sets of plans to the building ...
Continue Reading When is a building permit NOT required?
A permit is not required for the following: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and ...
Continue Reading When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required for any construction which physically changes or adds structures to your property or for work ...
Continue Reading Why should I get a building permit?
A building permit is required by law and is intended to protect life and property. When you obtain a building ...
Continue Reading Code Compliance
Will the County resolve the dispute between me and my landlord?
The County is not a referee for tenant-landlord disputes. Generally these disputes are best resolved between the renter and property ...
Continue Reading Why hasn’t anything been done yet?
I turned in a complaint last week. Why hasn't the County done anything? Most likely the County has started working ...
Continue Reading Who enforces weeds?
Who should I contact if my neighbor has lots of weeds on his property that creates a fire hazard? Complaints ...
Continue Reading What does the code compliance unit enforce?
The Code Compliance Unit enforces regulations relating to the following: Condition of existing structures that constitute a clear and present ...
Continue Reading What do I do if I received a letter alleging a violation?
The first letter you should receive is mailed to you as a courtesy after we have received a complaint. It ...
Continue Reading What do I do if I receive an Administrative Citation?
The Administrative Citation will be issued when the citizen has failed after notification and a period of time to correct ...
Continue Reading How do I submit a complaint?
If I suspect a violation how do I go about getting it resolved or reporting it? You may make contact ...
Continue Reading How do I pay a fine?
Payment of Fines Make checks payable to County of Kern and mailed to Citation Processing Center P. O. Box 7275 ...
Continue Reading How do I Appeal An Administrative Citation?
Any person disputing the issuance of an administrative citation may contest the citation by completing a request for hearing form and returning ...
Continue Reading Engineering
How do I apply for a job in the Engineering Division?
County Job Postings can be found here >>> Job Board Engineering jobs will look like this if there are any ...
Continue Reading Surveying
How do I apply for a job in the Surveying Division?
County Job Postings can be found here >>> Job Board Engineering jobs will look like this if there are any ...
Continue Reading What is a Case Map?
A Color Case Map shows subdivisions (Tracts, Parcel Maps, etc.), Streets & Highways dedicated to public use, proposed highway alignments, ...
Continue Reading What is a Filed Map?
A Filed Map shows survey activity, performed by the County Surveyor's Office or the State of California, and is on ...
Continue Reading What is a Parcel Map?
A Parcel Map shows the subdivision of land into Parcels for sale and is recorded in the County Recorder's Office. ...
Continue Reading What is a Record of Survey?
A Record of Survey Map shows survey activity, performed by private surveyors, and is recorded in the County Recorder's Office.
Continue Reading What is a Tract Map?
A Tract Map shows the subdivision of land into Lots for sale and is recorded in the County Recorder's Office.
Continue Reading What is GIS?
A Geographic Information System, or GIS, is an organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed to ...
Continue Reading Transportation Questions
Traffic
How do I report a malfunctioning traffic signal or streetlight?
Use our online reporting application.
Continue Reading How do I report a missing or damaged street sign?
Use our online reporting application.
Continue Reading People are speeding in my neighborhood, what can I do?
Call the Traffic Division at (661) 862-5100 during regular business hours or use our online reporting application. We will investigate and ...
Continue Reading Transit
What is Dial-A-Ride?
Dial-A-Ride is a reservation-based, curb to curb service available in several communities within Kern County. Dial-A-Ride services are available to ...
Continue Reading What is Medical Dial-A-Ride?
Medical Dial-A-Ride is a reservation-based, curb to curb service available in the city of Bakersfield for Medical appointments only. Medical ...
Continue Reading How do I schedule a Dial-A-Ride?
You must schedule a Dial-A-Ride by calling on of our three dispatch offices at, 1-800-323-2396. For reservations in Lamont, Frazier ...
Continue Reading Who qualifies for reduced fare?
Reduced fare is a 50% discount on all general fares for Kern Transit. Reduced fare is available for passengers who ...
Continue Reading How do I find my bus schedule?
When visiting our website, www.kerntransit.org, you will see a system map on the home page. Each route has a number ...
Continue Reading What if I can’t understand the online schedule?
If you are having trouble reading or understanding our online schedule, please call 1-800-323-2396 and press option #1. Someone will ...
Continue Reading Road Maintenance
How do I report illegal dumping in the roadway?
To report illegal dumping in the County, please call 661-862-8891. To report illegal dumping in Metro-Bakersfield, please call 661-326-3114.
Continue Reading Waste & Recycling Material Transportation
Where are the guidelines for transportation of waste & recycling material(s) found?
As of November 2019 Kern Public Works had historically documented the recommended processing, including transportation, of waste and recycling materials ...
Continue Reading Waste & Recycling Questions
Hazardous Waste
Where are the guidelines for transportation of waste & recycling material(s) found?
As of November 2019 Kern Public Works had historically documented the recommended processing, including transportation, of waste and recycling materials ...
Continue Reading Can I bring waste from my business to one of the County Hazardous Waste Facilities?
Businesses must call (661) 862-8922 to make an appointment to bring hazardous waste to any of the three County facilities. ...
Continue Reading What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household Hazardous Wastes are chemical products, purchased for use in or around the home, that when discarded, may threaten human ...
Continue Reading Where can I legally dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?
The County operates three permanent Hazardous Waste Facilities and conducts several one-day collection events for the disposal of Hazardous Waste. ...
Continue Reading Landfills, Transfer Stations & Bin Sites
When visiting a Disposal Site, do the employees assist with unloading my waste?
It is NOT the responsibility of the Department's employees to unload waste from your vehicle. This includes all forms of ...
Continue Reading Why can’t I take or buy something I see at a Disposal Site?
State Law prohibits salvaging at any Disposal Facility. Safety is a number one priority for the Department and it is ...
Continue Reading Where is the nearest Disposal Site?
Kern County operates seven active landfills and nine transfer stations throughout the County. Check out the Disposal Sites area of the website ...
Continue Reading What is construction/demolition (C&D) waste?
Construction or demolition waste is non-hazardous building material or debris such as: asphalt, concrete, brick, drywall, fencing, metal, packing materials, ...
Continue Reading What is considered to be (non-chargeable) Residential Waste?
Residential Waste is ordinary household trash and yard waste from residential properties. Most residential waste can be disposed of WITHOUT CHARGE at the ...
Continue Reading What forms of payment can I use to pay my Disposal Fees?
Most Kern County facilities accept cash, check, VISA or Mastercard, or you can open up a Gate Fee Account. Fill ...
Continue Reading What are the Hours of Operation at the Disposal Sites?
Each Disposal Site has unique hours of operation. Check out the Disposal Sites page to find the days and hours of operation at ...
Continue Reading What are the gate fees to dispose of trash?
Fees are site specific. Information on fees charged at each disposal site can be obtained by clicking on the Disposal Sites link.
Continue Reading I am running 5 minutes late, will you keep the gate open for me?
Due to permitting requirements, landfill staff is not allowed to keep the gate open beyond the posted landfill hours. Please ...
Continue Reading How do I dispose of a dead animal?
Dead animals are ACCEPTED at all Landfills. Dead animals are ACCEPTED at the Kern Valley, Lebec, and McFarland-Delano Transfer Stations. Dead animals are NOT ACCEPTED at other Transfer ...
Continue Reading Do Kern County Disposal Sites accept dirt?
All dirt is not created equal! Believe it or not, there are several kinds of dirt: Clean fill dirt (less ...
Continue Reading Do I need to show proof of residency at Disposal Sites?
Currently, Kern County residents pay a Land Use Fee on their property taxes to cover the cost of household trash ...
Continue Reading Do I need to cover my trash load while driving to a Disposal Site?
Kern County charges 2x the gate fee or $20 minimum per load, for vehicles arriving at any Disposal Site with ...
Continue Reading Are tires accepted at County Disposal Sites?
Yes. Tires are NOT ACCEPTED at the Glennville Transfer Station, Keene Transfer Station, Loraine-Twin Oaks Transfer Station, or any Bin ...
Continue Reading Are disposal sites open during bad weather?
Disposal Sites may experience a closure due to inclement weather such as snow, rain or high winds. Closures will be ...
Continue Reading Trash & Recycling
Where are the guidelines for transportation of waste & recycling material(s) found?
As of November 2019 Kern Public Works had historically documented the recommended processing, including transportation, of waste and recycling materials ...
Continue Reading What can I do with my recyclables?
Aluminum cans, newspaper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass and junk mail are common types of household recyclable waste materials. There are ...
Continue Reading Who collects my trash/recycling?
There are a number of different organizations, throughout the County, that collect residential and commercial trash & recyclables. Both municipalities ...
Continue Reading Can I get additional trash/recycling containers?
If you live in the unincorporated area of Kern County, contact the private franchise Trash Hauler contracted to provide collection services. Residential and ...
Continue Reading Where can I rent a large trash dumpster or bin?
If you live in the unincorporated area of Kern County, and you want to rent a trash bin or dumpster, ...
Continue Reading Where can I take my trash?
All residents living within the County of Kern have a variety of choices for trash disposal: The Disposal Sites section provides a ...
Continue Reading Why wasn’t my trash/recycling picked up?
While the reasons are varied, the frustration is the same. Missed pick-ups are frustrating for both the customer and the Trash ...
Continue Reading