PLANS and PERMITTING

in KERN COUNTY

Permitting with Pacific Sands

Project permitting can be a long, tedious, and frustrating process. At Pacific Sands, we pride ourselves not only on our designs, but on our ability to guide those designs through the permitting process with as few revisions and delays as possible.

Kern County permitting often involves coordination between the city where the project is located as well as the County of Kern for unincorporated areas. With a mix of urban centers, rural communities, and agricultural land, understanding local permitting requirements is essential for keeping projects moving efficiently.

Permitting Jurisdictions within Kern County

Standard Permit Process Explanation

What is a permit?

A building permit is a legal document issued by a city or county that outlines the approved plans for construction. A permit also act as a record of completed inspections and final approval. 

Permit issuance is dependent upon the approval of other required agencies that may be triggered based on the scope of work.  The permit can only be issued to a contractor with the appropriate license(s) Contractors State License Board (CSLB), to the property owner in certain cases, or to an agent representing one of these two permittees. A permit fee is collected, and the permittee is given the proper permit documents to start construction.

Why is a permit needed?

A permit is a way to protect a property owner’s investment. Work that is done without the proper, required permits could cause additional cost to permit or demolish the unpermitted work, denial of insurance claims, possible civil or criminal prosecution, and uncertainty regarding the safety and quality of the unpermitted construction.

When is a permit required?

Generally, permits are required for the following:

1. New buildings
2. Additions to buildings
3. Tenant Improvements
4. Accessory Dwelling Unit conversions
5. Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6’, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping and path of travel, etc.)
6. Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and door(s) changeouts, etc.)
7. New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
8. New, expanded, or replaced mechanical items
9. New, expanded, or replaced plumbing items
10. Grading work

Example of Permit Types by Department

Projects in Kern County

1. Garage Accessory Dwelling Unit (GADU) Conversions
2. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) conversions
3. Home additions
4. Residence conversions
5. Remodels
6. New construction