Kings County, CA Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Kings County, California requires a building permit for a home, issued by the Kings County Community Development Agency, which enforces the California Building Standards Code¹. The county also zones unincorporated land itself². Kings County administers onsite wastewater systems through its approved Local Agency Management Program³. California lets an owner-builder build or improve a home they will live in without a contractor's license, within statutory limits⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Required in unincorporated county, issued by the Community Development Agency¹
Zoning: Yes, six district types under the county's own Development Code²
Septic permit: County-administered under an approved Local Agency Management Program³
Owner-builder exemption: Allowed within California's statutory limits⁴
Accessory dwelling unit: Allowed statewide on a qualifying lot; decision required within 60 days⁵
RV or tiny home living: Generally limited to mobilehome/special occupancy parks unless a local ordinance allows otherwise; Kings-specific rule unconfirmed⁶
Floodplain permit: Required for construction in mapped Zone A or Zone AE⁷
Permit applications: Verified online account and PDF plans required⁸

Who to call

Building permits

Kings County Community Development Agency

Building permits, planning and zoning permits, floodplain development permits, and code enforcement for unincorporated Kings County

(559) 852-2670

[email protected]

1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Bldg. #6, Hanford, CA 93230

Online permits →

Septic permits

Kings County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services

Onsite wastewater (septic) system permits and inspections for unincorporated Kings County under the county's Local Agency Management Program

(559) 584-1411

460 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Kings County, California?

Yes. Unincorporated Kings County requires a building permit for construction, issued by the Kings County Community Development Agency, which reviews plans and specifications and enforces the California Building Standards Code¹. California's 2025 Building Standards Code applies to permit applications dated on or after January 1, 2026⁹. To apply for a Kings County construction permit, register for an Online Permit Center account and wait for the Building Department to verify it, then upload scaled, sufficiently detailed plans and supporting documents as PDF files⁸. The county may request more information needed to show compliance with Title 24⁸.

Who is the Kings County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Kings County Community Development Agency handles building and planning permits from 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Bldg. #6, in Hanford, California 93230¹⁰. Call the Building Division at (559) 852-2670 or email [email protected]¹⁰. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon¹⁰. The agency accepts permit applications digitally through its Online Permit Center rather than on paper¹⁰. Account verification is required before all online-permit features become available⁸.

Does Kings County have zoning?

Yes. Kings County zones unincorporated land itself under its own Development Code, with six district types: Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial, and Public Facilities². California law lets a county's legislative body adopt zoning ordinances covering building and structure location, height, size, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, and setbacks anywhere in county jurisdiction outside an incorporated city, which is the legal basis for Kings County's own Development Code¹¹. An accessory dwelling unit is allowed statewide on a lot zoned for single-family or multifamily use that already has, or will have, a dwelling on it, and the permitting agency must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days⁵. We could not confirm Kings County's specific setback, minimum-lot-size, or minimum-dwelling-size numbers for each district from an accessible copy of the county's own Development Code text, so confirm those with the Community Development Agency for your parcel before you buy¹⁰.

How do septic permits work in Kings County?

Kings County administers onsite wastewater systems locally through an approved Local Agency Management Program, while State Water Board policy and regional-board oversight still apply³. New and replacement systems require local permitting, but the exact Kings County application, exemptions, and fee schedule could not be confirmed; ask Environmental Health Services what your parcel and proposed system require¹²¹³. Reach Kings County Environmental Health Services at 460 Kings County Drive, Hanford, California 93230, phone (559) 584-1411¹³. Only 21.2% of Kings County soil is rated not “very limited” for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work¹⁴.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kings County?

California treats RV living, tiny homes, and manufactured homes as three different questions, and Kings County's own answer to each is unconfirmed beyond the state baseline. Statewide, an RV is not meant to be a permanent dwelling, and unless a local ordinance says otherwise, RVs generally may be occupied only in a mobilehome park or a special occupancy park⁶. We could not confirm whether Kings County has a local ordinance that allows RV or camper occupancy on private, unincorporated land outside a park, so call the Community Development Agency before you plan to live in one on your own land¹⁰. A tiny home can be occupied statewide if it qualifies as, and is approved as, a HUD-code manufactured home, a California Residential or Building Code home, factory-built housing, a recreational vehicle, a park trailer, or a camping cabin; a structure that fits none of those categories and doesn't meet the state building code isn't legal to occupy¹⁵. Manufactured homes may be occupied inside or outside a mobilehome park statewide under the Mobilehome Parks Act, but Kings County's own siting rules for a specific parcel were not confirmed from an accessible county page¹⁶. An accessory dwelling unit, by contrast, is a confirmed option: California requires Kings County to approve one ministerially on a qualifying residential lot, without a discretionary hearing⁵.

Building a home in Kings County: the steps, in order

Confirm your parcel's zoning district (Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial, or Public Facilities) and any setback or lot-coverage rules by calling the Kings County Community Development Agency before you buy¹⁰².
Register for the Online Permit Center, wait for Building Department verification, and upload scaled plans and supporting documents as PDF files⁸.
If your project is in a mapped Zone A or Zone AE special flood hazard area, download and submit the county's Floodplain Development Permit application and elevation certificates before you build⁷.
Ask Kings County Environmental Health Services for the site-specific septic application, review, and inspection requirements before installing an onsite wastewater system³¹³.
If you plan to act as your own contractor, confirm you meet California's owner-builder limits, including living in the home for the 12 months before completion and using the exemption on no more than two structures in any three-year period¹⁷.
Expect your project to be reviewed against the California Building Standards Code in effect on your permit application date; the 2025 code applies to any application dated January 1, 2026 or later⁹.
If you add an accessory dwelling unit later, expect the county to decide a complete application within 60 days without a discretionary hearing⁵.

What to check before you buy land in Kings County

Kings County averages 7.7 inches of precipitation a year and has experienced severe drought in about 40.4% of recent years¹⁸¹⁹. Typical home value is $367,678, with a median property tax bill of $2,295 a year at an effective rate around 0.8%²⁰²¹²². Population density is about 110 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is roughly 30 miles from the county center²³²⁴. Only 21.2% of county soil is rated not “very limited” for a conventional septic drain field, so confirm septic suitability before closing¹⁴. About 88% of the county's land has a slope of 15% or less, while projected days at or above 100°F reach about 57 a year by mid-century²⁵²⁶. Confirm the parcel's zoning and floodplain status with the Community Development Agency and its septic requirements with Environmental Health Services¹⁰¹³.

Watch-outs

Kings County's Community Development Agency accepts only digital permit applications, and the Building Department must verify your Online Permit Center account before all features are available¹⁰⁸.
If you're converting a previously permitted structure, such as an agricultural building, to a new use, Kings County requires a change-of-use inspection to check whether a new zoning permit or occupancy classification applies²⁷.

Sources

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Kings County scores

Seclusion23100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.

Admin Boringness40100% ev.

Durability39100% ev.

Property Autonomy56100% ev.

Carry Cost59100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$368kTypical home

0.8%Property tax

$10,391Land / acre

7.7"Annual rain

40.4% of yrsSevere drought

57.2 / yr (+26.6)Mid-century 100°F days

128.8 daysMid-century dry spell

0.79" (+5%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.1×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$960Home insurance / yr

3.4% / yrInsurance growth

0.88%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

85,636People within 30 min

3,395,178People within 2 hr

40,368Radius comparison (15 mi)

109.8People / sq mi

5.6%Federal land

88%Land at 15% slope or less

21.2%Septic soil without severe limits

158,423 acWorkable land screen

4.7%Wooded land

64.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Kings County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Kings County rules

InspectionsLimited
Changes in operation within a structure or site previously permitted through a Conditional Use Permit or Site Plan Review, where the change may involve a change of occupancy classification.
- A change-of-use/compliance inspection is processed through the Building Division of the Community Development Agency.
- The inspection is required each time a previously permitted use changes through a Conditional Use Permit or Site Plan Review.
- The inspection documents the permitted-use change and determines whether a change of occupancy classification or new zoning permit is required.
- The Zoning Administrator may require a new zoning permit if current zoning-permit conditions were not complied with or Development Code requirements changed significantly.
“Each time that a use changes which has been previously permitted through a Conditional Use Permit or through a Site Plan Review, a change of use/compliance inspection shall be required to document the change in the permitted use, to determine whether or not a change of occupancy classification will occur and/or if a new zoning permit is required for the new use.”
Kings County Development Code ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Who permits septicCounty
Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Kings County, administered locally through Kings County environmental health/public-health functions under the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board framework.
- The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board identifies Kings County as a local agency with an approved LAMP.
- State Water Board policy and regional-board oversight still apply.
“Kings County 330 Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230 | 5/31/2018 | R5-2018-0038 | Environmental Health | KCDPH”
Local Agency Management Programs (LAMPS) for On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitLimited
New and replacement onsite wastewater treatment systems in Kings County.
- The regional program requires reporting of permits for new and replacement OWTS.
- Tier 0 properly functioning existing systems are treated differently from new or replacement systems.
- Tier 1 applies to systems meeting the default siting and design standards; Tier 2 applies under an approved LAMP; Tier 3 requirements may apply near impaired waters or under a special program.
- The exact Kings County application form, local exemption list, and fee schedule were not located in an accessible official page.
Tier 1 maximum projected flow: <= 3500 gallons per day (Tier 2 and Tier 3 systems may have a 10,000 gallons-per-day maximum under the policy) · Tier 2 maximum projected flow: <= 10000 gallons per day (Applies to new and replacement OWTS complying with an approved LAMP)
“Tier 2: Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for New or Replacement OWTS (OWTS Policy Section 9) * Applies to new or replacement OWTS that comply with the siting and design standards in an approved LAMP. LAMPs are developed by Local Agencies based on local conditions; siting and design standards may differ from Tier 1 standards. * Maximum flow rate is 10,000 gpd.”
Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Permit applications for development in a special flood hazard area under Kings County floodplain procedures.
- Applicants in a special flood hazard area must download and use the required floodplain documents.
- The county document list includes Floodplain Permitting Requirements, a Floodplain Development Application, and preliminary and final elevation certificates.
- The source does not establish that every parcel in Kings County is within a special flood hazard area.
“A Floodplain Development Permit is required for all construction activities located in Zone A & Zone AE.”
Kings County Web Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Construction permit applications administered through the Kings County Online Permit Center.
- Applicants must register for an online account.
- The Building Department must verify the account before all online-permit features become available.
- Plans and associated documentation must be submitted as PDF files through the Online Permit Center.
- Plans must be drawn to scale and sufficiently detailed; additional information may be required for compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 24.
- The plan-requirements document is updated 2025-04-01.
“To obtain a construction permit, it is necessary to submit a pdf file of the plans and associated documentation, using the Online Permit Center”
Kings County Web Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
Kings County zones unincorporated land under the Kings County Development Code (zoning ordinance), with Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial, and Public Facilities districts.
Kings County - Development Code / Zoning Ordinance ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

California rules that apply here

Building permitRequired
Construction projects within the California Department of Health Care Access and Information Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development jurisdiction, including health-facility projects requiring HCAI review.
- Written plan approval must be issued before the building-permit application proceeds.
- The application must provide contractor information, Inspector of Record information, and a Testing Inspection and Observation program.
- The TIO program must be field-approved before approval and subsequent issuance of the building permit.
- This claim does not establish the permit rule for projects outside HCAI jurisdiction.
“Once a project receives written plan approval, a Building Permit application is submitted through the e-Services Portal.”
Building Permits & Construction Observation ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Exemption from California contractor-licensing chapter for an owner-builder who builds or improves a structure on the owner’s property; this does not itself establish exemption from local building permits, inspections, or other code requirements.
- For work personally performed by the owner or performed by the owner’s employees, none of the improvements may be intended or offered for sale, and employee compensation must be wages as their sole compensation.
- For work directly contracted to licensed trade contractors, the owner must directly contract with licensees duly licensed for the respective trades.
- For single-family residential structures under the licensed-contractor arrangement, no more than four structures may be intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this limitation does not apply if the owner contracts with a general contractor for construction.
- For a homeowner improving a principal residence or its appurtenances, the work must be performed before sale, the homeowner must have actually resided in the residence for the 12 months before completion, and the homeowner must not have used this exemption on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.
- A nonprofit corporation may qualify when assisting an owner-builder participating in a mutual self-help housing program.
- Sale or offering for sale within one year after completion creates a rebuttable presumption that the structure was undertaken for sale; sale or offering for sale of five or more structures within one year creates a conclusive presumption.
- This is a contractor-licensing exemption and should not be treated as a building-permit exemption.
single-family structures intended or offered for sale: <= 4 structures per calendar year (Does not apply if the owner contracts with a general contractor for construction.) · prior residence occupancy: >= 12 months before completion (Applies to the principal-residence homeowner exemption.) · owner-builder exemption use: <= 2 structures during any three-year period (The statute states the homeowner has not availed himself or herself of the exemption on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.) · sale presumption period: 1 year after completion (Sale or offering for sale creates a rebuttable presumption; five or more structures creates a conclusive presumption.) · conclusive-presumption threshold: >= 5 structures within one year after completion (Structures sold or offered for sale by the owner-builder.)
“This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
California Business and Professions Code Section 7044 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — California owner-builders performing construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or remodeling work, including work undertaken in Kings County.
  “An owner-builder is exempt from licensure, but there are limitations.”
  Owner-Builder Overview ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
- Conditional — Owners who build or improve structures on their own property, and homeowners improving their principal residence or appurtenances, subject to Business and Professions Code section 7044.
  “(a) This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
  California Business and Professions Code Section 7044 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — California contractor-licensing requirements for an owner who builds or improves a structure on the owner’s property; this is not stated as an exemption from building permits, inspections, or other code requirements.
  “This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
  California Business and Professions Code section 7044 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, including the 2025 California Building Code and related parts, for buildings and structures subject to the state code.
- The 2025 California Building Standards Code applies to buildings and structures with a permit application date on or after January 1, 2026.
- The applicable local building department or enforcing agency determines how the permit application date is established in a specific jurisdiction.
- The code includes multiple parts, including the California Building Code, California Residential Code, Existing Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Fire Code, and Green Building Standards Code.
effective date: 2026-01-01 · permit application date: >= 2026-01-01
“The 2025 California Building Standards Code (CBSC), California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 24, will become effective on January 1, 2026, as a result of the 2024 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle. [...] The 2025 CBSC applies to all buildings and structures with a permit application date on or after January 1, 2026.”
Approved Building Standards ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Adopted — California statewide building standards, including residential construction subject to Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
  “Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, the building standards adopted and submitted by the department for approval [...] shall be adopted by reference”
  California Health and Safety Code Section 17922 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Completed construction projects within HCAI jurisdiction involving California health facilities.
- The HCAI Compliance Officer issues the project-completion Substantial Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy once required conditions are met.
- The stated examples include delivery of all test reports to the Inspector of Record, clearance of outstanding items, and completion of the Testing, Inspection and Observation Program.
- Once construction is completed, the certificate of occupancy allows the owner to apply to the Department of Health Services for a license to operate the health facility.
“Issues the certificate of occupancy and/or construction final.”
HCAI Standard Project Process ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Zoning districtsPartial
California city and county zoning codes and the zoning districts established by those local jurisdictions.
- The city or county zoning code implements general-plan policies at the individual-parcel level.
- Local zoning codes identify allowed land uses in the jurisdiction’s zoning districts.
- Since 1971, state law requires city or county zoning codes to be consistent with the jurisdiction’s general plan, except in charter cities.
- The source does not publish a statewide list of parcel-specific zoning districts; the applicable local jurisdiction must be consulted.
“The zoning code presents standards for different land uses and identifies which land uses [...] are allowed in the various zoning districts of the jurisdiction.”
Chrome Plating Amendments Environmental and Regulatory Setting ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Efficiency units permitted by a California city, county, or city and county.
- The local jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance permitting the efficiency unit.
- Occupancy is limited to no more than two persons.
- The unit may have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities as specified by the local ordinance.
- All other applicable minimum standards under Health and Safety Code Part 1.5 continue to apply.
minimum floor area: >= 150 square feet · maximum occupancy: <= 2 persons
“Notwithstanding Sections 17922, 17958, and 17958.5, a city, county, or city and county may, by ordinance, permit efficiency units for occupancy by no more than two persons which have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and which may also have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities, as specified by the ordinance.”
California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Qualifying SB 9 housing developments in single-family residential zones, including development of up to two primary residential units, subject to the cited statutory eligibility requirements and local ministerial review.
- The parcel must be located in a single-family residential zone.
- The project must involve no more than two residential units.
- Objective standards may be applied only if they do not physically preclude the statutory housing objectives, subject to the stated exceptions.
- No setback may be required for an existing structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
- For SB 9 projects, side and rear setbacks may not exceed four feet; a local agency may apply a lesser setback, such as 0–4 feet.
- The local agency cannot apply existing side and rear setbacks applicable in the single-family residential zones.
- The four-foot side and rear setback standards are not subject to modification.
- The fact sheet cites Government Code Sections 65852.21(b)(2)(B) and 66411.7(c)(3).
maximum side setback: <= 4 feet (A local agency may choose to apply a lesser setback, including 0–4 feet.) · maximum rear setback: <= 4 feet (A local agency may choose to apply a lesser setback, including 0–4 feet.)
“SB 9 establishes an across-the-board maximum four-foot side and rear setbacks.”
SB 9 Fact Sheet ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- District specific (with conditions) — Building setbacks, side and rear yard requirements, and property line requirements under California's State Housing Law framework.
  “building setback, side and rear yard requirements, and property line requirements are hereby specifically and entirely reserved to the local jurisdictions”
  California Health and Safety Code Section 17922 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Occupancy of recreational vehicles as residential units in California.
- RVs are not intended for occupancy as permanent dwellings.
- Unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, RV occupancy generally is limited to mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act or Special Occupancy Parks Act.
- Applicable state or local approval and enforcement requirements depend on the RV's location and classification.
maximum gross area: <= 400 square feet (Measured at maximum horizontal projections; internal living room area must be less than 320 square feet excluding specified built-in equipment and bath/toilet rooms.)
“RVs are not intended for occupancy as a permanent dwelling. [...] Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks”
Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Camping in units operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation statewide.
- Camping is confined to areas designated for that purpose.
- Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles is generally limited to 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.
- The Department may establish shorter or longer occupancy limits.
- When a shorter seasonal limit applies, the camper must vacate the campsite and may not reregister in the unit until 48 hours have expired, measured from 12:00 noon on the checkout day to 12:00 noon on the second day following.
- A district superintendent may permit one-night camping in a day-use area or portion of one, subject to Department-established fees and vehicle limitations; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.
- California State Parks' current reservation policy states that each campground has a consecutive-night limit, requires a 48-hour absence after that limit, and generally has a 30-night annual maximum, subject to individual park policies.
general annual occupancy limit: 30 days per calendar year per unit (The Department may establish shorter or longer limits of occupancy.) · return interval after shorter seasonal limit: 48 hours (Measured from 12:00 noon of the checkout day to 12:00 noon of the second day following.) · one-night camping in day-use area: 1 night (Only if permitted by the district superintendent; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.)
“Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles of any camping facility is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.”
California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Laws 2014 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping in California special occupancy parks, including parks containing recreational vehicles, tents, or camping cabins.
  ““Special occupancy park” means a recreational vehicle park, temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp.”
  What is a Mobilehome Park or Special Occupancy Park? ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)
Occupancy of a structure marketed or described as a tiny home in California.
- The tiny home must comply with applicable standards and be approved as a HUD-Code manufactured home, California Residential or Building Code home, factory-built housing, recreational vehicle, park trailer, or camping cabin.
- The location must be approved for the applicable classification.
- A tiny home that does not fit one of those classifications and does not comply with the California Building Standards Code is a noncomplying structure whose occupancy is illegal.
- Approving and enforcing agencies vary depending on whether the unit is inside or outside a mobilehome or special occupancy park.
park trailer or RV gross area limit: <= 400 square feet (Applicable classification-specific exclusions and standards apply.)
“In order to be occupied, a tiny home must comply with the standards of, and be approved as one of the following types of structures: a HUD-Code manufactured home (MH), California Residential Code or California Building Code home, factory-built housing (FBH), recreational vehicle (RV), park trailer (PT) or camping cabin (CC).”
Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Occupancy of manufactured homes inside or outside mobilehome parks in California.
- The manufactured home must satisfy applicable federal standards and California Manufactured Housing Act and Title 25 requirements.
- Installation and approval for occupancy are governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act.
- HCD or a local enforcement agency with assumed Mobilehome Parks Act authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory construction and maintenance requirements.
- Local agency approvals may be necessary for the project.
minimum width for a new manufactured home: >= 8 body feet (The statutory definition also includes units at least 40 body feet in length.) · minimum erected floor area for a new manufactured home: >= 320 square feet
“MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
ADUs and junior ADUs subject to California State ADU Law.
- Approval is ministerial and without discretionary review or a hearing.
- Development standards must be objective and knowable in advance.
- The local permitting agency must determine application completeness and provide written notice within 15 business days.
- If an application is incomplete, the agency must identify missing items and explain how to complete it.
- Local site, building, health, safety, fire, utility, and other applicable requirements continue to apply.
written completeness determination: <= 15 business days (Measured from the permitting agency's receipt of the application.) · final written determination after appeal: <= 60 business days (Applies after receipt of the written appeal.)
“A permit application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be considered and approved ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing [...] A permitting agency shall determine whether an application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit is complete and provide written notice of this determination to the applicant not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application.”
Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook March 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in Kings County and throughout California where the statutory zoning and dwelling prerequisites are met.
  “Yes. A local agency must permit an attached, detached, or converted ADU on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily residential use”
  Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook March 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
OWTS in a Tier 3 Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment components, including systems in specified impaired-water-body areas statewide.
- The requirement applies to OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment components.
- Ongoing monitoring must follow the OWTS operation and maintenance manual or occur more frequently if required by the local agency or Regional Water Board.
- Where telemetry is not possible, the owner or owner's agent must inspect at least monthly while the system is in use and notify the service provider at least quarterly of observed operating parameters.
- For systems designed to meet disinfection requirements, a service provider must inspect proper operation quarterly while the system is in use unless continuous telemetric monitoring is capable of assessing operation.
- Quarterly effluent sampling and certified-laboratory requirements apply to systems subject to the disinfection provisions.
inspection frequency where telemetry is not possible: per monthly (While the system is in use.) · inspection frequency for disinfection systems: per quarterly (While the system is in use, unless continuous telemetric monitoring is capable of assessing operation.)
“Where telemetry is not possible, the owner or owner’s agent shall inspect the system at least monthly while the system is in use as directed and instructed by a service provider and notify the service provider not less than quarterly of the observed operating parameters of the OWTS. [...] OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program designed to meet the disinfection requirements in Section 10.10 shall be inspected for proper operation quarterly while the system is in use by a service provider unless a telemetric monitoring system is capable of continuously assessing the operation of the disinfection system.”
2023 OWTS Policy ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Well permitRequired
Construction, modification, or destruction of water wells in California.
- The permit is obtained from the applicable local environmental health agency or local water district before construction, modification, or destruction.
- Local enforcing agencies may adopt ordinances that meet or exceed DWR Well Standards.
- If no local well ordinance is adopted, the local enforcing agency must enforce the Statewide Model Well Ordinance.
- Water wells supplying public water systems have additional State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water certification requirements.
- Water-well construction must be performed by a licensed C-57 Well Drilling Contractor.
“Well owners need to obtain permits from local environmental health agencies or local water districts before construction, modification, or destruction takes place.”
Well Standards ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Construction, alteration, maintenance, or destruction of water wells, monitoring wells, cathodic protection wells, and geothermal heat exchange wells in California.
  “Permitting and enforcement are carried out by the LEAs, such as the County Department of Environmental Health.”
  Well Standards ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Certain existing OWTS in California Tier 3 impaired-water-body areas that commit to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.
- The OWTS must have been constructed and operating, or permitted, on or before the date the nearby water body was added to OWTS Policy Attachment 2.
- The owner must commit by legally binding document to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.
- The owner must sign the legally binding document within 48 months after the nearby water body's initial listing on Attachment 2.
- The specified connection date may not extend beyond nine years after the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.
- The rule is an exception to Section 10 requirements for qualifying existing or permitted systems; it is not a general statewide requirement that every property connect to public sewer.
deadline to sign connection commitment: 48 months (Measured from the date the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2.) · maximum time to complete connection: <= 9 years (Measured from the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.)
“The owner must sign the document within forty-eight months of the date that the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2. The specified date for the connection to the centralized community wastewater collection and treatment system shall not extend beyond nine years following the date that the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.”
2023 OWTS Policy ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division of land in California that falls within the statutory definition of subdivision, including division for sale, lease, or financing.
- A parcel map is generally required unless a final or parcel map is otherwise required or the preparation is waived by local ordinance.
- Local ordinances may require a tentative map and may establish additional area, improvement, design, drainage, road, sanitary-disposal, water-supply, environmental-protection, and related requirements.
- Certain railroad-right-of-way and governmental or public-utility conveyances are excepted from the parcel-map requirement described in Government Code section 66428(a).
“A parcel map shall be required for subdivisions as to which a final or parcel map is not otherwise required by this chapter, unless the preparation of the parcel map is waived by local ordinance as provided in this section.”
California Government Code Section 66424 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Driveways and driveway connections involving proposed encroachments within, under, or over State highway rights of way.
- The requirement applies to proposed activities related to placement of encroachments within, under, or over State highway rights of way.
- Applications are submitted to the appropriate District Encroachment Permits Office having jurisdictional authority over the site.
- Local or other agency requirements may also apply outside State highway rights of way.
“An encroachment permit must be obtained for all proposed activities related to the placement of encroachments within, under, or over the State highway rights of way.”
Encroachment Permits | Caltrans ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Occupancy and use of manufactured homes and mobilehomes in California mobilehome parks and other locations subject to HCD jurisdiction.
- HCD administers titling and registration for manufactured homes and mobilehomes.
- HCD-inspected mobilehome parks are subject to health and safety enforcement where local government has not assumed enforcement.
- Manufactured/mobilehome park regulations address construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy.
- Separate local land-use, building, fire, health, and utility requirements may apply.
“MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
Manufactured & Mobilehomes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — RV and trailer camping at Silver Strand State Beach Campground in the San Diego Coast District.
  “Camping Stay Limits: Applies to persons, equipment, or vehicles and any combination thereof [...] Maximum stay of 30 days per calendar year [...] Maximum 7 consecutive days during peak season (May 15 – September 15) [...] Maximum 14 consecutive days during non-peak season”
  Silver Strand State Beach Campground Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Occupancy and use of recreational vehicles in California special occupancy parks and designated RV sections of mobilehome parks.
  “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act”
  What is a Mobilehome Park or Special Occupancy Park? ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
California county legislative bodies' authority to adopt zoning ordinances regulating buildings, structures, land uses, lots, yards, open space, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, loading, and setbacks within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.
- The authority is exercised pursuant to Government Code Chapter 4, Zoning Regulations.
- The statute separately authorizes city legislative bodies; incorporated municipalities may exercise their own zoning authority.
- Government Code Section 65850 also lists authority to regulate signs and billboards, building and structure location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size, lot and open-space size and use, lot coverage, intensity of land use, offstreet parking and loading, and building setback lines.
- The cited section states it was amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 376, Sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018.
“The legislative body of any county or city may, pursuant to this chapter, adopt ordinances that do any of the following:”
California Government Code Section 65850 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
California counties administering and enforcing state building standards through county building departments, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.
- Each county must maintain building standards and state building regulations in the office of the building official responsible for administration and enforcement of state building standards.
- The statewide Title 24 standards apply subject to statutory exceptions and any authorized local amendments or local requirements.
- The cited HCD bulletin concerns the 2019 California Building Standards Code and its July 1, 2021 supplement; later code editions may supersede those particular edition dates.
“These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of state building standards”
Information Bulletin 2021-02: 2019 California Building Standards Code Supplement ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Local zoning — Local zoning controls within Kings County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation, including onsite wastewater systems, in Kings County.
Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from county building or land-use requirements in unincorporated Kings County.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Kings County.
Permit fees — Permit fees administered by Kings County for construction and development permits.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Kings County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from California’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

California requires no STATE permit for a domestic well — wells are permitted by the county — but under SGMA a Groundwater Sustainability Agency can meter or restrict new wells in medium/high-priority and critically overdrafted basins, and Executive Order N-7-22 requires counties in those basins to get GSA verification that a new well is consistent with the Groundwater Sustainability Plan before permitting.

Limit: 2 acre-feet/year de minimis under SGMA (Water Code §10721(e)) — largely exempt from GSA metering/fees

California DWR / State Water Board — SGMA de minimis & EO N-7-22 Action 9 FAQ ↗

Kings Subbasin — Critically Overdraftedmajority of county
Kings River fan; adopted GSP with pumping reductions; new wells subject to GSA review/metering and EO N-7-22.
California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗
Kaweah Subbasin — Critically Overdraftedmajority of county
Visalia area; SGMA intervention/probation risk; GSP pumping reductions; new wells subject to GSA review and EO N-7-22.
California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗
Westside Subbasin — Critically Overdraftedpartial of county
West-side chronic subsidence; GSP pumping reductions; new wells subject to GSA review and EO N-7-22.
California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗
Tulare Lake Subbasin — Critically Overdraftedpartial of county
Placed on State Water Board probation (metering/reporting/fees) for inadequate GSP/subsidence; GSP pumping reductions; new wells subject to GSA review and EO N-7-22.
California DWR Bulletin 118 — Critically Overdrafted Basins ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the California state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Kings County, California

Is Kings County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Kings County scores 27/100 on the Bolthole Index, a weak county profile. Its strengths: higher long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 7.7″ of rain a year, in severe drought 40.4% of years and about 85,636 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Kings County, California?

Kings County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kings County environmental health / Community Development Agency (private sewage disposal). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kings County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Kings County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Statewide rule. Occupancy of recreational vehicles as residential units in California. RVs are not intended for occupancy as permanent dwellings. Unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, RV occupancy generally is limited to mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act or Special Occupancy Parks Act. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Kings County, California?

Land in Kings County runs about $10,391 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kings County?

Kings County gets about 7.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 40.4% of years. On water rights, Kings County lies in the Kings Subbasin — Critically Overdrafted — Kings River fan; adopted GSP with pumping reductions; new wells subject to GSA review/metering and EO N-7-22..

How remote is Kings County?

A representative private-land location has about 85,636 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,395,178 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Kings County, California

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Kings County, California?

Who is the Kings County building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Kings County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Kings County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kings County?

Building a home in Kings County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Kings County

Watch-outs

Sources

Kings County in California

How Kings County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Kings County

Kings County rules

California rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Water rights & wells in Kings County

Living off-grid in Kings County, California

Is Kings County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Kings County, California?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kings County?

How much does land cost in Kings County, California?

What is the water situation in Kings County?

How remote is Kings County?

How Kings compares in California