Bolthole Index

Kings County, California

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

27Index Score / 100
#47 of 58 in California

Unincorporated Kings County, California requires building permits for new construction and for remodeling, expansion or improvement of an existing building1. The Kings County Building Division reviews digital applications, issues permits and inspects permitted work2,3. The county zones all unincorporated land4 and administers onsite wastewater systems through an approved Local Agency Management Program5.

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

Unincorporated Kings County requires building permits for a new building and for remodeling, expanding or improving an existing building.

Unincorporated Kings County requires building permits for a new building and for remodeling, expanding or improving an existing building1. The Building Division reviews applications and issues permits for construction in unincorporated areas3. The 2025 California Building Standards Code took effect January 1, 202612. The county enforces the state building, residential, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy and green-building codes, along with county building and flood-damage ordinances3. To apply, register for an Online Permit Center account, wait for Building Department verification, and upload scaled plans and supporting documents as PDF files13. Permitted work receives periodic inspections as construction progresses1.

Who issues Kings County building permits, and what do they cost?

The Kings County Community Development Agency handles building and planning permits from 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Bldg. #6, in Hanford, California 93230.

The Kings County Community Development Agency handles building and planning permits from 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Bldg. #6, in Hanford, California 9323014. Call the Building Division at (559) 852-2670 or email kcgc.building@co.kings.ca.us14. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon14. The agency processes permit applications digitally through the Online Permit Center2,14. The 2026 schedule prices building and plan-check fees under the applicable building code rather than as one flat amount; work following a Notice of Violation or Stop Work Notice is charged a double fee15.

Does Kings County have zoning?

The Kings County Development Code zones all unincorporated land; the county rules below apply outside city limits.

The Kings County Development Code zones all unincorporated land; the county rules below apply outside city limits4. Hanford, Lemoore and Corcoran have their own city zoning16,17,18. Kings County Environmental Health Services remains the onsite wastewater contact5,19. County residential districts include RR, R-1 and RM; uses may require Site Plan Review, a Conditional Use Permit or a temporary-use permit6. In the county's commercial use table, P means no zoning permit required, S means Site Plan Review, C means Conditional Use Permit, TUP means a temporary land-use permit, and a dash means prohibited; these classifications do not waive building permits1,20. RR requires 30,000 square feet, increased to at least one acre with an individual water supply or sewage disposal system; R-1-6 requires 6,000 square feet, while the 3,000-square-foot R-1-3 district is limited to Kettleman City6. In RR, the front setback is 50 feet or at least 80 feet from the road centerline, with ground-floor side and rear setbacks of 20 feet6. Structural coverage is capped at 40% in RR and R-1-20, R-1-12, R-1-8 and R-1-66. Listed residential districts allow heights up to 30 feet, or 50 feet with a Conditional Use Permit6. Ask the Community Development Agency to identify the parcel's district before designing the site14.

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 apply.

Kings County administers onsite wastewater systems locally through an approved Local Agency Management Program, while State Water Board policy and regional-board oversight still apply5. 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 the parcel and proposed system require19,21. Reach Kings County Environmental Health Services at 460 Kings County Drive, Hanford, California 93230, phone (559) 584-141119. California requires owners to keep onsite systems working properly, including inspection and pumping as necessary or as local ordinances require; the statewide policy does not set one universal inspection interval22. 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 work23.

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

In unincorporated Kings County, guest RV stays must supplement an existing residence: up to 14 days, at most 3 times yearly per residence, never permanent dwelling.

In unincorporated Kings County, guest RV stays must supplement an existing residence: up to 14 days, at most 3 times yearly per residence, never permanent dwelling9. On-site sewage or grey-water discharge is prohibited; only the manufacturer's electrical cord may connect to the residence9. Caring for an infirm parent, grandparent, child, grandchild or sibling allows up to 60 days, ending sooner if care is no longer needed, with a doctor's letter9. Temporary RV parks require Site Plan Review, limit rentals to 11 days and require authorized dump-station disposal; these rules do not authorize living on an ordinary private lot9. Agricultural-employee housing on agriculturally zoned land allows up to 12 temporary RVs with a Temporary Use Permit9. Mobile or manufactured homes require Mobile Home Review9. We could not confirm general private-land camping or a separate tiny-home category; ask the Community Development Agency14. California tiny homes must satisfy their approved housing or vehicle category's rules24. Qualifying ADUs are allowed on residentially zoned lots with existing or proposed dwellings8. Local standards cannot prevent a qualifying 800-square-foot ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks, subject to other requirements; this does not establish a principal-home minimum size25.

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

Start with the Community Development Agency to confirm zoning, required land-use review, lot area, setbacks and height limits.

  1. Start with the Community Development Agency to confirm zoning, required land-use review, lot area, setbacks and height limits6,14.
  2. Ask Environmental Health Services about site-specific septic requirements and well permitting before committing to a layout5,19,26.
  3. Register for the Online Permit Center, obtain account verification, and upload scaled plans and supporting documents as PDFs13.
  4. Projects in mapped Zone A or Zone AE need county floodplain documents before permit issuance2,10.
  5. California's owner-builder exemption covers contractor licensing, with conditions, and does not waive building permits, codes, zoning or inspections; owners cannot perform work covered by the well-drilling license classification7.
  6. Expect plan review under the applicable building code and periodic construction inspections1,3.

What should you check before buying 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 years.

Kings County averages 7.7 inches of precipitation a year and has experienced severe drought in about 40.4% of recent years23. Environmental Health Services regulates domestic wells, and the county master fee schedule lists a $490 well permit fee, though we could not confirm which wells need that permit11. California well construction, alteration and destruction go through the local enforcing agency's permitting process; ask Environmental Health Services which requirements apply before relying on a new well19,26. Land divisions in unincorporated Kings County are regulated through the Subdivision Map Act and the county Development Code, so ask the Community Development Agency about subdivision approval before buying land you intend to split27. We could not confirm general agricultural-building exemptions, driveway-access requirements or alternative off-grid sanitation rules; ask the Community Development Agency about buildings and access, and Environmental Health Services about sanitation14,19.

Watch-outs

  • Kings County's Community Development Agency processes permit applications digitally, and the Building Department must verify your Online Permit Center account before all features are available2,13.
  • A change of use previously permitted through a Conditional Use Permit or Site Plan Review requires a Kings County change-of-use/compliance inspection to determine whether a new zoning permit or occupancy classification is needed6.

Sources

27 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 12, 2026

  1. Kings County Grand Jury Final Report
  2. Kings County Budget Fiscal Year 2022-23
  3. Kings County Budget 2021-2022, Community Development Agency
  4. Development Code Text Change 668.17(a)
  5. Local Agency Management Programs (LAMPS) for On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)
  6. Kings County Development Code, Article 5
  7. Owner-Builder Overview
  8. Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook March 2026
  9. Article 1, Zoning Ordinance / Development Code
  10. Kings County Web Permitting
  11. EHS Drinking water
  12. Approved Building Standards
  13. Kings County Web Permitting
  14. Kings County Community Development Agency (countyofkingsca.gov)
  15. KINGS CO. COMM. DEV. AGENCY - FEES SCHEDULE 2026
  16. Hanford: Municipal Code, City of Hanford (Kings County)
  17. Lemoore: official source (Kings County)
  18. Corcoran: official source (Kings County)
  19. Kings County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services (kcdph.com)
  20. Ordinance No. 668-1-25
  21. Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems
  22. 2018 Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation and Maintenance of OWTS
  23. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes (California statewide rule)
  25. Review of County of Kings’ Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance under State ADU Law
  26. Well Standards
  27. County of Kings budget document, Community Development Agency

Written October 12, 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.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Kings County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Kings County has countywide zoning.

RuleKings CountyFresno CountyTulare CountySan Luis Obispo CountySan Benito CountyMadera CountyKern County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty environmental healthCounty Env. Health Dept.County Env. Health Div.County Planning & Building Dept.County Health & Human Services AgencyCounty Env. Health Div.County Env. Health Div.

County locator

Kings County in California

27
County map
Kings County highlighted among the California counties · colored by Index score

How Kings County scores

27 / 100 · #47 of 58 in California · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

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%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
158,423 acWorkable land screen
4.7%Wooded land
64.2°FAvg temp

Scout Kings County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Kings County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Sell land in Kings County? Be the only seller on this page →

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Kings County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Avenal

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

  • Building permitLimited

    Structures, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work covered by Kings County Conditional Use Permit No. 24-02 in the unincorporated county.

    • The cited requirement is stated as a condition of C.U.P. No. 24-02 and is not a general Chapter 5 permit-exemption schedule.
    • A complete set of plans and calculations is required for all work proposed and required by the application.
    • Plans and calculations must be signed by an architect or engineer licensed to practice in California and submitted digitally.
    • Failure to obtain a building permit before commencing construction on work requiring a permit results in a double fee, without relieving compliance with Chapter 5 or other penalties.
    • Construction must conform to the latest edition of the California Building Standards Code, including the California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire, and Green Building Standards Codes.
    “Building permits must be obtained from the Building Division of the Kings County Community Development Agency for any structures, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a new building, or remodeling, expansion, or improvement of an existing building in unincorporated Kings County.
      “Issue permits for any construction in the unincorporated areas of the County”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction in the unincorporated areas of Kings County administered by the Kings County Building Division.

    • The Kings County Building Division enforces the California Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Residential, Energy, and Green Building Standards Codes.
    • The Building Division also implements the Kings County Building and Structures Ordinance and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    • The Building Division receives and reviews building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit applications for new construction and remodeling or rehabilitation of existing structures.
    • The Building Division issues permits for construction in the unincorporated areas of the County and conducts periodic inspections to ensure applicable code requirements are met.
    • The cited county budget document is an official county description of Building Division responsibilities; current code editions and effective dates are governed by applicable state and local enactments.
    “The Building Division is responsible for the following activities: • Enforce the California Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Residential, Energy, and Green Building Standards Codes; [...] • Issue permits for any construction in the unincorporated areas of the County, and carry out periodic inspections of the work progress during construction to ensure that the construction meets applicable code requirements;”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction work subject to county building permits in unincorporated Kings County.
      “carry out periodic inspections of the work progress during construction to ensure that the construction meets applicable code requirements”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures covered by Kings County Conditional Use Permit No. 24-02 in the unincorporated county.

    • A final inspection must be requested before occupying the structures and before startup of the operation.
    • All drive approaches and durable dustless surfaces must be installed before final inspection and maintained under County standards.
    • All special inspection reports must be provided before requesting final inspection.
    • Applicable school fees are added to the building-permit cost unless the school district provides an exemption.
    • Public Facilities Impact Fees are payable when the building permit is issued, if applicable.
    • If landscaping is proposed, landscape and irrigation plans must be reviewed and approved before building-permit issuance.
    • The cited requirement is a project-specific operative condition, not a verified countywide rule for every structure or permit-exempt and temporary occupancy scenario.
    “The applicant is responsible for contacting the Building Division to request a final inspection of the structures prior to occupying the structures and prior to startup of the operation. No building or structure shall be used or occupied until the Building Division has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Kings County zoning regulation in all unincorporated areas of the county through the Kings County Development Code.

    • The cited rule applies to unincorporated Kings County.
    • Specific development may require the applicable zoning district approval, including a Site Plan Review zoning permit where required.
    “Amendment of various sections of Articles 5, 7, 12 & 25 of the Kings County Development Code [...] Applies to all unincorporated areas of Kings County”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Residential zoning districts identified in the Kings County Development Code.

    • The opened code excerpt covers residential districts and identifies RR, R-1, and RM; other county zoning articles may establish additional agricultural, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, public-facilities, or overlay districts.
    • The code's use matrix distinguishes permitted uses, site-plan-review uses, conditional-use-permit uses, temporary land uses, and prohibited uses.

    residential zoning districts: RR, R-1, RM · use designation P: Permitted uses - no permit required · use designation S: Site Plan Review required · use designation C: Conditional Use Permit required · use designation TUP: A temporary land use which requires an over-the-counter permit

    “Table 5-1 RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS LAND USE REGULATIONS KEY “P” Permitted uses - no permit required. “S” Site Plan Review required. “C” Conditional Use Permit required. “TUP” A temporary land use which requires an over-the-counter permit “-” Not permitted ZONING DISTRICT RR R-1 RM”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Land-use regulation in Kings County zoning districts, including commercial zoning district use classifications and permit requirements.
      “The following table prescribes the land use regulations for “Commercial” districts.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Parcels in Kings County residential zoning districts RR, R-1-20, R-1-12, R-1-8, R-1-6, R-1-3, RM-3, RM-2, and RM-1.5.

    • The table states that all standards are minimum standards unless otherwise stated.
    • Minimum site areas range from 3,000 square feet in R-1-3 to 30,000 square feet in RR; RM districts also specify site area per dwelling unit of 3,000, 2,000, or 1,500 square feet.
    • In the RR district, the minimum site area shall not be less than one acre if an individual water supply or individual sewage waste disposal system is used.
    • Density bonuses may reduce site areas for qualifying developments of five or more dwelling units under the cited Government Code and Kings County Density Bonus regulations.

    minimum site area: 3,000-30,000 square feet (District-specific values: RR 30,000; R-1-20 20,000; R-1-12 12,000; R-1-8 8,000; R-1-6 6,000; R-1-3 3,000; RM-3/RM-2/RM-1.5 6,000.) · minimum RR site area with individual water or sewage disposal: >= 1 acre (Applies when an individual water supply or individual sewage waste disposal system is used.)

    “Site area (Square Feet) 30,000 20,000 12,000 8,000 6,000 3,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 See Note (1)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Parcels in Kings County residential zoning districts RR, R-1-20, R-1-12, R-1-8, R-1-6, R-1-3, RM-3, RM-2, and RM-1.5.
      “Site area (Square Feet) 30,000 20,000 12,000 8,000 6,000 3,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 See Note (1) Site area (Square Feet) per dwelling unit 3,000 2,000 1,500”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures on parcels in Kings County residential zoning districts.

    • Front, rear, side, corner-lot, reverse-corner, and per-story setbacks vary by zoning district and lot configuration.
    • Front setback in RR is 50 feet or not less than 80 feet from the road centerline.
    • Rear-yard exceptions include alley rights-of-way and certain accessory or garden structures.
    • Additional garage/carport setbacks apply in RR and R-1 corner-lot situations.

    front setback: 15-50 feet (District-specific; RR is 50 feet, R-1-20/R-1-12/R-1-8 are 25 feet, R-1-6 is 20 feet, R-1-3 is 15 feet, and RM districts are 20 feet.) · ground-floor side setback: 5-20 feet (District-specific.) · ground-floor rear setback: 10-20 feet (District-specific.)

    “Front setback 50* 25 25 25 20 15 20 20 20 *Or not less than 80 feet from centerline of road.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Setbacks for parcels in Kings County residential zoning districts.
      “On a site situated between sites improved with buildings, where said buildings are set back less than the minimum distance required by this section, the minimum front yard setback shall be the average depth of the front yards on the improved sites adjoining the side lines of the site, but such minimum shall not be less than 10 feet.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum structural coverage on parcels within Kings County residential zoning districts.

    • R-1-3 is identified as Kettleman City only.
    • The table defines coverage as maximum area covered by structures; other district-specific provisions and exceptions may apply.

    maximum structural coverage, RR/R-1-20/R-1-12/R-1-8/R-1-6: <= 40 percent · maximum structural coverage, R-1-3: <= 83.3 percent (Kettleman City only) · maximum structural coverage, RM-3: <= 50 percent · maximum structural coverage, RM-2: <= 60 percent · maximum structural coverage, RM-1.5: <= 70 percent

    “Maximum area covered by structures 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 83.3% 50% 60% 70%”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Maximum area covered by structures on parcels in Kings County residential zoning districts.
      “Maximum area covered by structures 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 83.3% 50% 60% 70%”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Maximum structural coverage in Kings County residential zoning districts.
      “Site Coverage Maximum area covered by structures 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 83.3% 50% 60% 70%”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum structure height in Kings County residential zoning districts.

    • A conditional use permit may allow structures up to 50 feet.
    • No accessory structure over three feet in height may be located in a required front yard or Traffic Safety Visibility Area.

    maximum height of structures in listed residential districts: <= 30 feet · maximum height of structures with conditional use permit: <= 50 feet (conditional use permit required)

    “Maximum height of structures. 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 See Note (8) Maximum height of structures with CUP. 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Structures and accessory structures in Kings County residential zoning districts.
      “Maximum height of structures. 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 See Note (8) Maximum height of structures with CUP. 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles used as temporary dwellings supplemental to an existing residence or to care for an infirm parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling in unincorporated Kings County.

    • Visiting relatives or guests: no more than 14 days and no more than three times per year per residence.
    • The recreational vehicle may not be used as a permanent dwelling.
    • No on-site discharge of waste or grey water is permitted; sewage disposal must be at the Kings County Public Works County Shop on 11th Avenue in Hanford or another authorized disposal site.
    • Connection to the main residence is limited to the electrical cord supplied by the recreational vehicle manufacturer.
    • Care for an infirm relative is limited to 60 days or until the condition requiring care no longer exists, whichever is shorter.
    • A doctor's letter is required to document the need for extended infirm-relative use.
    • The source identifies these uses as subject to the temporary-use requirements of Article 11, Section 1107.B.3.

    maximum visiting-guest period: <= 14 days (per residence) · maximum visiting-guest frequency: <= 3 times per year (per residence) · maximum infirm-relative period: <= 60 days (or until the condition requiring care no longer exists, whichever is shorter)

    “The use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle as a temporary dwelling unit for visiting relatives or guests shall be limited to periods of not more than 14 days and no more than three times per year per residence. Under no circumstances shall the travel trailer or recreational vehicle be used as a permanent dwelling.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Travel trailers or recreational vehicles used as temporary dwellings supplemental to an existing residence in unincorporated Kings County.
      “not more than 14 days and no more than three times per year per residence.”
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Temporary recreational vehicle parks in Kings County jurisdiction.
      “Applicants proposing any temporary recreational vehicle park within County jurisdiction shall be required to submit an application for a Site Plan Review and obtain approval for such a park prior to establishing the use. [...] Temporary recreational vehicle spaces may be rented or leased for periods up to 11 days.”
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Temporary recreational-vehicle housing for agricultural employees and migrant farm workers on agricultural-zoned land where two or more lots are rented, leased, or held out for rent or lease.
      “An area or tract of land which is zoned for agricultural purposes where two or more lots are rented, leased or held out for rent or lease may be used to accommodate12 or fewer recreational vehicles as temporary housing for agricultural employees and migrant farm workers. [...] The property owner of the agricultural farming operation shall obtain a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) from the Community Development Agency for the parking of recreational vehicles for agricultural employees.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Installation and occupancy of mobile or manufactured homes on parcels in unincorporated Kings County.

    • A Mobile Home Review is a Site Plan Review process and the Article 16 Site Plan Review procedures apply.
    • The review is intended to ensure the mobile home meets installation criteria and required setbacks and other development requirements.
    • The ordinance lists eligible uses including a farm employee dwelling, a second dwelling unit, certain temporary family-member dwelling units, and a watchman’s or caretaker’s quarters.
    • Temporary storage in agricultural zoning districts is separately limited: one mobile home, no occupancy while stored, a DO NOT OCCUPY sign, a bond, maximum 12 months plus one possible 12-month extension, no utility connections, and no storage on Williamson Act contracted land.
    • Manufactured housing communities and mobile home parks require a Conditional Use Permit and Planning Commission approval, water and sewer connections, required agency permits, a minimum two-acre site, and other listed site, parking, access, landscaping, and recreational-space standards.

    manufactured housing community minimum site area: >= 2 acres · mobile home storage period: 12 months (One additional 12-month extension may be approved by the Zoning Administrator)

    “A Mobile Home Review (MHR)is a Site Plan Review process that is used specifically to permit the installation of a mobile home on a parcel within the unincorporated areas of the County. [...] Applicants proposing any manufactured housing community/mobile home park within County jurisdiction shall be required to submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit and obtain approval from the Planning Commission for such a park. [...] A manufactured housing community or mobile home park shall have a minimum site area of two acres with the maximum density determined by the density of the land use zoning district in which it is located.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Domestic wells and state small water systems in Kings County that fall within the County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Services program.

    • Kings County EHS states that it regulates domestic wells and state small water systems through periodic inspection and evaluation and enforcement.
    • The official county master fee schedule lists a Well Permit fee of $490.00, but the accessible source did not state every applicability exception or whether all private wells require a permit.
    • Fee amounts may change.

    well permit fee: 490 USD (The source states that all prices are subject to change)

    “EHS regulates domestic wells and state small water systems. We accomplish this through periodic inspection and evaluation, together with an enforcement program designed to improve the operations of these systems.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-division applications in unincorporated Kings County administered through the County's planning and advisory-agency functions.

    • The County implements the California Subdivision Map Act through Land Subdivisions, Article 23 of the Kings County Development Code, Ordinance No. 668.
    • The County's General Plan and planning-and-zoning administration described in the cited passage concern the unincorporated area; incorporated cities may administer their own land-use rules.
    • Subdivision approval is subject to applicable state and local requirements and processing by the County advisory agency.
    “development of the unincorporated area of the County [...] Implement the Subdivision Map Act [...] through the implementation of Land Subdivisions”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Permits issued within special flood hazard areas in unincorporated Kings County.

    • The Kings County Community Development Agency carries out the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    • Compliance is evaluated before permit issuance and obtained and field verified before final permit approval.
    • The source references FEMA maps in effect September 2015.
    • The fee schedule separately lists a floodplain development permit, letter, or variance with a $160 minimum and actual-cost maximum.

    floodplain permit evaluation timing: prior to permit issuance · final compliance verification timing: prior to final permit approval · referenced FEMA map date: 2015-09 (Maps in effect September 2015)

    “All permits issued within the special flood hazard areas were evaluated prior to permit issuance. Compliance with the requirements was obtained and field verified prior to final permit approval.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permit applications for development in a special flood hazard area under Kings County floodplain procedures.
      “A Floodplain Development Permit is required for all construction activities located in Zone A & Zone AE.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Kings County Community Development Agency planning, floodplain, and building-related fees.

    • The schedule is effective January 17, 2026 under Ordinance No. 520.25.
    • The floodplain development permit/letter/variance fee is $160 minimum and actual cost maximum.
    • Building permit and plan-check fees are stated as Per CBC; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are stated as Per CEC, Per CMC, and Per CPC.
    • Permits following a Notice of Violation or Stop Work Notice are charged double fee.

    fee schedule effective date: 2026-01-17 (Effective January 17, 2026 - Ord. No. 520.25) · floodplain development permit/letter/variance minimum: 160 USD · floodplain development permit/letter/variance maximum: Actual Cost USD · building permit fee: Per CBC · plan check fee: Per CBC

    “KINGS CO. COMM. DEV. AGENCY - FEES SCHEDULE 2026 Effective January 17, 2026 - Ord. No. 520.25”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Kings County Community Development Agency planning, building, and floodplain-related applications covered by the 2026 fee schedule.
      “KINGS CO. COMM. DEV. AGENCY - FEES SCHEDULE 2026 Effective January 17, 2026 - Ord. No. 520.25”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County-administered building permit application processing for structures in unincorporated Kings County.
      “This past year the CDA was able to establish a new online permit center transitioning all the applications processed by the department from a paper format to a digital format making it easier and quicker for the public to submit applications.”

California rules that apply here

  • 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”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner-builders constructing, altering, repairing, improving, or remodeling buildings or structures in California, including Kings County
      “An owner-builder is exempt from licensure, but there are limitations.”
    • Conditional — Owner-builders performing or arranging construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or remodeling of property in Kings County under California contractor-licensing law.
      “An owner-builder is exempt from licensure, but there are limitations.”
    • 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”
    • 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”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    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.”
  • 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).”
  • 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.”
    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”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), including septic-type off-grid sanitation systems using subsurface disposal, statewide in California.

    • The policy authorizes only subsurface disposal of domestic-strength wastewater, with limited instances of high-strength wastewater.
    • Owners must comply with local codes and ordinances and with applicable local permitting conditions that do not directly conflict with the policy, including more-stringent conditions.
    • New and replacement OWTS must meet Tier 1 standards, an approved Tier 2 Local Agency Management Program alternative, Tier 3 requirements when applicable near an impaired water body, or Tier 4 corrective-action requirements when applicable.
    • An OWTS in an area subject to a Basin Plan prohibition of OWTS discharges must comply with that prohibition and any authorized-discharge conditions.
    “The purpose of this Policy is to allow the continued use of OWTS, while protecting water quality and public health.”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Group U agricultural buildings subject to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code in designated fire-hazard or wildland-urban-interface areas.

    • The agricultural building must be a Group U occupancy agricultural building as defined in California Building Code Section 202.
    • The agricultural building may be of any size but must be located at least 50 feet (15,240 mm) from an applicable building.
    • The cited WUI application identifies State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Areas identified by the State Fire Marshal as High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as well as land designated by cities or other local agencies as a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area.
    • This is an exception from the stated WUI-code application, not a general exemption from local building, zoning, septic, well, or other permit requirements.

    minimum separation from applicable building: >= 50 feet (Group U occupancy agricultural building; source also states 15,240 mm.)

    “Group U occupancy agricultural buildings, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building.”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionConditional

    One-story detached accessory structures covered by California Residential Code Section R105.2 or California Building Code Section 105.2.

    • The structure must be one story and detached.
    • The floor area must not exceed 120 square feet.
    • The permit exemption does not authorize work that violates the code or any other law or ordinance of the jurisdiction.
    • Local planning, zoning, fire, utility, and other approvals may still apply.

    maximum floor area: <= 120 square feet (One-story detached accessory structure.)

    “The provision of Item 1, “Work exempt from permit,” under the 2021 IRC, allows one-story detached accessory structures to be exempt from a permit, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m²). HCD proposes to continue adoption of the California amendment retaining the exemption at a maximum of 120 square feet of floor area.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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”
  • 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:”
  • 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”

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.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Kings County.

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 ↗

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.

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.

How Kings compares in California

Compare side-by-side →See all 58 California counties ranked →