Kern County · Zoning · OS
Kern County OS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Kern County's OS zone, generally the front setback is None required and the minimum lot size is No minimum, with the conditions listed below (Kern County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: None required
- Minimum side setback: None required
- Minimum rear setback: None required
- Minimum lot size: No minimum (A lot zoned Open Space may not be divided, except to convey land to a government agency or public utility)
OS (Open Space) is a zoning district in Kern County. Every value below was read from the Kern County Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in OS
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Minimum front setback | None required § 19.44.070 · code textThere are no yard and setback requirements in the OS district. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | None required § 19.44.070 · code textThere are no yard and setback requirements in the OS district. |
| Minimum rear setback | None required § 19.44.070 · code textThere are no yard and setback requirements in the OS district. |
| Minimum lot size | No minimum Applies: A lot zoned Open Space may not be divided, except to convey land to a government agency or public utility § 19.44.050 · code textThere is no minimum lot size required in the OS district; provided, however, that no lot zoned Open Space (OS) may be divided or separated in any manner, except in the case of a conveyance or dedication of land to a government agency, public entity or public utility for public purposes or public utility purposes. |
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for OS in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Kern County Municipal Code.
Other Kern County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in Kern County's OS zone?
None required — Kern County Municipal Code § 19.44.070.
What is the minimum side setback in Kern County's OS zone?
None required — Kern County Municipal Code § 19.44.070.
What is the minimum rear setback in Kern County's OS zone?
None required — Kern County Municipal Code § 19.44.070.
What is the minimum lot size in Kern County's OS zone?
No minimum (a lot zoned Open Space may not be divided, except to convey land to a government agency or public utility) — Kern County Municipal Code § 19.44.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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