Kern County
In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Overview
Population
Avg. Household Income
$
Experiencing Rent Burden
0
Providing adequate housing options is a key function of local governments. To help residents ensure their local government is meeting this need, we’ve compiled important information about this jurisdiction’s housing efforts below.
Housing Element is In Compliance
This city is currently working on implementing its housing element.
Housing Element is Out of Compliance
This city is currently working on implementing its housing element.
Good Progress
This city is currently on track to meet their RHNA housing targets.
Making Slow Progress
This city is falling behind. It is not on track to meet its housing targets.
Housing Targets
Every 8 years California assesses housing need and assigns each city with a target they must hit. If
Kern County
repeats its efforts from the previous cycle
it will only meet 11% of the identified need.
Current RHNA Target
2023
-
2031
On Target
Behind
Hit Target
Missed
Very Low Income
Low Income
Median Income
Above Median Income
State Statutes
Organizers fighting for fair housing can use many state laws to ensure that jurisdictions meet their housing targets.
Builder’s Remedy
When a city’s Housing Element is out of compliance, the Builder’s Remedy allows developers to bypass the zoning code and city plans another couple of words.
Applies
Applies
Applies
SB 423
When cities lack a compliant housing element or are behind on RHNA, this statute streamlines approval of projects that meet a threshold of affordable units.
10% Affordable
10% Affordable
Conditions in
Kern County
HE Compliance
How does
Kern County
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a better job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
0
0
Income
-21
-21
Density
-13
-13
Join the Fun!
Key parts of
Kern County
’s housing element are currently being worked on. Get involved to hold them accountable for meeting their deadlines.
Kern County
's Volunteers
0
Current Watchdogs
Level I
0/10 Volunteers
Upcoming Opportunities
Add Event
These upcoming events and tasks are great opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Event Name
Stop by Drinks & Agendas
Each Friday at 12:00PST our team gets together via Zoom to monitor local agendas so we can direct watchdogs to key meetings where decisions are being made about housing.
Watchdog Reports
Add Report
Our watchdogs are on the ground observing and taking part in the fight for fair housing. Read their reports below.
Kern County
's Reports
Anonymous
Jack Farrell
10
/
24
- Shafter’s 6th Cycle Housing Element was adopted on March 5, 2024, by the City Council. Per GC Section 65583(c)(1)(A), the City has three years from adoption to rezone. Therefore, the rezoning needs to be completed by March 5, 2027.
- The City is currently going through a General Plan Update process that includes a zoning ordinance revision because, by State law, a zoning ordinance must be consistent with a General Plan. The City has hired a planning consultant to help with the General Plan Update and, as part of that update, the zoning ordinance, including the zoning map, would be revised. Staff anticipates that the rezoning will occur prior to the March 5, 2027, date and there is currently no hearing has been scheduled for a rezone. The City is currently working on a webpage for the General Plan Update and hopes to have it live by early next year.
/
Loss
/
Pro Housing
/
Win
/
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
/
Pro Housing