The Kern River Valley is diverse and unique in many ways, including topography. There are hills and mountains, valleys and culverts, plateaus, flood plains and riverbeds, private property and government land, neighborhoods, forests, public and private campgrounds, RV and mobilehome parks, and open ranch land. The housing is also unique and diverse. Residents live in conventional "stick built" homes, mobile and manufactured homes, apartments, duplexes, cabins, geodesic domes, and even houses made of straw. County zoning laws, as well as a few minimal CC&R's, may dictate what type of housing is allowed in certain areas, but for the most part, no strict restrictions apply.

A manufactured home can sometimes be attached to a real foundation and allowed in a neighborhood of conventional homes, but always check for CC&'s first. Purchasing property and living on it in a travel trailer or motor home for a long period of time without any intent to build a home is not allowed. You can get a special permit to live in temporary housing for a short period of time while building your home, but only after filing and paying for a building permit with Kern County. You would also need a special permit to put more than one housing unit on a single parcel of property unless it was zoned for multiple housing. But please don't take these words for gospel. There may be exceptions to every rule. Do your own research. Contact Kern County personnel or consult an attorney for information and legal advice.