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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kernville, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term vacation rentals located in unincorporated Kern County (including Kernville) must register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate for each dwelling, unit, or separately advertised bedroom and collect/remit a 6% TOT. Operators must file quarterly TOT returns (due the last day of the month following each calendar quarter), retain backup documentation for at least 3 years, and post the TOT certificate prominently; the TOT certificate is not a land-use permit, so operators must also comply with applicable zoning and land-use regulations.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Create an account and apply for a TOT Certificate via the county’s official STR/TOT portal (https://portal.deckard.com/ca-kern-str-portal/) as referenced on the Treasurer-Tax Collector site; 2) Use the portal or county forms to file quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax returns and remit the 6% TOT (no registration fee stated); 3) Retain records for 3 years and report changes to registration information within 30 days via KernTOT@KernCounty.com.

Official Resources

Official Kernville STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kernville, CA?
Short-term vacation rentals located in unincorporated Kern County (including Kernville) must register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate for each dwelling, unit, or separately advertised bedroom and collect/remit a 6% TOT. Operators must file quarterly TOT returns (due the last day of the month following each calendar quarter), retain backup documentation for at least 3 years, and post the TOT certificate prominently; the TOT certificate is not a land-use permit, so operators must also comply with applicable zoning and land-use regulations.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kernville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kernville. 1) Create an account and apply for a TOT Certificate via the county’s official STR/TOT portal (https://portal.deckard.com/ca-kern-str-portal/) as referenced on the Treasurer-Tax Collector site; 2) Use the portal or county forms to file quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax returns and remit the 6% TOT (no registration fee stated); 3) Retain records for 3 years and report changes to registration information within 30 days via KernTOT@KernCounty.com.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kernville?
1) Create an account and apply for a TOT Certificate via the county’s official STR/TOT portal (https://portal.deckard.com/ca-kern-str-portal/) as referenced on the Treasurer-Tax Collector site; 2) Use the portal or county forms to file quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax returns and remit the 6% TOT (no registration fee stated); 3) Retain records for 3 years and report changes to registration information within 30 days via KernTOT@KernCounty.com.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction