The purpose of this chapter is to establish general rules for the administration of this title.

(Ord. G-6077 § 11 (part), 1994)

The planning director shall be vested with the authority to administer this title. In the course of these duties, the planning director shall have the authority to interpret the provisions of this title. Where there is a question as to the meaning or the intent of any requirement of this title, including interpretations of conditions of approval required in conjunction with the approval of any ministerial or discretionary permit authorized therein, the planning director shall provide any necessary interpretation, and the decision of the planning director shall be final.

(Ord. G-6077 § 11 (part), 1994)

The planning director may delegate any responsibility or authority charged to him/her by any section of this title to any employee of the Kern County planning department, any employee of any department of the county of Kern, or a committee of employees of the county of Kern. Any employee or employees so designated may act on behalf of the planning director in a matter or proceeding specified in this title.

(Ord. G-6077 § 11 (part), 1994)

An individual or individuals that have a physical or mental disability, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and state fair housing laws, may request that a reasonable accommodation be made if it can be demonstrated that adopted ordinances, policies, programs, permitting processes or fees, which are administered by the planning department, will create an undue burden upon that individual or individuals. Such a request may be filed in writing or verbally in conjunction with a personal appointment with the planning director. A qualifying disabled individual is any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such an impairment, or anyone who has a record of such impairment. Individuals who are currently using illegal controlled substances are not included; however, former abusers enrolled in a recovery program are included. If an individual needs assistance in making a request for reasonable accommodation, the department will endeavor to provide the assistance required. The planning director is authorized to make such an accommodation if it is determined that the request is reasonable and will not result in any of the following: 1) a fundamental alteration of the county's ordinances, policies or programs, 2) creation of an undue administrative burden on the department; or 3) creation of an undue financial burden on the department. Such an accommodation shall only be made if the planning director determines that there will be no resulting significant impacts to the public's health, safety or welfare. In the event that the request for a reasonable accommodation is denied by the planning director, the decision may be appealed to the board of supervisors if filed within fourteen (14) days from the date of said decision.

(Ord. No. G-7821, § 11, 1-27-09)

The board of supervisors may establish a reasonable fee for processing any application specified in this title, provided the fee does not exceed the estimated actual cost of processing such application. The board of supervisors shall adopt and may periodically revise a schedule of fees for processing such applications.

(Ord. G-6077 § 11 (part), 1994)