ENGINEERING AND SURVEY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
BUDGET UNITS 1900 AND 2625

The Engineering and Survey Services Department (ESS) was established as a component department of the Resource Management Agency during the 1991-92 fiscal year by action of the Board of Supervisors. On September, 5, 1992, the Building Inspection function was also transferred to the department from the Planning Department. On July 1, 1994, the County Service Area function was transferred from the Waste Management Department. The department is divided into seven operating groups: Field Survey, Office Survey, Engineering Division, County Service Areas, West Kern Inspection Operations, East Kern Inspection Operations, and Counter Operations.

Field Survey Section

This Section makes any field surveys including those required by the Board of Supervisors or County Recorder and remarks Government corners as needed. They also replace and/or perpetuate control monuments of record, prior to new road construction. Surveys are also performed for drainage easements and drainage sumps. The Surveyor's office conducts investigation surveys, cadastral surveys and geodetic surveys which aid in the development of subdivisions, roads and large drainage studies. This type of precise control is also used for photogrammetry. The section also utilizes global positioning systems ("GPS") to perform surveys. Beginning with the year 2000 all maps filed with the state will require ties to GPS coordinates.

Office Survey Section

This Section processes final tract and parcel maps, amended maps and certificates of correction, final reversion to acreage maps, prepares precinct maps and record of surveys and filed maps. Also, they check legal descriptions of leases, easements and acquisitions at the request of Property Management. Upon request, maps and related information is provided to other county departments. Staff maintains a detailed history of all acquisitions of real property for county roads, county properties, state highways, and water projects. During the past year the mapping functions performed by the Planning Department were transferred to this section. Additionally, the department is converting drawings to an electronic format in conjunction with the development of a countywide GIS system.

Engineering Division

The Engineering Division is comprised of the Floodplain Management/Grading, Drainage Maintenance, and Development Plan Review and Field Inspections.

Floodplain Management is responsible for management of potential flood hazards created by new development encroaching on floodplains and imposing flood protection requirements, including hydrologic studies, flood mapping, rainfall and stream gauging, and implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program. The benefit of having an active floodplain management is that it facilitates reduced flood insurance rates for the residents of Kern County. It is also a requirement for federal cost recovery in case of a disaster. Additionally, this Section is responsible for review of grading plans and geologic reports submitted to the county.

The Development Review Unit reviews and inspects tentative tract, parcel maps, and other development projects in accordance with the Land Division Ordinance and Subdivision Standards. They review and approve street plans and profiles, water system plans, sewer system plans, improvement agreements and securities, and other documents relating to conditional use permits and map approvals.

The Drainage Maintenance Unit is responsible for operation and maintenance of the county maintained drainage facilities. They review proposed modifications to existing facilities and are responsible for implementation of federal National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") requirements.

County Service Areas

County Service Areas are administered by this unit which provides a wide range of services to county residents, such as streetlights, landscape maintenance, street sweeping, school crossing guards, sewer services, etc. County Service Areas are required for most new development. The unit is now required to administer the CSAs in compliance with proposition 218. This unit also oversees the office administrative functions of the department.

Counter Operations

Counter Operations consists of four groups: Customer Service, Plan Check/Specialist, Records and Clerical Support, and Counter Staff. The Customer Service group is the first point of contact for anyone entering the building. They provide telephone support for some of the departments and guidance to the public seeking any service provided throughout the Public Services Building. The Plan Check/Specialist group has responsibility for reviewing plans for compliance with all applicable building code requirements. The Records/Clerical Support group is responsible for maintaining the records of all building permits, dispatching inspectors on called inspections, and providing necessary clerical support. The Counter Staff is the primary interface with the public and is responsible for answering questions from the public, reviewing building applications, determining and collecting fees, and tracking of the permits as they proceed through plan check and review required by other departments such as Zoning, Fire, Health, etc.

East Kern and West Kern Inspection Operations

These two Sections are responsible for field inspections of various building projects to assure compliance with the approved plans during the construction process. Also, they are responsible for operation of outlying permit offices, which also issue permits and coordinate reviews by the Plan Check/Specialist staff when necessary. Finally, these groups are responsible for enforcement of the zoning ordinance.