A Geographic Information System (GIS) technology converts geographic features and attributes to a digitized database, creating a multilayered map of Kern County. Assessor GIS database consists of feature classes such as parcel numbers, assessor map books, tax rate areas, owner/assessee names, use codes, and assessed values.

The Assessor's mapping system is powered by ArcGIS software by Esri. The system models every parcel boundary in Kern County, as well as ancillary features, such as street, railroad and canal centerlines, section corners, section lines, public easements, and legal lot lines. Some ancillary feature sets are incomplete, but are being added on an ongoing basis.

The official assessment maps currently consist of nearly 17,000 hardcopy map sheets, mostly hand-drawn, drafted on vellum and mylar sheets. As converting hand-drawn maps will take time to complete, our current GIS data has varying degrees of accuracy.

Though GIS maps and data are offered for convenience, hardcopy Assessor Maps are still the official maps for property assessment purposes. GIS maps are available on an as-is basis.

Kern GIS Parcel Data, is available in two different edition types: a Preliminary Edition and a Final Edition. Each edition represents a snapshot-in-time of a continually changing dataset.

The Final Edition is published mid-July, after the July 1st tax roll close, and represents the statutory "final tax roll" which the Assessor delivers to the Auditor-Controller and is used to generate property tax bills in November. Archived Final Editions are available back to 2004.

The Preliminary Edition contains the most current ownership information available as well as recent parcel boundary changes, but due to its preliminary nature will contain some inconsistencies, such as incorrect valuations, interim parcel boundaries and other anomalies representing work in progress. Preliminary Editions will be released as frequently as is deemed appropriate, based on factors such as workload and demand.

The most recent edition available is: 2024 Final Edition, published 06-29-2024.

Each GIS dataset edition includes 4 distinct feature classes:

1. Land Parcels (polygons): The main parcel boundaries used for property tax purposes, representing the land/surface rights. Attributes include the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN).
2. Mineral Parcels (polygons): Parcel boundaries representing the mineral/subsurface rights. Attributes include the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN).
3. Assessor Map Book Areas (polygons): The Kern County assessment maps are organized into more than 450 books, each containing less than 100 pages of maps. Each map book encompasses a particular region with a specific boundary. Attributes include the Book Number.
4. Tax Rate Areas (polygons): Managed by the California State Board of Equalization, each tax rate area comprises a unique combination of assessment districts, and provides the basis for establishing tax rates. Attributes include the TRA Code.

These feature classes are provided in both Esri Shapefile and Esri File Geodatabase formats. The contents are identical in each format, except for technical differences in geometry support inherent to each format. (Shapefiles do not support circular curves, whereas File Geodatabases do).

Esri Shapefile is an open format, so it is compatible with a variety of GIS software packages whether proprietary, freeware, or open source.

Esri File Geodatabase is a proprietary format, but Esri has released a developer API. Non-developers can only use the File Geodatabase format within the ArcGIS software environment.

Each GIS dataset edition includes 6 distinct attribute tables. These tables come in dBase format (DBF) for use with the Shapefiles, and they are also included within the File Geodatabase as standalone tables. In either case, joining is required. The attribute tables are as follows:

1. Land: Primary data table for the land parcels. This table can be joined to the Land Parcels feature class.
2. Mineral: Primary data table for the mineral parcels. This table can be joined to the Mineral Parcels feature class. Contains most of the same fields as the Land tax roll table, except for a few which are not relevant to mineral parcels.
3. Parcel History: History of parcel number changes since Sep. 1994. Any APN change can be tracked forward or backward in time using this table. This is a standalone table, not intended for joining to any feature class.
4. Parcel History Event Type Codes: The Parcel History table contains some 'event type codes' that warrant further explanation, so this table provides an expanded explanation of those values. This table can be joined to the Parcel History table, but it probably isn't necessary due to the small number of items.
5. Roll Type Codes: The primary data tables (land and mineral) contain some 'roll type codes' that warrant further explanation, so this table provides an expanded explanation of those values. This table can be joined to the Land tax roll table, but it probably isn't necessary due to the small number of items.
6. Use Codes: The primary data tables (land and mineral) contain some 'use codes' that warrant further explanation, so this table provides an expanded explanation of those values. This table can be joined to the Land tax roll table, but it isn't necessary.

Also included in each dataset edition is a Microsoft Access 2010 database file (ACCDB), consisting of unfiltered, raw data, extracted from the county's mainframe system. It is not suitable for joining with the GIS feature classes. The 6 dBase files listed above were generated using queries and macros embedded in the Access database and is provided for those requiring the complete, unaltered tax roll.

• GIS Dataset fee is $220.
• Acceptable forms of payment are check or money order made payable to COUNTY OF KERN
• Do not send cash by mail. Cash is only accepted in-person.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to process credit card transactions.

Ordering Instructions:

Requests by mail should include the following information to speed processing.

• Contact name
• Company/agency name
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Specify which dataset edition you want. If unspecified, you will receive the most recent edition available.

Mail To:

Kern County Assessor
Attention: Mapping (GIS Data)
1115 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301

What's Included:

• The fee amount is for a single dataset edition.
• Each dataset edition includes ALL of the feature classes mentioned above, in both Shapefile and File Geodatabase formats.
• Each dataset edition includes ALL of the tax roll tables mentioned above, in dBase, Access, and File Geodatabase formats.

Delivery:

Please call—or inquire by email—for delivery options.

All requests will be fulfilled upon receipt of payment.

Contact:

Jim Isbell
Assessor's Office, Mapping Section
(661) 868-3485
isbellj@ballballu.com