Kern County General Plan - Chapter 1, Land Use - County of Kern

ASSUMPTIONS: INDUSTRIAL
1.8 INDUSTRIAL
Because Kern County exports the bulk of its agricultural and mineral products in a raw
form, manufacturing will continue to be a relatively small sector of the economy. The
future of the manufacturing sector appears promising. Some reasons for anticipating
growth in the future include convenient access to the Los Angeles and southern
California markets, availability of industrial land with adequate transportation and public
services, a stable labor force, an affordable housing market, and proximity to sources of
raw materials and products. The growth of the manufacturing sector can add greatly to
economic activity and wealth. The value added by the processing of raw products could
be captured in Kern County and could provide new jobs in the basic (exporting) sector
of the economy which, in turn, could support increased demand in the service sector.
ISSUES: INDUSTRIAL
Of primary concern to industrial development is a location relative to resources, labor
supplies, transportation, and energy sources. Conflicts can occur when industrial
development takes place in areas that are then precluded from resource production or
which cause problems of incompatibility with adjacent land uses.
Infrastructure for industrial projects, while well established in the urban areas of Kern
County, should be carefully analyzed for any future development. Appropriate siting of
industrial development in consideration of the available water and sewer connections,
proper access, and road level of service must be determined to prevent any undue
burden on established industries or other established developments.
GOALS: INDUSTRIAL
1. Ensure that an adequate and geographically balanced supply of land is
designated for a range of industrial purposes.
2. Promote the future economic strength and well being of Kern County and its
residents without detriment to its environmental quality.
3. Ensure compatibility with land use designations such as residential, commercial,
or other land uses that may be affected by such activities.
46