Bakersfield Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bakersfield Zoning Overview
Bakersfield is California's ninth-largest city and the seat of Kern County. Land use is regulated by Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC), which divides the city into residential, commercial, industrial, and special-purpose districts. The Planning Division (bakersfieldcity.us) handles zoning inquiries and permit applications at 1715 Chester Avenue.
Bakersfield's residential zones include five tiers — R-1 through R-5 — ranging from single-family lots as small as 4,500 sq ft to high-density apartment districts with heights up to 80 ft. Commercial zones include Neighborhood (C-1), Regional (C-2), Central Business (C-B), and more. Industrial zones (M-1, M-2, M-3) range from light manufacturing to heavy industrial uses.
Residential Zoning Districts
Bakersfield's residential districts are defined in BMC Chapter 17.10:
| Zone | Description | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 | One-Family Dwelling | 4,500 sq ft | 35 ft | 15–20 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft |
| R-2 | Limited Multiple-Family | 6,000 sq ft (2,000/unit) | 35 ft | 12–20 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft |
| R-3 | Multiple-Family | Varies | 45 ft | 9 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft |
| R-4 | High-Density Multiple-Family | 10,000 sq ft | 65 ft | 10 ft | Varies | 10–15 ft |
| R-5 | Highest-Density Residential | 10,000 sq ft | 80 ft | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Source: BMC 17.10.030. Always verify current standards with the Planning Division.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
ADUs are regulated by BMC Chapter 17.65, consistent with California state law (Government Code §65852.2):
- Detached ADU max size: 1,200 sq ft; or 850 sq ft (1-bedroom) / 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms) as-of-right
- Junior ADU (JADU): Up to 500 sq ft within existing residence
- Setbacks: 4 ft from rear and interior side property lines
- Height: 16 ft (detached); 25 ft (attached)
- Parking: Maximum 1 space per bedroom; exempt within ½ mile of public transit
- Impact fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sq ft
- Owner occupancy: Not required (per California AB 976)
The city's ADU information page has permit applications and guidance.
Development Process
Development in Bakersfield generally requires the following steps:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm your proposed use is permitted in the applicable district using the zoning map or by contacting Planning at (661) 326-3733
- Pre-Application Meeting — Recommended for larger or complex projects
- Site Plan Review — Required for commercial and multi-family projects
- Building Permit — Apply through Development Services at 1715 Chester Avenue; Building Division: (661) 326-3720
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Bakersfield:
- Verify the zoning classification and confirm permitted uses under BMC Title 17
- Check for overlay districts (Petroleum Extraction PE, Floodplain FP-P/FP-S, Hillside HD, Airport Approach AA)
- Determine if the property is in a FEMA flood zone using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Review Kern County regulations if the property is in an unincorporated area
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bakersfield and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes change frequently. Always verify current regulations with the Bakersfield Planning Division or the Bakersfield Municipal Code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bakersfield
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — California
- Building Code: 2022 California Building Code (CBC, based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (California Government Code Section 65852.2)
County — Kern County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 4,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15–20 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft (2,000 sq ft/unit)
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 12–20 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 9 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 65 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- 10–15 ft
- Min Lot
- None required
- Max Height
- 60 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 75 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 20 ft (adj. to residential)
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Bakersfield
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bakersfield are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bakersfield permit fees →