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Zoning Guide

ADU Rules in Bakersfield

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ADU Rules in Bakersfield

Bakersfield permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) on residential properties under both California state law (Government Code §65852.2) and the Bakersfield Municipal Code (Chapter 17.65). The city's ADU ordinance aligns with state mandates, allowing homeowners to add secondary housing units on most residential lots.

What You Can Build

  • Detached ADU: A standalone structure up to 1,200 square feet, with 4-foot rear and side setbacks.
  • Attached ADU: An addition to the primary dwelling up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is less. The state guarantees a minimum of 850 sq ft (1-bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms).
  • Junior ADU (JADU): A unit up to 500 square feet converted from existing space within the primary dwelling. Must include a cooking facility and separate entrance.
  • Garage Conversion: An existing garage can be converted to an ADU regardless of lot coverage limits. No replacement parking is required.

On a single-family lot, you may build one ADU plus one JADU.

Size Limits

ADU Type Maximum Size
Detached ADU 1,200 sq ft
Attached ADU 1,200 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling
Junior ADU (JADU) 500 sq ft
Garage Conversion No size limit (existing footprint)

Setbacks

  • Front setback: Must comply with base zone requirements (typically 15–20 ft in R-1)
  • Side setback: 4 feet for detached ADU
  • Rear setback: 4 feet for detached ADU
  • Conversion exception: ADUs converted from existing legal structures maintain existing setbacks, even if nonconforming

Height

  • Detached ADU: 16 feet maximum
  • Attached ADU: Up to 25 feet
  • Near transit: Up to 18 feet for detached ADUs within half a mile of a major transit stop

Parking

A maximum of one parking space per bedroom may be required. However, no parking is required when the ADU is:

  • Within half a mile of a public transit stop
  • Within a designated historic district
  • Part of an existing primary residence or accessory structure (conversion)
  • Located where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the ADU occupant

If a garage is converted or demolished for an ADU, the displaced parking spaces do not need to be replaced.

Owner Occupancy

Owner occupancy is not required for ADUs in Bakersfield (per California AB 976, effective January 2025). You may rent both the primary dwelling and the ADU to separate tenants.

JADUs require the property owner to occupy either the JADU or the primary residence.

Permit Process

ADU permits in Bakersfield are processed through ministerial review — no public hearing, no discretionary approval, and no CEQA review required.

  1. Pre-application: Review your property's zoning using the Bakersfield zoning map and confirm ADU eligibility
  2. Plan preparation: Prepare architectural plans meeting the California Building Code and local ADU standards
  3. Submit application: File with the Development Services Department at 1715 Chester Avenue
  4. Plan review: The city has 60 days to approve or deny a complete application
  5. Permit issuance: Receive building permit and begin construction
  6. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
  7. Final approval: Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection

Contact the Planning Division at (661) 326-3733 or the Building Division at (661) 326-3720 for permit information.

Fees and Costs

  • ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from development impact fees per state law
  • Larger ADUs may be subject to impact fees proportional to their size relative to the primary dwelling
  • Building permit fees, plan check fees, and utility connection fees apply
  • Utility connection fees may apply for detached ADUs requiring new service connections

Key Considerations

  • Bakersfield has significant flood-prone areas — check FEMA's Flood Map Service before building
  • Fire sprinklers are required only if the primary dwelling also has sprinklers
  • Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) of ADUs may be restricted — verify current city policy
  • HOAs may impose additional design standards, though California law limits their ability to outright prohibit ADUs

Official Resources

More about Bakersfield Zoning

Sources

  1. Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.65 — Accessory Dwelling Units and JADUs·bakersfield.municipal.codes·Accessed 2026-04-04·Direct link
  2. City of Bakersfield ADU Information·bakersfieldcity.us·Accessed 2026-04-04·Direct link
  3. California Government Code §65852.2·leginfo.legislature.ca.gov·Accessed 2026-04-04·Direct link

FAQ

Can I build an ADU in Bakersfield?
Yes. Under California state law and Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.65, ADUs are allowed on most residential lots. You can build one detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft and one Junior ADU up to 500 sq ft on a single-family lot.
Do I need additional parking for an ADU in Bakersfield?
A maximum of one parking space per bedroom may be required, but ADUs within half a mile of public transit are exempt from parking requirements. Garage conversions do not require replacement parking.
How long does ADU permit review take in Bakersfield?
Under California state law, the city must act on a complete ADU application within 60 days. ADU permits are processed through ministerial (non-discretionary) review.