ADU rules in Bakersfield, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Bakersfield processes ADU and junior ADU applications ministerially under California Government Code 65852.2 and SB 1211, which preempt local restrictions on parking, setbacks, and density. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and attached ADUs up to 50 percent of the main home (minimum 800 sq ft) are allowed on any residential lot. Statewide exemption standards require 4-foot side and rear setbacks and no owner-occupancy requirement through 2025. Permit review is 60 days or the application is deemed approved. A JADU up to 500 sq ft carved from the primary home is also allowed. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict ADUs under Civil Code 4751.
Bakersfield's local ADU ordinance is aligned with the current state template because state law preempts stricter local standards. A detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet is allowed on any single-family or multifamily lot, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks and a height limit of 16-18 feet (up to 25 feet with certain conditions under SB 897). Attached ADUs may be up to 50 percent of the primary dwelling's floor area, with a statewide minimum allowance of at least 800 square feet regardless of lot coverage or FAR limits. Conversion ADUs (garage or interior conversion) have no size limit beyond the existing footprint and cannot be denied for setback reasons if within the existing structure. Parking cannot be required if the lot is within half a mile of transit, in a historic district, or for conversions. Utility connections follow existing service sizing rules, and impact fees are waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. SB 1211 (2024) allows up to 8 detached ADUs on multifamily lots and prohibits local HOAs or overlay zones from creating additional barriers. JADUs up to 500 sq ft within the existing home are allowed with shared sanitation and require owner-occupancy of either the main house or the JADU. Ministerial review is 60 days; failure to act is automatic approval.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Bakersfield code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Kern County.
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