Bakersfield, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Bakersfield Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning) regulates carports as accessory structures or as part of the primary dwelling depending on attachment. An attached carport must follow the main building setbacks for its zone — commonly 20 feet front, 5 feet side, and 10 feet rear in R-1 zones, though front yards in older neighborhoods may allow projection with approval. Detached carports have accessory-structure setbacks, typically 3 feet side and 5 feet rear. Maximum height is usually 12-16 feet depending on zone. A building permit is required for all carports because they are structures subject to wind loads (Bakersfield is in a 95 mph basic wind speed zone requiring engineered anchorage), including metal prefab and tent-style carports. Post-mounted carports must have engineered footings unless the manufacturer's plans show a ground-anchor solution. Fabric/canvas carports (so-called portable units) are tolerated for temporary use in many zones but if left up more than 180 days they are treated as permanent structures requiring a permit. Carports may count as the required covered parking space in most R-1 zones as long as they meet dimensional minimums (typically 10 ft wide x 20 ft deep). HOAs in newer Bakersfield communities like Seven Oaks and Brighton Parks frequently prohibit metal or fabric carports entirely, permitting only architecturally integrated carports that match the home.