Tiny home rules in Bakersfield, CA — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Bakersfield allows tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 if they meet California Residential Code minimums (at least 150 sq ft with a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom). Movable tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) built to ANSI 119.5 are permitted only as JADUs or as temporary accessory units on a parcel with a primary dwelling, per HCD guidance, and must be anchored and connected to utilities. RV-classified tiny homes cannot be used as permanent residences except in licensed mobile home parks. Tiny home communities require mobile home park or subdivision approval.
California HCD guidance and Government Code 65852.2 let Bakersfield homeowners build a site-built tiny home as an ADU or JADU as long as it meets the California Residential Code. Efficiency units of at least 150 square feet with a kitchen, bathroom, and a sleeping area are allowed under CRC Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) which permits loft bedrooms, ladder access, and reduced ceiling heights (6 ft 8 in in main rooms, 6 ft 4 in in bathrooms, 6 ft 8 in above loft landings). A permit is required and the structure must meet Title 24 energy standards for the Bakersfield climate zone. Movable tiny houses (THOWs) occupy a separate category: HCD recognizes THOWs built to ANSI 119.5 as legal JADU-style accessory dwellings only when placed on a lot that already has a primary dwelling, with utility connections (water, sewer, electric) and anchored to prevent movement. Park-model RVs (ANSI 119.5) and travel trailers (ANSI 119.2) are considered recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences outside a licensed mobile home park or RV park under CA H&S Code 18010 and local zoning. Tiny home communities require a mobile home park permit from HCD or subdivision approval from Bakersfield. HOAs generally treat tiny homes the same as ADUs under Civil Code 4751 and cannot unreasonably prohibit them, though design standards still apply.
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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