Accessory Structures in Bakersfield, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Bakersfield or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bakersfield has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.
Shed Rules
Bakersfield exempts detached one-story accessory structures under 120 square feet from building permit requirements, consistent with the California Building Code. Larger sheds require a permit, must meet zoning setbacks (typically 3-5 feet from side and rear property lines), and cannot exceed 12 feet in height in most residential zones. Sheds cannot contain plumbing, heating, or sleeping accommodations without triggering full dwelling requirements. Electrical wiring to any shed requires a permit regardless of size. HOAs commonly impose stricter material, color, and size standards than the city.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Bakersfield code enforcement](https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CARC2022P1) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Bakersfield is more permissive than most cities when it comes to shed rules. That said, there are still limits.
Carport Rules
Carports in Bakersfield require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and design standards. Attached carports generally follow the main dwelling setbacks, while detached carports are treated as accessory structures with typical 5-foot rear and 3-foot side setbacks. Carports count toward required covered parking in many zones but cannot project into required front yards. Metal prefab and tent-style carports are regulated as structures and must be permitted and engineered for wind loads. HOAs often prohibit visible metal or fabric carports in newer developments.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Bakersfield code enforcement](https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/260/Building) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
ADU Rules
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.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Bakersfield code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=65852.2.&lawCode=GOV) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
The rules around adu rules in Bakersfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Garage Conversions
Bakersfield allows garage conversions ministerially under state ADU law, which preempts the city's prior zoning parking-replacement rule. A detached or attached garage can be converted to an ADU or JADU with no requirement to replace the lost parking (Gov Code 65852.2(d)(11)). Conversions that are not ADUs — for example, adding habitable recreation rooms — still require building permits, proper ventilation, egress windows, insulation, electrical upgrades, and heating. Illegal conversions are a common code enforcement issue and can block home sales and refinancing.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Bakersfield code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=65852.2.&lawCode=GOV) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
The rules around garage conversions in Bakersfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Tiny Homes
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.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Bakersfield code enforcement](https://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/state-housing-law/tiny-houses-and-movable-tiny-houses) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
ADU Impact Fees
Bakersfield is bound by Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which prohibits any local agency from charging impact fees on an ADU under 750 square feet. ADUs of 750 sf or greater may be charged impact fees, but the fee must be proportional in size to the burden on the primary dwelling unit. School district fees follow Cal. Ed. Code §17620 and are calculated on net new habitable square footage.
Key details: Governing Law: Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). Under 750 sf: No impact fees — absolute waiver. 750+ sf: Proportional to primary dwelling. School Fees: Apply to ADUs ≥500 sf (Ed. Code §17620). Local Authority: Bakersfield Building Division collects.
Charging a prohibited impact fee on an ADU under 750 sf is grounds for refund and is reviewable by the California Department of Housing and Community Development under its noncompliance review authority (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(h)). The applicant may also seek a writ of mandate compelling refund.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bakersfield gives residents more flexibility on adu impact fees.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Bakersfield does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025, consistent with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(8). AB 587 (2019) extended this no-owner-occupancy window to all ADUs permitted in that period. JADUs continue to require owner-occupancy under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(2) — the owner must live in either the primary dwelling or the JADU and a deed restriction is recorded.
Key details: ADU Owner-Occupancy: Not required (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(8)). JADU Owner-Occupancy: Required (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(2)). JADU Deed Restriction: Recorded (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(5)). Bakersfield Implementation: BMC Ch. 17.65. Source of Prohibition: AB 587 (2019), AB 976 (2023).
Violation of a JADU owner-occupancy deed restriction may be enforced by the city through code enforcement under BMC Ch. 8.80 (Abatement of Public Nuisances) and may render the JADU certificate of occupancy subject to revocation. The recorded deed restriction is also enforceable by injunction.
The rules around adu owner occupancy in Bakersfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
ADU Permits
Bakersfield processes accessory dwelling units under Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.65 (current through Ord. 5199, June 11, 2025). Applications are reviewed ministerially without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. The Development Services Department (Planning Division and Building Division) reviews ADU site plans and building permits at the Development Center.
Key details: Code Section: BMC Ch. 17.65. Reviewing Department: Development Services (Planning + Building). Process: Ministerial — no hearing. Decision Window: 60 days (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)). Max Required Setback: 4 ft side/rear (detached new).
Building an ADU without permits is a violation of BMC Title 15 (Building Code) and Chapter 17.65, enforced by Code Enforcement with stop-work orders, administrative citations, and required permit-or-remove resolution under BMC Ch. 8.80 (Abatement of Public Nuisances). Failure to obtain a building permit also subjects the project to investigation fees equal to the permit fee, per the California Building Code adopted at BMC §15.05.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) and Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.65 prohibit renting an ADU for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Long-term rental is permitted with no city occupancy permit required. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are separately barred citywide — Bakersfield has no operative STR ordinance and city staff confirm STRs are not currently allowed to operate in the city.
Key details: Min Rental Term: 31+ days (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)). STR Status Citywide: Not allowed — no operative STR ordinance. Separate Sale of ADU: Prohibited (AB 1033 not adopted). Code Section: BMC Ch. 17.65. Enforcement: Bakersfield Code Enforcement; BMC Ch. 8.80.
Renting an ADU for under 31 days violates BMC Ch. 17.65 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6). Enforcement is through Code Enforcement under BMC Ch. 8.80 (Abatement of Public Nuisances), with administrative citations and abatement orders. Unlicensed transient lodging is also subject to Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector TOT collection enforcement.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Bakersfield gives residents more room on accessory structures. 5 of the 9 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that Bakersfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.