Bakersfield's Hotels & Lodging: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles hotels & lodging a little differently. In Bakersfield, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Transient Occupancy Tax

Bakersfield charges a 12% transient occupancy tax on hotel and short-term rental stays under 30 days, collected by the operator and remitted monthly to the city Finance Department under municipal code Chapter 3.40.

Key details: Tax rate: 12%. City code: Chapter 3.40. Exempt stays: 30+ consecutive days. Filing: Monthly to Finance.

Failure to collect, file, or remit TOT triggers the unpaid tax plus penalties up to 25%, interest, and possible misdemeanor charges. Persistent violators face business license revocation and civil collection action.

Hotel Living Wage

Bakersfield does not impose a hotel-specific living wage. Hotel workers are covered by California's statewide minimum wage, currently $16.50 per hour and indexed to inflation under CA Labor Code 1182.12.

Key details: City minimum: None beyond state. State minimum: $16.50 indexed. Tip credit: Prohibited statewide. Daily overtime: After 8 hours.

Wage violations are enforced by the California Labor Commissioner. Workers can file claims for back wages, liquidated damages, and waiting-time penalties. Employer fines reach $200 per pay period plus 25% of underpaid wages.

Bakersfield is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hotel living wage. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield's hotels & lodging rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bakersfield is broadly strict or permissive.

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.