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 room rental paid by any guest staying 30 consecutive days or fewer at a hotel, motel, inn, or other lodging place in the city, per Municipal Code Section 3.40.020. Operators collect the tax at time of payment and remit it monthly to the city treasurer.

Key details: Tax rate: 12% of room rental charge. Governing section: Bakersfield Municipal Code § 3.40.020. Remittance due: 1st of month, prior month's collections. Late penalty: 10% plus additional 10% after 30 days. Exempt stays: 30+ consecutive days (permanent resident).

Late remittance draws a 10 percent penalty the day after the due date, and an additional 10 percent penalty if the tax remains unpaid 30 days later (Section 3.40.050). Under Section 3.40.150, finance department employees holding the position of finance director, treasurer, or financial investigator may enforce this chapter and, citing Penal Code Section 836.5, arrest without a warrant for a misdemeanor violation committed in their presence. Section 3.40.031 bars any injunction or writ to block tax collection while a dispute is pending.

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.

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.