How Bakersfield Handles Property Maintenance: A Practical Guide

Bakersfield maintains 206 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with property maintenance. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bakersfield falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Trash Bin Storage

Bakersfield regulates trash container storage and placement through its property maintenance code (BMC Chapter 8.27). Trash bins must be stored out of public view when not set out for collection. The city's contracted waste hauler provides standardized carts for curbside pickup.

Key details: Governing Code: BMC Chapter 8.27. Storage: Must be screened from public view. Placement: At curb evening before collection. Retrieval: Promptly after collection. Enforcement: Code enforcement notices and fines.

Violations of property maintenance standards under BMC 8.27 are handled through code enforcement. The city issues notices to correct and may impose administrative fines for non-compliance. Chronic violations may result in nuisance abatement proceedings at the property owner's expense.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Bakersfield does not have snow removal ordinances due to its warm Central Valley climate. Snow is extremely rare in Bakersfield, with the city receiving measurable snowfall only a few times per century. There are no requirements for residents to clear snow or ice from sidewalks.

Key details: Snow Ordinance: None — snow is extremely rare. Climate: Semi-arid, hot summers, mild winters. Average Winter Low: ~39°F in January. Snow Events: Only a few times per century. Sidewalk Duty: General maintenance only.

Not applicable. Bakersfield has no snow clearance requirements. General sidewalk maintenance obligations under property maintenance codes may apply to hazardous conditions regardless of cause.

The rules around snow & sidewalk clearing in Bakersfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Property Blight

Bakersfield actively enforces property blight standards under BMC Chapter 8.27. The code requires property owners to maintain their properties free of conditions that constitute a public nuisance, including accumulated junk, debris, abandoned vehicles, graffiti, and deteriorated structures.

Key details: Governing Code: BMC Chapter 8.27. Weed Height: Over 12 inches is a violation. Vehicles: Abandoned/inoperable vehicles prohibited. Graffiti: Owner must abate promptly. Enforcement: Progressive fines and abatement liens.

Property blight violations are addressed through the city's progressive enforcement process. Initial violations receive a notice to correct with a compliance period. Failure to comply can result in administrative citations with escalating fines. The city may abate conditions at the owner's expense and place liens on the property. Chronic blight properties may be subject to receivership proceedings.

Compared to other cities, Bakersfield takes a harder line on property blight. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Bakersfield requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their properties free of weeds, debris, and conditions that create fire hazards or public nuisances under BMC Chapters 8.27 and 8.28. Vacant lots must be kept clear of weeds, rubbish, and combustible materials year-round.

Key details: Governing Code: BMC Chapters 8.27 and 8.28. Weed Standard: Must be regularly cleared. Fire Season: Heightened enforcement in summer. Abatement: City may clear at owner's expense. Cost Recovery: Lien placed on property.

Failure to maintain a vacant lot results in code enforcement notices followed by administrative fines. The city may abate weeds and debris and bill the property owner. Abatement costs become a lien on the property. Chronic offenders face escalating penalties and potential legal action.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bakersfield actively enforces its vacant lot maintenance requirements.

Garage Sale Rules

Bakersfield regulates garage and yard sales under BMC 17.04.305. Sales are limited to two consecutive days in duration and may occur no more than twice per year per residence. The sale must be of personal goods by the residence's occupant.

Key details: Governing Code: BMC 17.04.305. Duration Limit: 2 consecutive days maximum. Frequency Limit: Twice per year per residence. Permit Required: No permit for compliant sales. Items: Personal goods of residence occupant only.

Exceeding the frequency or duration limits transforms the activity from a permitted garage sale into potentially unlicensed commercial activity. Code enforcement may issue notices for sales that exceed the twice-yearly limit or extend beyond two days. Operating an ongoing retail business from a residence requires a home occupation permit.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield is tougher than many cities when it comes to property maintenance. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bakersfield, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.