How Bakersfield Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Bakersfield maintains 206 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. 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.

Political Signs

Bakersfield regulates signs under its sign ordinance in the zoning code (BMC Title 17). Political signs are afforded strong First Amendment protections. California Elections Code §18370 prohibits local governments from banning political signs within specified timeframes before and after elections.

Key details: State Protection: CA Elections Code §18370. Protected Period: 90 days before to 15 days after election. Permit Required: No permit for political signs. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited in public ROW. Restrictions: Must be content-neutral.

The city may remove signs placed in the public right-of-way or that create traffic hazards. Content-based restrictions on political signs are unconstitutional. Penalties for sign code violations are typically handled through code enforcement with notices to remove or correct.

Holiday Displays

Bakersfield does not have specific ordinances restricting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations and holiday displays are generally permitted as temporary installations. Standard sign code provisions and electrical safety codes apply to larger or illuminated displays.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: None for residential holiday displays. Permitted: Lights, inflatables, yard decorations. Safety: Must comply with electrical codes. Duration: No specific city time limits. HOA Rules: May impose additional restrictions.

Holiday displays that create traffic hazards, obstruct public ways, or violate electrical safety codes may be subject to code enforcement. Excessive lighting causing a nuisance to neighbors could be addressed through the city's nuisance ordinances.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bakersfield gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

Garage Sale Signs

Bakersfield regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs under the city's sign ordinance in BMC Title 17. Garage sale signs are permitted on the property where the sale occurs but signs in the public right-of-way are generally prohibited. The city limits garage or yard sales to no more than two consecutive days and no more than twice per year per BMC 17.04.305.

Key details: Garage Sale Limit: 2 days max, twice per year (BMC 17.04.305). On-Site Signs: Permitted during sale. Right-of-Way: Signs generally prohibited. Permit Required: No permit for temporary sale signs. Enforcement: City removes ROW signs.

Signs placed in the public right-of-way may be removed by city crews without notice. Repeated sign code violations can result in code enforcement citations. Excessive garage sale activity beyond the twice-yearly limit violates BMC 17.04.305.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield's sign regulations 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.

All of the above reflects Bakersfield's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.