Does Bakersfield, CA have its own green building code ordinance?

No. Bakersfield, CA does not appear to have a local green building code ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from California Building Standards Commission.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State code: Title 24 Part 11 CALGreen
Water savings: 20 percent indoor reduction
Waste diversion: Sixty-five percent minimum
EV-ready: Required for new garages

Summary

Bakersfield enforces California Green Building Standards Code Title 24 Part 11 known as CALGreen. New construction must meet baseline mandatory measures for energy, water, indoor air quality, and construction-waste recycling, plus voluntary tier elevations.

The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Cal. Code Regs., Title 24) will be published July 1, 2025, with an effective date of January 1, 2026... PART 11 – CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE also referred to as CALGreen. Errata — Part 11 (non-substantive corrections) Effective January 1, 2026.

Source: California Building Standards CommissionView official code

Full Breakdown

Bakersfield Building Safety requires all new residential and nonresidential construction to comply with California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24 Part 11, also called CALGreen. Mandatory measures include 20 percent indoor water-use reduction, low-VOC paints and adhesives, construction-waste diversion of at least 65 percent, EV-ready electrical infrastructure for new garages, and bicycle parking for commercial sites. Voluntary Tier 1 and Tier 2 measures provide additional energy and resource savings. Plan reviewers verify CALGreen forms during permitting, and inspectors confirm installed measures before issuing certificates of occupancy. Existing buildings face CALGreen rules during major renovations.

Violations & Fines

Failing to meet CALGreen mandatory measures during construction can block certificate of occupancy, trigger corrective work orders, and result in administrative fines starting at 250 dollars per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CALGreen apply to remodels?

Yes, when a remodel is substantial enough to be considered new work under the code, including additions and major tenant improvements. Smaller cosmetic projects are usually exempt from CALGreen.

Do I need solar panels?

California Title 24 Part 6 energy code requires solar PV on most new residential construction. CALGreen Part 11 adds complementary water, waste, and indoor air quality measures on top of the solar requirement.

Sources & Official References

[1]California Building Standards Commission

Other rules in Bakersfield

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Building PermitsSome Restrictions Lead PaintSome Restrictions Electrical PermitsSome Restrictions Plumbing PermitsSome Restrictions Building InspectionsSome Restrictions Carbon Monoxide DetectorsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Bakersfield rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California building safety overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.