Accessory Structures in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Bakersfield allows an accessory dwelling unit or junior ADU as a permitted use on any parcel zoned for residential use, including mixed-use districts that combine housing with commercial uses. ADUs need no minimum off-street parking under the city's parking table, and applications are processed under state ADU law, Government Code §66310 et seq.
Bakersfield ADU Zoning Permitted-Use Rules
Light RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.65.030
A complete application for an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall be processed and approved in compliance with California Government Code Section 66310 et seq. Except as otherwise provided by this title, accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall be a permitted use in any zone which allows for residential uses. This includes mixed-use zoning d...
Shed & Carport Rules
In Bakersfield's residential zones, a shed or accessory building stays exempt from side/rear setbacks only if it is 7 feet or shorter and 120 square feet or smaller; anything bigger must sit at least 5 feet off the interior side or rear line, and none may go in a front or street-side yard.
Bakersfield Accessory Building Size & Setback Limits
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.08.130
A. Accessory buildings or structures may be located within an interior side or rear yard area in any residential zone district or project of a residential nature provided they do not exceed a height of seven feet and/or an area of one hundred twenty square feet. B. Accessory buildings or structures exceeding a height of seven feet and/or an area of one hundred twenty square feet in any resident...
Garage Conversions
Bakersfield lets homeowners convert an existing garage into living space by classifying it as a 'detached' or 'converted' accessory dwelling unit under §17.04.170, so long as the resulting unit still meets Chapter 17.65's ADU standards and goes through a building permit review.
Bakersfield Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.04.170
“Detached” means an accessory dwelling unit that is created in whole or in part from newly constructed space that is detached or separated from the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including an existing stand-alone garage converted into an accessory dwelling unit. The detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located on the same parcel as the existing or proposed primary dwelling. “Conver...
Looking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Accessory Structures in Kern County →