Accessory Structures in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
9 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 processes ADU and junior ADU applications ministerially under California Government Code 65852.2 and SB 1211, which preempt local restrictions on parking, setbacks, and density. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and attached ADUs up to 50 percent of the main home (minimum 800 sq ft) are allowed on any residential lot. Statewide exemption standards require 4-foot side and rear setbacks and no owner-occupancy requirement through 2025. Permit review is 60 days or the application is deemed approved. A JADU up to 500 sq ft carved from the primary home is also allowed. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict ADUs under Civil Code 4751.
ADU Rules in Bakersfield
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Bakersfield processes accessory dwelling units under Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.65 (current through Ord. 5199, June 11, 2025). Applications are reviewed ministerially without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. The Development Services Department (Planning Division and Building Division) reviews ADU site plans and building permits at the Development Center.
Bakersfield ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Bakersfield is bound by Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which prohibits any local agency from charging impact fees on an ADU under 750 square feet. ADUs of 750 sf or greater may be charged impact fees, but the fee must be proportional in size to the burden on the primary dwelling unit. School district fees follow Cal. Ed. Code §17620 and are calculated on net new habitable square footage.
Bakersfield ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Bakersfield does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025, consistent with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(8). AB 587 (2019) extended this no-owner-occupancy window to all ADUs permitted in that period. JADUs continue to require owner-occupancy under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(2) — the owner must live in either the primary dwelling or the JADU and a deed restriction is recorded.
Bakersfield ADU Owner-Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) and Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.65 prohibit renting an ADU for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Long-term rental is permitted with no city occupancy permit required. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are separately barred citywide — Bakersfield has no operative STR ordinance and city staff confirm STRs are not currently allowed to operate in the city.
Bakersfield ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Bakersfield exempts detached one-story accessory structures under 120 square feet from building permit requirements, consistent with the California Building Code. Larger sheds require a permit, must meet zoning setbacks (typically 3-5 feet from side and rear property lines), and cannot exceed 12 feet in height in most residential zones. Sheds cannot contain plumbing, heating, or sleeping accommodations without triggering full dwelling requirements. Electrical wiring to any shed requires a permit regardless of size. HOAs commonly impose stricter material, color, and size standards than the city.
Shed Rules in Bakersfield
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Bakersfield allows garage conversions ministerially under state ADU law, which preempts the city's prior zoning parking-replacement rule. A detached or attached garage can be converted to an ADU or JADU with no requirement to replace the lost parking (Gov Code 65852.2(d)(11)). Conversions that are not ADUs — for example, adding habitable recreation rooms — still require building permits, proper ventilation, egress windows, insulation, electrical upgrades, and heating. Illegal conversions are a common code enforcement issue and can block home sales and refinancing.
Garage Conversion Rules in Bakersfield
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Bakersfield require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and design standards. Attached carports generally follow the main dwelling setbacks, while detached carports are treated as accessory structures with typical 5-foot rear and 3-foot side setbacks. Carports count toward required covered parking in many zones but cannot project into required front yards. Metal prefab and tent-style carports are regulated as structures and must be permitted and engineered for wind loads. HOAs often prohibit visible metal or fabric carports in newer developments.
Carport Rules in Bakersfield
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Bakersfield allows tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 if they meet California Residential Code minimums (at least 150 sq ft with a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom). Movable tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) built to ANSI 119.5 are permitted only as JADUs or as temporary accessory units on a parcel with a primary dwelling, per HCD guidance, and must be anchored and connected to utilities. RV-classified tiny homes cannot be used as permanent residences except in licensed mobile home parks. Tiny home communities require mobile home park or subdivision approval.
Tiny Home Rules in Bakersfield
Some RestrictionsLooking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Accessory Structures in Kern County →