Business Licensing & Operations in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Bakersfield requires a business permit from the city manager before operating an adult entertainment business, under Municipal Code Section 5.06.020, and separately regulates hours, arcade configuration, and patron-performer separation under Chapter 5.06, with businesses barred from operating between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Bakersfield Adult Entertainment Business Permit
Significant RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 5.06.020, § 5.06.060(K)
A. No person shall own or operate an adult entertainment business in the city in violation of this chapter, or without having first procured and maintained a valid business permit from the city manager or designee. Only one permit per establishment need be obtained pursuant to this subsection. ... K. No adult entertainment business shall be conducted or carried on between the hours of two a.m. ...
Massage Establishments
Every massage establishment in Bakersfield must hold a city permit from the police department under Municipal Code Section 5.32.030, valid two years, while individual massage professionals must carry state CAMTC certification instead of a city practitioner permit, and services may only be provided between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Bakersfield Massage Establishment Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 5.32.030, § 5.32.080(R)
Every person conducting, managing, owning, or operating a massage establishment in the city, except as exempted in this chapter, shall first obtain a permit under this chapter. Said permit shall be numbered and must be displayed in a prominent place on the premises in which the business is conducted. ... R. A massage shall be provided or given only between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m. A...
Tattoo & Body Modification
A tattoo or body-piercing studio can't open in Bakersfield's C-O professional/office zone as a matter of right, § 17.20.040(A)(2) requires a conditional use permit approved through the Chapter 17.64 hearing process before the business can operate there.
Bakersfield Body Art Studio Zoning Permit
Significant RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.20.040(A)(2)
17.20.040 Uses permitted only by conditional use permit. A. The following uses are permitted in a C-O zone only with the approval of a conditional use permit issued in accordance with the procedures provided in Chapter 17.64 of this code: 1. Bail bond services; 2. Body art establishment; 3. Garment cleaning, pressing, alteration and repair; ... 11. Veterinary services.
Tobacco Retail License
Selling tobacco products in Bakersfield requires a valid tobacco retailer's permit. Municipal Code Chapter 8.59 adopts Kern County's tobacco retailer's permit code by reference, and under a mutual agreement the county, not the city, issues, collects fees for, renews and revokes these permits inside Bakersfield city limits.
Bakersfield Tobacco Retailer's Permit
Significant RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code §§ 8.59.030, 8.59.040
8.59.030 Incorporation by reference. Pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., and except as otherwise stated in this title, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in the publication entitled “Kern Code, Title 8—Health and Safety, Chapter 8.60—Tobacco Retailer’s Permit” as adopted and amended through Ordinance No. G-8763, passed April 17, 2018, is hereby adopted ...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Bakersfield will not issue a home occupation permit for vehicle repair work of any kind. Bakersfield Municipal Code § 17.63.020(E)(10) lists 'vehicle repair, including, but not limited to, engine tuneups, body and fender work, and painting' among the activities categorically barred from residential properties citywide.
Bakersfield Bans Home-Based Vehicle Repair
Heavy RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.63.020(E)(10)
E. Prohibited Activities. A home occupation permit shall not be issued for the following activities or activities deemed to be similar as determined by the planning director where such will be conducted on the premises the permit would apply: ... 10. Vehicle repair, including, but not limited to, engine tuneups, body and fender work, and painting.
Looking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Kern County →