Home Business in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Home-based businesses in Bakersfield must obtain a Home Occupation Permit and a city business tax certificate under BMC Title 5 and Title 17 (Zoning). Home occupations are allowed in all residential zones if the use is clearly incidental to residential use, with no more than one non-resident employee and no outward commercial indication.
Home Business: Zoning
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Home occupations in Bakersfield may not display any exterior signage under BMC Title 17. The zoning code requires that home businesses produce no outward indication of commercial activity. This includes signs, window displays, lighted displays, or logo vehicles parked visibly.
Home Business: Signage
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Bakersfield home occupations must not generate customer traffic beyond normal residential levels. BMC Title 17 prohibits regular client visits that exceed what a single-family residence typically experiences. Large numbers of customers, deliveries, or employees indicate the business has outgrown home occupation status.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Bakersfield home-based food businesses operate under the California Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365 et seq.) administered by Kern County Public Health. Class A CFOs allow direct sales; Class B allows indirect sales. Microenterprise Home Kitchens (MHKOs) under AB 626 are permitted only if Kern County has opted in. As of 2026, Kern County has not broadly authorized MHKOs.
Home Business: Cottage Food
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
Bakersfield treats licensed family daycare homes as residential uses under California Health & Safety Code 1597.40, meaning they are allowed in every residential zone without special city approval. Small homes serve up to 8 children and large homes serve up to 14, following state ratios. The city cannot require a conditional use permit, business license tax surcharge, or impose parking or spacing standards beyond what applies to any single-family dwelling. State licensing through Community Care Licensing (CCL) is mandatory, and operators must carry liability insurance and comply with state fire clearance for large homes.
Home Daycare Rules in Bakersfield
Few RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 1597.40(a)–(b)
It is the intent of the Legislature that family daycare homes for children should be situated in normal residential surroundings so as to give children the home environment that is conducive to healthy and safe development. It is the public policy of this state to provide children in a family daycare home the same home environment as provided in a traditional home setting. The Legislature decla...
Home Occupation Permits
Bakersfield allows home-based businesses in residential zones through a Home Occupation Permit administered by the Planning Division. The use must be clearly incidental to the residential character of the dwelling, occupy no more than 25 percent of the floor area, employ only residents of the home, generate no customer traffic beyond normal residential levels, and produce no external evidence such as signs, noise, odors, or outdoor storage. Permits run with the applicant and are not transferable. A city business tax certificate is separately required. Prohibited uses include auto repair, welding, kennels, retail sales from the home, and any activity involving hazardous materials.
Home Occupation Permits in Bakersfield
Some RestrictionsLooking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Home Business in Kern County →