Public Health Rules in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
4 verified public health rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
Bakersfield abolished its own health department in 2016 and transferred food-safety inspection to Kern County. Under Municipal Code § 8.04.030, Kern County Environmental Health Services grades every city restaurant, posts the letter grade at the establishment, and can shut down a location immediately over critical violations.
Bakersfield Restaurant Grading Runs Through Kern County
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 8.04.030
8.04.030 Food establishment grading. A. Pursuant to Section 8.04.020, the Kern County environmental health services department performs all functions, powers and duties relating to the health inspection of city food establishments. B. Chapter 8.58 of the Kern County Code requires that all Kern County food establishments be individually assessed and ranked according to risk factors developed by ...
Rodent Control
Where burrowing-rodent control devices are shown on an approved grading plan, Bakersfield Municipal Code § 15.05.170 (Appendix J, § J101.8) requires the property owner to keep them, and the site's drainage protective devices, in good repair as a condition tied to the original grading permit.
Bakersfield Grading-Site Rodent Control Duty
Light RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 15.05.170 (Appendix J, § J101.8)
J101.8 Maintenance of Protective Devices and Rodent Control. The owner of any property on which grading has been performed pursuant to a permit issued under the provisions of this Code, or any other person or agent in control of such property, shall maintain in good condition and repair all drainage structures and other protective devices and burrowing rodent control, when they are shown on the...
Bed-Bug Rules
California Civil Code requires Bakersfield landlords to disclose bed bug information before lease signing and prohibits renting units with known active infestations. Tenants must promptly report suspected infestations to the landlord.
Bed Bug Disclosure and Habitability
Few RestrictionsCal. Civil Code § 1954.603
On and after July 1, 2017, prior to creating a new tenancy for a dwelling unit, a landlord shall provide a written notice to the prospective tenant as provided in this section. This notice shall be provided to all other tenants by January 1, 2018. The notice shall be in at least 10-point type and shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) General information about bed bug identifi...
Food Handler Certification
Bakersfield food workers must obtain a California Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire under California Health and Safety Code. The card requires passing an accredited course and is valid for three years.
California Food Handler Card Required
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 113948(a)(1)–(2)
Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired on or after June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card within 30 days after the date of hire. Each food handler shall maintain a valid food ha...
Looking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Public Health Rules in Kern County →