ADU Permits: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do adu permits rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
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.
View full Bakersfield rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
No data available yet for Ridgecrest.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC Ch. 17.65 | - |
| Reviewing Department | Development Services (Planning + Building) | - |
| Process | Ministerial — no hearing | - |
| Decision Window | 60 days (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)) | - |
| Max Required Setback | 4 ft side/rear (detached new) | - |
| AB 1033 Opt-In | Not adopted — ADU cannot be sold separately | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Who reviews ADU applications in Bakersfield?
The Development Services Department reviews ADU applications at the Development Center. The Planning Division handles the zoning/site-plan review under BMC Chapter 17.65 and the Building Division issues construction permits under Title 15. Approval is ministerial — no public hearing is held.
Does SB 9 apply in Bakersfield?
Yes. SB 9 (Cal. Gov. Code §§65852.21 and 66411.7) preempts local rules and requires Bakersfield to ministerially approve a second unit and/or an urban lot split on qualifying single-family lots. SB 9 is separate from the ADU pathway under BMC 17.65 — a property owner can use both.
Ridgecrest FAQ
No FAQs available.
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