ADU Rules: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do adu rules rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Bakersfield and Ridgecrest have similar restriction levels.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
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.
View full Bakersfield rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Ridgecrest follows California Government Code §65852.2 for ADUs. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 square feet and 16 feet in height; attached ADUs may be 25 feet tall to match the primary dwelling. New-construction ADUs need only a 4-foot rear and side setback. ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees, and fire sprinklers are not required unless the primary residence already has them.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Governing Law | - | Cal. Gov't Code §65852.2 |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 1,200 sq ft, 16 ft tall |
| Min Setback (new) | - | 4 ft side and rear |
| Impact Fees | - | Waived under 750 sq ft |
| Review Timeline | - | 60 days (ministerial) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Ridgecrest FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Ridgecrest, CA?
Yes. The City of Ridgecrest allows one ADU plus one JADU on any single-family lot under California Government Code §65852.2. Review is ministerial and must be completed within 60 days of a complete application.
How big can a Ridgecrest ADU be?
Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less. The state-mandated minimum height for detached ADUs is 16 feet (18 feet near transit).
Do I need to pay impact fees for a Ridgecrest ADU?
Not for ADUs under 750 sq ft — they are exempt from city impact fees under state law. ADUs 750 sq ft and larger pay impact fees proportional to the size of the primary dwelling, but they are not charged the full fee schedule.
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