Carport Rules: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do carport rules rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Bakersfield and Ridgecrest have similar restriction levels.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Carports in Bakersfield require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and design standards. Attached carports generally follow the main dwelling setbacks, while detached carports are treated as accessory structures with typical 5-foot rear and 3-foot side setbacks. Carports count toward required covered parking in many zones but cannot project into required front yards. Metal prefab and tent-style carports are regulated as structures and must be permitted and engineered for wind loads. HOAs often prohibit visible metal or fabric carports in newer developments.
View full Bakersfield rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
In unincorporated Kern County, carports are regulated as residential accessory structures, and the combined size of all detached accessory buildings on a residential parcel is capped by lot size -- from 600 square feet on lots under 1/4 acre up to 5,000 square feet (or three times the dwelling's square footage) on lots of 3 acres or more. Carports may not occupy a required front, side, or rear yard and generally may not sit closer to the front property line than the main dwelling.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Lots under 1/4 acre | - | Detached accessory buildings capped at 600 sq ft combined; no taller than the main dwelling |
| 1/4 to 1/2 acre | - | 1,000 sq ft combined or the dwelling's square footage, whichever is greater |
| 1/2 acre to 3 acres | - | 3,600 sq ft or twice the dwelling's square footage; height up to 20 ft or the dwelling's height |
| 3 acres or more | - | 5,000 sq ft or three times the dwelling's square footage; district height limit applies |
| Placement | - | Not allowed in required front, side, or rear yards; no closer to the front line than the dwelling (detached garages excepted) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Ridgecrest FAQ
Can I build a carport in front of my house in unincorporated Kern County?
Generally no. Except for a detached garage, accessory buildings may not be located closer to the front property line than the principal dwelling, and no accessory structure may occupy a required front, side, or rear yard (Section 19.08.180). A narrow exception allows one detached private garage in the required front yard of a steep interior lot, kept at least 5 feet from the front and side property lines.
Does a carport count toward the accessory building size cap?
Yes. Carports are residential accessory structures under Section 19.04.624, and Section 19.08.180 caps the combined square footage of all detached accessory buildings on a residential parcel based on lot size.
Can I exceed the size or height limits for a carport or garage?
Yes, the Planning Director may approve larger sizes or heights after a public hearing if findings are made that the increase permits appropriate development, is compatible with development in the vicinity, and is not materially detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare (Section 19.08.180(A)(5)).
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