Bakersfield has no local foundation-bolting ordinance distinct from the state building code. Sill-plate anchoring, cripple-wall bracing, and foundation tie-down requirements for new construction and substantial alterations follow the California Residential Code (CRC) as adopted by reference in BMC Title 15. There is no Bakersfield equivalent to Berkeley's or Los Angeles's mandatory retrofit-for-existing-homes program.
BMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) adopts the current California Building Code and California Residential Code by reference. Under those codes, foundation anchoring is governed by CRC R403.1.6 (sill plates anchored with minimum 1/2-inch bolts at 6 feet on center for one and two-story structures in Seismic Design Category D) and the prescriptive cripple-wall and braced-wall provisions in CRC R602.10 and R602.11. These rules apply to new construction, additions, and qualifying substantial alterations — but Bakersfield does not mandate retrofit of existing pre-1980 wood-frame homes. Homeowners may voluntarily bolt their foundations under CRC Appendix Chapter A3 (Prescriptive Provisions for Seismic Strengthening of Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage), which the state has adopted, and the California Earthquake Authority's Brace + Bolt grant program covers parts of Kern County subject to availability.
Work performed without a building permit on foundation anchoring is enforced under BMC Chapter 15.04 (Building Code Administration) — typical infractions for unpermitted structural work are a stop-work order, double-permit fee, and citation. There is no mandatory retrofit deadline for existing single-family homes in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
See how Bakersfield's foundation anchoring rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.