Bakersfield, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BMC § 15.05.170 (CBC Appendix J)
- Permit exemptions
- Structure excavation, wells, cemetery graves
- Zoning precondition
- Land use must comply with Title 17
- Unpermitted grading
- Unlawful to own/maintain site (§ J103.8)
- Soils report
- Required before subdivision building permits
Summary
Bakersfield's Appendix J grading code, adopted at § 15.05.170, requires a permit and soils/geology reports before moving earth on most sites, bars grading permits until the land use complies with Title 17 zoning, and lets the building official order stopped work that endangers property or drainage.
J103.4 Land Use. The Building Official shall not issue a grading permit for work on a site unless the proposed land use for the site shown on the grading plan application complies with the provisions of Title 17, entitled "Zoning," of the Bakersfield Municipal Code... J103.8 Un-permitted Grading. A person shall not own, use, occupy or maintain any site containing unpermitted grading.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
1). 3. 2 lists exemptions: excavation for a permitted structure, cemetery graves, regulated refuse disposal sites, well or utility trench excavation, and mining/quarrying operations that don't affect adjoining lateral support. 7 when the Building Official finds a visual site inspection is needed to establish drainage requirements. 3), and the Building Director will not approve a building permit on any new-subdivision lot until the final soils report is submitted and accepted.
Violations & Fines
Owning, using or maintaining a site with unpermitted grading is itself a code violation under Section J103.8, separate from the underlying grading work, and enforcement follows the general penalty at § 1.40.010: infraction fines up to $250 for repeat offenses or a misdemeanor up to $1,000 or six months in jail, with each day of the condition a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grading always require a permit in Bakersfield?
Can I get a grading permit for a use that isn't zoned for the site?
What happens if I grade without a permit?
When is a soils report required for grading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
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How other cities in Kern County handle erosion control.