Bakersfield, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- BMC Ch. 15.72 Historical Preservation
- Commission size
- 5 unpaid, council-appointed members
- Term length
- 3 years, terms start April 1
- Alteration approval
- Commission or city council on appeal
- Enforcement tool
- Removal notice + city attorney injunctive relief
Summary
Bakersfield designates historic buildings, sites and districts as "cultural resources" under Municipal Code Chapter 15.72, administered by a five-member Historic Preservation Commission, and requires commission (or council-on-appeal) approval before altering, demolishing or relocating any designated resource.
"Cultural resource" means on site improvements, buildings, structures, signs, features (including significant trees or other landscaping), places, place names, interior architecture features, landmark sites, historic sites, areas (including significant trees or other landscaping located thereon) or other objects of scientific, archaeological, aesthetic, educational, cultural, architectural or historical significance to the citizens of the city.
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
050, which include architectural distinctiveness, association with significant persons or events, notable craftsmanship, or archaeological/paleontological value. 040. 160(A) bars alteration, demolition or relocation "without first obtaining the approval of the commission or, on appeal thereto, of the city council," though subsection B exempts minor work (plumbing, HVAC, reroofing, pools) that does not affect the specified architectural features. 060). 210 lets the building official serve removal notices on owners, agents, occupants or tenants, and authorizes the city attorney to pursue legal action, including injunctive relief, to correct or restrain violations, with police assistance available.
Violations & Fines
Altering, demolishing or relocating a designated cultural resource or district property without commission (or council-on-appeal) approval violates § 15.72.160; the building official may serve a removal notice on the owner, agent, occupant or tenant, and the city attorney may pursue injunctive relief or other legal action under § 15.72.210 to compel correction or removal of the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a cultural resource in Bakersfield?
Can I remodel a designated historic building in Bakersfield without approval?
Who enforces Bakersfield's historic preservation rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.