Bakersfield, CA Holiday Decorations: Inflatable Display Rules (2026)

Residential inflatables (Santas, snowmen, pumpkins, etc.) on private property are unregulated by Bakersfield with respect to size, height, lighting, and animation. The 60-day seasonal-decoration exemption in BMC Title 17 applies. The continuously running electric blower is the primary noise source; under BMC §9.22.030 it is unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made any noise which is disturbing or unreasonable, and the city applies a numeric residential nighttime limit (typically 50 dBA at the receiving property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. — see BMC Ch. 9.22 Article II for the noise schedule). Bakersfield has no specific height cap for residential inflatables, but BMC Title 17 caps accessory structures in residential zones at typically 15 ft. Commercial-property inflatables that advertise a business (e.g., a giant inflatable Santa above a car lot) are subject to BMC Chapter 17.60 (Sign Standards) and the temporary sign-permit process. Inflatables that block public sidewalks or rights-of-way violate BMC Title 12.