Bakersfield, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Bakersfield's front-yard and driveway parking rules are codified in the city's zoning ordinance (BMC Title 17) and traffic code (BMC Chapter 10.64). In residential zones, vehicles must be parked on a 'hard-surfaced' driveway or approved parking pad — typically concrete, asphalt, or pavers installed to city specifications. Parking on grass, dirt, gravel (unless specifically approved), or landscaped areas is prohibited and enforced by Code Enforcement as a zoning violation. Each single-family lot is required to provide at least two covered off-street parking spaces, usually in the form of a garage plus driveway, under BMC Title 17 parking standards. Driveway approaches — the portion connecting the street to the property across the sidewalk — must be constructed to City of Bakersfield Public Works standards with a permit, and they cannot exceed a maximum width (generally 24 feet for a two-car driveway) or occupy more than 40% of the front yard in most single-family zones. Vehicles parked in driveways may not extend over the public sidewalk or into the street — a California Vehicle Code §22500(f) violation enforceable by Bakersfield PD with a fine that runs about $60–$100. Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers stored in driveways are subject to additional restrictions in BMC Title 17: they generally cannot be parked in a required front-yard setback except for short loading or cleaning periods (typically 72 hours) and must otherwise be stored in a side or rear yard behind a fence. Commercial vehicles over specific weight limits are separately restricted (see Commercial Vehicles).