Bakersfield, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Electric vehicle charging in Bakersfield is governed primarily by state law, with local administration by the Bakersfield Building Department. New construction must comply with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11), which since 2020 requires every new single-family home to include at least one Level 2 EV-ready receptacle and 40-amp dedicated circuit in the garage, and new multi-family and nonresidential projects to provide EV-capable and EV-ready parking spaces as a percentage of total parking (10% EV-capable minimum in most categories, increasing in the 2022 code cycle). Residential charger installation is subject to an expedited permit process under California Government Code §65850.7, which requires Bakersfield to use a streamlined, non-discretionary checklist-style review and approve compliant applications within a statutory timeframe. Homeowners associations cannot prohibit residential EV charger installation under California Civil Code §4745; they may impose reasonable aesthetic and engineering conditions but cannot make installation unreasonably expensive or effectively impossible. Public charging stations in city-owned parking are regulated under BMC Title 10 with signage identifying EV-only spaces and time limits; non-EV vehicles parked in marked charging spots can be cited. Commercial properties providing public charging must comply with California Air Resources Board labeling and pricing transparency rules. The Bakersfield Building Department issues electrical permits for any hardwired charger installation, and PG&E offers residential EV rate plans that may require a separate submeter.