Bakersfield, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing provision
- BMC § 15.05.170, Appendix J § J101.8
- Trigger
- Devices shown on approved grading plan
- Duty holder
- Property owner or person in control
- Related nuisance rule
- BMC § 8.27.010(D), vegetation attracting vermin
- General Appendix F Rodentproofing
- Deleted from adoption (§ 15.05.020)
Summary
Where burrowing-rodent control devices are shown on an approved grading plan, Bakersfield Municipal Code § 15.05.170 (Appendix J, § J101.8) requires the property owner to keep them, and the site's drainage protective devices, in good repair as a condition tied to the original grading permit.
J101.8 Maintenance of Protective Devices and Rodent Control. The owner of any property on which grading has been performed pursuant to a permit issued under the provisions of this Code, or any other person or agent in control of such property, shall maintain in good condition and repair all drainage structures and other protective devices and burrowing rodent control, when they are shown on the grading plans filed with the application for grading permit and approved as a condition precedent to the issuance of such permit.
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
020), so the only local rodent-control rule left in the buildings code lives inside the grading appendix. " In practice, this means the duty only attaches where a grading permit's approved plans specifically included burrowing-rodent control measures, typically erosion-control features on graded slopes where ground-squirrel or gopher burrows can undermine compacted fill or drainage structures. 7's requirement that permittees maintain storm water control measures to prevent erosion and sediment from leaving the site. 8.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain rodent-control devices or drainage protective structures shown on an approved grading plan is a Title 15 violation enforced by the Building Official under the general penalty at § 1.40.010, with fines up to $250 for repeat infractions or a misdemeanor up to $1,000 or six months in jail; a hazardous condition can also trigger a written correction order under Section J101.3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bakersfield have a citywide rodent-control ordinance?
When does the burrowing-rodent maintenance duty apply?
Who enforces the grading-site rodent control requirement?
Is overgrown vegetation that attracts rats covered by the same rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
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