Bakersfield, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition
- Governing section
- BMC § 15.20.010
- Concurrent enforcer
- Kern County Health Officer
- Related chapter
- BMC Ch. 15.24 (dangerous buildings)
- Enforcing department
- Bakersfield Building Department
Summary
Bakersfield adopts the 1997 Uniform Housing Code by reference under Municipal Code § 15.20.010 to protect the "life, limb, health, property and safety and welfare" of residential occupants, with the building director enforcing habitability standards alongside the county health officer.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, that certain housing code known and designated as the Uniform Housing Code, sponsored and copyrighted by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1997 Edition, a copy of which is on file with the building department of the city of Bakersfield for use and examination by the public, is adopted by reference as modified and amended in this chapter and is declared to be the housing code of the city for the purpose of providing requirements for the protection of life, limb, health, property and safety and welfare of the general public and the owners and occupants of residential buildings.
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
" The city keeps a copy on file at the building department for public review. 020 deletes the model code's own enforcement machinery, Section 202 (Enforcement, Substandard Buildings), Section 203 (Housing Advisory and Appeals Board), and the notices/appeal chapters (11 and 12), replacing them with the city's own administrative citation and appeal process elsewhere in the municipal code. 4, clarifying that "enforcement of this Housing Code by the Building Director shall not prevent the enforcement of the State Housing Law and applicable regulations by the County Health Officer," so both the city building department and Kern County health officer have concurrent authority over substandard rental conditions. 050.
Violations & Fines
Substandard housing conditions are enforced by the building director under the adopted Uniform Housing Code standards, with the county health officer retaining concurrent State Housing Law enforcement authority per § 15.20.030; dangerous building conditions can additionally trigger abatement, repair or demolition proceedings under Chapter 15.24, with costs recoverable through the city's Repair and Demolition Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What housing code governs rental habitability in Bakersfield?
Who enforces habitability standards in Bakersfield rentals?
What happens to a dangerous or substandard rental building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
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