Short-term rental permit rules in Bakersfield, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Bakersfield has been in the process of drafting a formal STR ordinance. As of early 2026, no comprehensive STR permit ordinance is in effect; a $250 annual permit fee and $100 business license have been reported by third-party sources as requirements under a developing framework.
The City of Bakersfield has approximately 500 operating short-term rentals and announced intent to draft an STR ordinance to require permits, enforce TOT collection, and address nuisance properties. Third-party sources report a $250 STR permit fee, $100 business license, and $150 fire safety inspection fee as anticipated requirements. Operators should verify current requirements directly with the City Planning Division.
Operating without permit: $500 to $1,000/day. Safety violations: immediate suspension. TOT non-remittance: back taxes + penalties.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Kern County.
See how other cities in Kern County handle permit requirements.
See how Bakersfield's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.