Bakersfield, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Bakersfield does not have a standalone short-term rental ordinance comparable to coastal California cities, but multiple overlapping requirements apply to any Airbnb, VRBO, or similar rental under 30 consecutive days. Under Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 3.40, all rentals of 30 days or less are 'transient' and the operator must collect a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on the rent, register with the City Treasurer, and remit the tax quarterly. Chapter 5.02 additionally requires every person conducting business in the city, including STR hosts, to obtain a business tax certificate before offering the unit for rent. Zoning enforcement falls under Title 17: short-term rentals operated from a dwelling unit are generally treated as a permitted accessory use in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones provided the activity does not generate traffic, noise, or occupancy beyond what a single-family household would produce. Hosted rentals where the owner remains on site face fewer restrictions than whole-home rentals. The city enforces occupancy based on California Building Code habitable-area standards (two persons per bedroom plus one, typical). Parking must be provided on site — street parking cannot be used to satisfy guest parking needs. Violations of the TOT ordinance carry back-tax liability, 10% penalty, and interest, while zoning or nuisance violations are prosecuted as infractions or misdemeanors through Code Enforcement.