ADU Rules in Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Bakersfield, CA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. California state law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Bakersfield, the Bakersfield Building Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Bakersfield.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Bakersfield: Detached ADU: up to 1200 sq ft (max height: 16 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of primary dwelling up to 1200 sqft. Junior ADU (JADU): up to 500 sq ft — must be within the existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. Detached ADU maximum 1,200 sqft per California Gov Code 65852.2(c)(2)(B). JADU maximum 500 sqft within existing space of primary structure per Gov Code 65852.22. Bakersfield's large suburban lots (often 7,000-10,000+ sqft) make detached ADUs feasible in most cases. Bakersfield's lower construction costs compared to coastal California ($150-250/sqft vs. $350-600/sqft coastal) make larger ADUs more economically accessible. Bakersfield Municipal Code 17.08.

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Bakersfield: Plan check fee: $300–$1,500. Building permit fee: $600–$3,000 depending on valuation. Impact fees: None. School fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft. Kern High School District and Bakersfield City School District fees apply for ADUs 750+ sqft.. Total estimated permit cost: $1,200–$5,500 total permit fees — significantly lower than coastal California cities. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft per Gov Code 65852.2(f)(3). Bakersfield's lower construction cost baseline means lower permit valuation and thus lower valuation-based permit fees compared to LA or Bay Area. No transportation impact fees (unlike cities such as Sacramento or San Jose). Fee schedule: https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/gov/depts/building/fee_schedule.htm

Permit Timeline

Bakersfield ADU Permit Timeline: Bakersfield Planning and Development Services processes ADU permits. Ministerial approval within 60 days for compliant applications per California Gov Code 65852.2(a)(3). Standard ADU plan check: 3-6 weeks. Bakersfield's lower construction demand relative to coastal CA means faster contractor availability. Online permits: https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/gov/depts/building/permits.htm Apply through the Bakersfield Building Division online permit portal. Phone: (661) 326-3720.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Bakersfield: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 4 feet. Rear setback: 4 feet. 4-foot side and rear setbacks per California Gov Code 65852.2(c)(2)(E). Bakersfield's large suburban lots frequently have rear yards exceeding 30 ft — detached ADU placement is typically straightforward. Front setback follows applicable zone standards — R-1 zones typically require 20 ft front setbacks. Alley access is available in some older Bakersfield neighborhoods for rear-facing ADU placement.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of Golden Empire Transit (GET) bus routes. No replacement parking required when garage is converted to ADU per California Gov Code 65852.2(d). Bakersfield is a car-dependent city but GET bus network extends to many residential areas. Property owners converting garages must confirm GET bus proximity for parking exemption.

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must comply with Bakersfield Municipal Code 17.08 objective standards
• •ADU cannot be sold separately from primary dwelling (unless SB 9 lot split applies)
• •ADU must have permanent foundation
• •Kern County air quality rules apply — San Joaquin Valley APCD regulations govern construction equipment emissions
• •Bakersfield's extreme summer heat (110°F+) requires Title 24 energy compliance for ADU habitability

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Bakersfield: Single-family lots: 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; internal space conversions permitted per unit. Bakersfield's large suburban lots in R-1 zones can often accommodate a detached ADU plus a JADU within the existing home simultaneously. State law permits both. Bakersfield's lower land and construction costs make ADU investment returns attractive relative to coastal California.

State Law & Preemption

Historic District Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions