Municipal code
Bakersfield Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Bakersfield, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-02
- Contents
- 19 titles · 5,071 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Bakersfield
Contents
▸Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 1.01 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.08 — SEAL
- Chapter 1.10 — ELECTRONIC FILINGS
- Chapter 1.12 — WARDS
- Chapter 1.16 — ELECTIONS
- Chapter 1.17 — USE OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTIONS UNDER ARTICLES XIII C AND D OF THE
- Chapter 1.20 — ORDINANCES
- Chapter 1.24 — SUBPOENAS
- Chapter 1.28 — ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
- Chapter 1.32 — ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 1.34 — ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS
- Chapter 1.36 — TIME FOR FILING WRITS OF MANDATE
- Chapter 1.40 — GENERAL PENALTY
- Chapter 1.50 — EXPEDITED JUDICIAL REVIEW
▸Title 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Overview- Chapter 2.02 — COUNCIL ORGANIZATION
- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL MEETINGS
- Chapter 2.06 — CHIEF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
- Chapter 2.08 — FINANCE DIRECTOR
- Chapter 2.12 — DEPUTY ENGINEER—DEPUTY STREET SUPERINTENDENT
- Chapter 2.16 — WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.18 — WATER BOARD
- Chapter 2.20 — KERN RIVER LEVEE DISTRICT
- Chapter 2.24 — REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
- Chapter 2.28 — PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCIES
- Chapter 2.32 — FIRE DEPARTMENT RESERVES
- Chapter 2.36 — POLICE
- Chapter 2.37 — PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS
- Chapter 2.40 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 2.44 — EMERGENCY POWERS OF MAYOR
- Chapter 2.48 — PRESERVATION OF GOVERNMENT IN EVENT OF DISASTER
- Chapter 2.50 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.51 — DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
- Chapter 2.56 — MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
- Chapter 2.60 — BAKERSFIELD YOUTH COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.62 — KEEP BAKERSFIELD BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.64 — OFFICIAL BONDS
- Chapter 2.68 — COUNCILMEMBERS’ SALARIES
- Chapter 2.72 — PERSONNEL POLICIES
- Chapter 2.76 — EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
- Chapter 2.80 — TRAVEL EXPENSES
- Chapter 2.84 — COMPENSATION
- Chapter 2.85 — PENSION BENEFITS
- Chapter 2.88 — EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
- Chapter 2.92 — FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF AND PENSIONS
▸Title 3 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
Overview- Chapter 3.04 — FUNDS
- Chapter 3.16 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 3.20 — PURCHASING
- Chapter 3.24 — POLICE REPORT FEES
- Chapter 3.28 — PROPERTY TAX
- Chapter 3.30 — IN-LIEU TAXES
- Chapter 3.32 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.36 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.38 — BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY/VITAL CITY SERVICES MEASURE
- Chapter 3.40 — TRANSIENT LODGING TAX
- Chapter 3.44 — FINANCING OF THE REHABILITATION OF HISTORICAL PROPERTIES
- Chapter 3.50 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BOND
- Chapter 3.55 — ENTERPRISE REVENUE BOND LAW
- Chapter 3.60 — HEALTH FACILITIES FINANCING LAW
- Chapter 3.70 — COST RECOVERY SYSTEM
- Title 4 — (RESERVED)
▸Title 5 — BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
Overview- Chapter 5.02 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
- Chapter 5.06 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.08 — ALARM REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.12 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 5.13 — REMOTE CALLER BINGO
- Chapter 5.14 — CABARETS
- Chapter 5.16 — CARDROOMS
- Chapter 5.18 — RESIDENTIAL SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.20 — CLOSING-OUT SALES
- Chapter 5.23 — ESCORTS AND ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.24 — FUNERAL ESCORT SERVICES
- Chapter 5.26 — HOTELS AND LODGINGHOUSES
- Chapter 5.28 — HOUSE NUMBER CURB PAINTING
- Chapter 5.30 — JEWELRY AUCTIONS
- Chapter 5.32 — MASSAGE
- Chapter 5.35 — MOTION PICTURES
- Chapter 5.38 — OUTDOOR FESTIVALS, CIRCUSES, CARNIVALS AND TENT SHOWS
- Chapter 5.42 — PRIVATE PATROL SERVICES
- Chapter 5.44 — PUBLIC DANCES AND DANCEHALLS
- Chapter 5.45 — SIDEWALK VENDORS
- Chapter 5.46 — SECONDHAND DEALERS AND PAWNBROKERS
- Chapter 5.48 — VIDEO SERVICE PROVIDERS
- Chapter 5.50 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.51 — TEMPORARY PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 5.56 — TRANSIENT OUTDOOR BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.58 — SEISMIC SURVEY ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 5.60 — TITLE ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 5.62 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE WARNING SIGNS
- Chapter 5.66 — FOOD VENDING VEHICLES
- Title 7 — (RESERVED)
▸Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
Overview- Chapter 8.04 — TRANSFER OF HEALTH FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 8.08 — MILK
- Chapter 8.12 — MEAT AND FISH PEDDLERS
- Chapter 8.16 — ICE CREAM TRUCKS
- Chapter 8.24 — TERMITE-INFESTED WOOD
- Chapter 8.27 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
- Chapter 8.28 — WEEDS AND DEBRIS
- Chapter 8.29 — LITTER CONTROL
- Chapter 8.30 — DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 8.31 — PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISING MATERIALS ON PRIVATE MOTOR
- Chapter 8.32 — SOLID WASTE/RECYCLABLE MATERIALS/ORGANIC WASTE
- Chapter 8.34 — INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER
- Chapter 8.35 — STORMWATER SYSTEM
- Chapter 8.36 — IRRIGATION CANALS
- Chapter 8.38 — GROUNDWATER RECHARGE BASINS OPERATION OF MOTORIZED
- Chapter 8.40 — SMOKE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 8.42 — FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
- Chapter 8.44 — FIREWORKS
- Chapter 8.48 — ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
- Chapter 8.52 — RESALE OF RETURNED MERCHANDISE
- Chapter 8.56 — SMOKING ON BUSES
- Chapter 8.58 — TOBACCO USE PREVENTION
- Chapter 8.59 — TOBACCO RETAILER’S PERMIT
- Chapter 8.60 — Tobacco Retailer’s Permit” as adopted and amended through Ordinance No. G-8763,…
- Chapter 8.60 — CERTIFIED UNIFIED PROGRAM AGENCY
- Chapter 8.70 — REGULATION OF WELLS AND WATER SYSTEMS
- Chapter 8.80 — ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCES
- Chapter 8.85 — ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCES
- Chapter 8.90 — LAND APPLICATION OF BIOSOLIDS
▸Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
Overview- Chapter 9.02 — AUTOMATIC ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.12 — PUBLIC DECENCY
- Chapter 9.13 — UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
- Chapter 9.14 — GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.16 — DRINKING ON STREET
- Chapter 9.17 — MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
- Chapter 9.18 — DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.19 — LOITERING FOR DRUG ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.20 — DISORDERLY CONDUCT
- Chapter 9.22 — NOISE
- Chapter 9.23 — LOUD OR UNRULY EVENTS
- Chapter 9.26 — HUBCAPS
- Chapter 9.28 — SHOPPING CARTS
- Chapter 9.29 — SHOPPING CARTS—CONTAINMENT
- Chapter 9.30 — STREET SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 9.32 — PANHANDLING/SOLICITING
- Chapter 9.34 — TRESPASS
- Chapter 9.35 — TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.36 — GRAFFITI PREVENTION AND ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.44 — CURFEW FOR MINORS
- Chapter 9.50 — DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.52 — WEAPONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
- Chapter 9.54 — AIRGUNS AND SLINGSHOTS
- Chapter 9.70 — SLEEPING IN PUBLIC PLACES
▸Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Overview- Chapter 10.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.16 — SPECIAL STOPS
- Chapter 10.20 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.24 — SPEED ZONES
- Chapter 10.28 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.32 — STANDING, STOPPING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.36 — LOADING ZONES AND BUS ZONES
- Chapter 10.40 — REMOVAL OF VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.44 — VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 10.48 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 10.52 — BICYCLES AND SIMILAR VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.56 — MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.60 — INTERSTATE TRUCKS
- Chapter 10.64 — ABANDONED OR JUNK VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.66 — LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS
- Chapter 10.68 — PARKING METERS
- Chapter 10.69 — SPECIAL EVENTS
- Chapter 10.72 — PARKING MALLS
- Chapter 10.76 — PARADES
- Chapter 10.80 — KERN RIVER TRAIL
- Chapter 10.82 — OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
- Title 11 — (RESERVED)
▸Title 12 — STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES
Overview- Chapter 12.08 — FRONTAGE ROADS
- Chapter 12.12 — STREET USE PERMITS
- Chapter 12.16 — CONSTRUCTION WORK IN STREETS
- Chapter 12.20 — ENCROACHMENTS
- Chapter 12.21 — SKATEBOARD AND BICYCLE RAMPS
- Chapter 12.28 — WATER IN GUTTERS OR SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 12.30 — WIRELESS FACILITIES WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY
- Chapter 12.32 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 12.36 — CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAY APPROACHES, CONNECTING
- Chapter 12.40 — STREET TREES
- Chapter 12.44 — BUSINESS USE OF SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 12.48 — BENCHES
- Chapter 12.52 — SIDEWALK PUBLIC TELEPHONES
- Chapter 12.56 — PARKS
- Chapter 12.57 — DIVING FROM PUBLIC BRIDGES
- Chapter 12.60 — CREATION OF EASEMENTS BY RECORDED COVENANTS
- Chapter 12.64 — SPECIFIC TRAILS PLAN
▸Title 14 — WATER AND SEWERS
Overview- Chapter 14.02 — WATER USE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 14.04 — CITY DOMESTIC WATER SERVICE AREA
- Chapter 14.06 — FAIRHAVEN WATER SERVICE AREA
- Chapter 14.08 — WATER—PURITY
- Chapter 14.12 — SEWERS
- Chapter 14.16 — SEWER SERVICE IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA—EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 14.20 — PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEM REVIEW
- Chapter 14.24 — PRIVIES
▸Title 15 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Overview- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION CODE
- Chapter 15.05 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.07 — CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.09 — CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.11 — CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.13 — CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.15 — CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.17 — CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.18 — LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY CODE
- Chapter 15.19 — CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 15.20 — UNIFORM HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 15.24 — UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
- Chapter 15.30 — CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.31 — CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE TITLE 24, PART 7
- Chapter 15.36 — UNIFORM SIGN CODE
- Chapter 15.38 — WATER METERS
- Chapter 15.40 — EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING UNREINFORCED
- Chapter 15.41 — SEISMIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OF UNREINFORCED MASONRY
- Chapter 15.42 — DWELLING UNIT LOCATION IDENTIFICATION IN MULTIPLE DWELLING
- Chapter 15.44 — MOVED BUILDINGS
- Chapter 15.50 — PAY TOILETS
- Chapter 15.52 — HOUSE NUMBERS
- Chapter 15.54 — HANDICAPPED ACCESS APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 15.56 — PERMITTING SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
- Chapter 15.58 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AND EXPEDITED BUILDING
- Chapter 15.65 — CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
- Chapter 15.66 — DRILLING FOR AND PRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM
- Chapter 15.68 — MOBILE HOME PARKS
- Chapter 15.70 — SCHOOL FACILITIES
- Chapter 15.72 — HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
- Chapter 15.74 — FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
- Chapter 15.76 — IMPROVED ACCESS TO PROPERTY
- Chapter 15.78 — METROPOLITAN BAKERSFIELD HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN
- Chapter 15.79 — DENSITY BONUSES
- Chapter 15.80 — DEDICATION OF LAND, PAYMENT OF FEES, OR BOTH FOR THE
- Chapter 15.82 — FEE FOR PARK DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
- Chapter 15.84 — TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
▸Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 16.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 16.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 16.12 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 16.16 — TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 16.20 — FINAL TRACT MAPS
- Chapter 16.22 — FINAL PARCEL MAP
- Chapter 16.24 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 16.28 — DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 16.32 — IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 16.36 — OPTIONAL DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 16.38 — MERGER OF PARCELS
- Chapter 16.40 — DEDICATIONS
- Chapter 16.41 — RESERVATIONS
- Chapter 16.44 — SOIL AND GRADING REPORTS
- Chapter 16.48 — REVERSION TO ACREAGE
- Chapter 16.52 — APPEALS
▸Title 17 — ZONING
Overview- Chapter 17.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.06 — ZONES ESTABLISHED—ZONING MAP BOUNDARIES
- Chapter 17.08 — GENERAL REGULATIONS INCLUDING SITE PLAN REVIEW
- Chapter 17.10 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
- Chapter 17.12 — MIXED-USE ZONES
- Chapter 17.14 — MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE SITE DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.35 — RE (RECREATION) ZONE
- Chapter 17.37 — OS (OPEN SPACE) ZONE
- Chapter 17.38 — HOSPITAL (HOSP) ZONING
- Chapter 17.42 — FP-P FLOODPLAIN PRIMARY ZONE
- Chapter 17.44 — FP-S FLOODPLAIN SECONDARY ZONE
- Chapter 17.45 — AA (AIRPORT APPROACH) ZONE
- Chapter 17.46 — DRILLING ISLAND (DI) DISTRICT
- Chapter 17.47 — (PE) PETROLEUM EXTRACTION COMBINING DISTRICT
- Chapter 17.48 — TT TRAVEL TRAILER PARK ZONE
- Chapter 17.50 — MH MOBILE HOME ZONE
- Chapter 17.52 — PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONE
- Chapter 17.54 — PCD PLANNED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE
- Chapter 17.55 — SPECIFIC PLAN LINES FOR STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
- Chapter 17.56 — FALLOUT SHELTERS
- Chapter 17.57 — METAL STORAGE CONTAINERS
- Chapter 17.58 — PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.59 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES NOT IN THE PUBLIC
- Chapter 17.60 — SIGNS
- Chapter 17.61 — LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.62 — SURFACE MINING AND RECLAMATION
- Chapter 17.63 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
- Chapter 17.64 — MODIFICATIONS, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, AMENDMENTS AND
- Chapter 17.65 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
- Chapter 17.66 — HD (HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT) COMBINING ZONE
- Chapter 17.68 — NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES AND LOTS
- Chapter 17.69 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
- Chapter 17.70 — CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
- Chapter 17.71 — OUTDOOR LIGHTING
- Chapter 17.72 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 17.73 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
- Chapter 17.74 — SHORT-TERM RENTALS
- Title 18 — (RESERVED)
▸Title 19 — AIRPORTS
Overview- Chapter 19.01 — AUTHORITY
- Chapter 19.02 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 19.03 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 19.04 — VEHICLES
- Chapter 19.05 — AIRCRAFT
- Chapter 19.06 — AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS—GROUND
- Chapter 19.07 — AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS—FLIGHT
- Chapter 19.08 — FUEL
- Chapter 19.09 — FIRE PROTECTION
- Chapter 19.10 — HANGARS AND TIE-DOWNS
- Chapter 19.11 — MAINTENANCE
- Chapter 19.12 — FINANCE