Local zoning · Bakersfield

Bakersfield — Parking

Parking under the Bakersfield local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Bakersfield Municipal Code (Title 17) requires for parking, loading, and related site design. It focuses only on the local zoning rules in Chapter 17.58 and on zone-specific rules that affect parking (no building-code or tenant-law material). Where the page mentions related topics, follow-up detail lives on the city's pages for parking, development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, landscaping and screening and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for accessibility requirements.

Key local chapters: the rules live in Chapter 17.58 (Parking and Loading Standards); zone chapters reference Chapter 17.58 as the controlling parking standard (examples cited below). This page synthesizes the code language into decision-relevant points and flags items that require verification with the Planning Department.

How to read the code (quick)

  • Minimum parking counts and the method of calculation are in § 17.58.110 and the accompanying tables; special rules for residential sizing and exemptions are in § 17.58.015 and § 17.58.120.
  • Dimensional and layout rules (space sizes, compact spaces, motorcycle spaces, loading dimensions, circulation, screening, surfacing) are in § 17.58.030, § 17.58.050, § 17.58.060, and § 17.58.130.
  • Credits, reductions and exceptions (transit credit, on‑street credit, shared parking, off‑site parking rules) are in § 17.58.055, § 17.58.100, § 17.58.080, and § 17.58.070.

District-by-district breakdown

Note: most zone chapters include a catch-all statement that “Off-street parking and loading shall be subject to Chapter 17.58.” The district summaries below therefore emphasize how Chapter 17.58 interacts with those zones and call out zone-specific parking notes that appear in the code.

R-1 (single‑family residential)

Purpose and typical uses

  • The R-1 district is the single‑family residential district (single‑unit homes). The code specifically exempts single‑family residential development from minimum parking standards: no minimum required. § 17.58.015.

Key parking/dimensional standards that affect R-1

  • Single‑family driveways/garage layout are subject to general circulation and driveway rules in § 17.58.050 (e.g., access, maneuvering, prohibition on backing into arterials — with a specific residential exception). Verify street-specific driveway controls with the traffic engineer.
  • Tandem parking is allowed for a single‑family dwelling (one tandem counted) per § 17.58.110(B).

Where it applies

  • Applies on R‑1 parcels citywide; other overlay exceptions (e.g., central district) can modify how parking is handled — see § 17.58.120.

R-2 / R-3 (low‑ to medium‑density multi‑family)

Purpose and typical uses

  • These zones allow multiple‑unit residential development. Multi‑unit objective standards for R-2 and R-3 include specific parking layout and landscape/shade requirements. See § 17.14.030.

Key parking/dimensional standards that affect R-2 / R-3

  • Parking areas shall not be located in the front setback for multi‑unit objective standards. § 17.14.030(A)(1)(b).
  • Parking lot shade: one shade tree per six parking spaces and a suite of planting requirements apply to multi‑unit projects (also see Chapter 17.61 for landscape details referenced there). § 17.14.030(A)(1)(d).
  • For small multifamily projects (nineteen units or fewer) there is no minimum parking requirement per § 17.58.015(A)(4); for projects of 20 units or more the parking table prescribes 0.25 spaces per unit (subject to affordable housing exceptions). § 17.58.015; § 17.58.110(E).

Where it applies

  • R‑2 and R‑3 zones throughout the city; multi‑unit objective standards apply where those zones are used. Confirm which objective standards apply to a given parcel with Planning. § 17.14.030.

R-4 / R-5 / R-6 (higher-density residential)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Higher‑density residential zones; the general parking chapter controls required parking unless a zone or overlay provides an exception.

Key parking/dimensional standards

  • Front‑yard encroachment allowance for off‑street parking in R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and R-6: up to four feet into a required front or street side yard for required parking, with conditions (e.g., cannot be in a 60‑ft corner cutoff area). § 17.58.050(M).
  • Landscape screening and wall requirements apply to parking areas adjacent to residential zones (continuous masonry wall 6 ft high and a landscaped strip 7 ft wide) except limited exemptions for very small projects: § 17.58.050(N).

Where it applies

  • These provisions apply wherever those residential zones are mapped; confirm site-specific applicability with Planning (e.g., whether the parcel is in an overlay). § 17.58.050.

C‑B (Central Business) and C‑C (Commercial Core)

Purpose and typical uses

  • C‑B and C‑C are commercial core zones (uses listed directly in the respective zone chapters). Zone chapters explicitly require that off‑street parking and loading comply with Chapter 17.58. See § 17.25.050(C) for C‑B.

Key parking/dimensional standards that affect C‑B/C‑C

  • Within the central district and properties zoned C‑B and C‑C, freight loading areas used between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and located within 50 feet of residential properties must be completely enclosed within a building. § 17.58.050(P).
  • The central district rules also allow no minimum parking for residential development and protect changes of use from new parking requirements when no expansion occurs — see § 17.58.120.

Where it applies

  • Downtown commercial areas and parcels mapped C‑B/C‑C. Check whether your site lies in the defined central district (Chapter 17.04 definitions) — central district provisions are at § 17.58.120.

M‑1 / M‑2 (industrial)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Industrial and warehousing uses; zone chapters reiterate that parking and loading must meet Chapter 17.58 requirements. § 17.30.035(C).

Key parking/dimensional standards that affect M‑1/M‑2

  • Freight/loading requirements are detailed in § 17.58.130 (loading‑space quantities by gross floor area for warehouses, retail, etc.). § 17.58.130(B) includes tables (see code).
  • Warehouse and industrial parking rates (for many industrial uses) are specified in the parking table (for example, 1 space per 1,000 sq ft for warehouses up to 10,000 sq ft with increments after that) in § 17.58.110(E).

Where it applies

  • Industrial parks and M‑zoned parcels; verify truck circulation and maneuvering requirements with the traffic engineer as part of site plan review. § 17.58.050(A), § 17.08 (site plan).

Central District and Old Town Kern (special areas)

Purpose and typical uses

  • The central district (defined in Chapter 17.04) and Old Town Kern (defined in Chapter 10.08) have supplemental rules intended to encourage infill and reduce parking burdens. § 17.58.120.

Key parking/dimensional standards

  • Minimum parking standards are not required for residential development in the central district and Old Town Kern. § 17.58.120(A).
  • A change of use in the central district that does not expand square footage generally does not trigger additional off‑street parking. § 17.58.120(C).

Where it applies

  • Only within the mapped boundaries of the central district and Old Town Kern; check Chapter 17.04 and Chapter 10.08 for exact boundaries (verify with Planning). § 17.58.120.

Key numeric standards (decision‑relevant table)

Topic Requirement (bolded where numeric) Code Reference
Standard parking stall 9 ft × 18 ft (compact allowed 8 ft × 15 ft, up to 20% of spaces beyond the first 20) § 17.58.030
Motorcycle stall 4 ft × 8 ft (design per traffic engineer) § 17.58.030(C)
Freight/loading dimensions Standard: 35 ft × 10 ft, vertical clearance 14 ft; first required space 25 ft long and 12 ft clearance § 17.58.030(B); freight table § 17.58.130(B)
Parking for multifamily (20+ units) 0.25 spaces per unit (see table and affordable exceptions) § 17.58.110(E)
Single‑family & ADUs No minimum for single‑family and Accessory Dwelling Units § 17.58.015(A)(1); § 17.58.110(E) (ADU row)
On‑street credit Parallel credited at 1 per 22 ft; angled 1 per 14 ft; restricted to local streets and subject to traffic engineer approval § 17.58.100
Transit credit Up to 10% reduction if transit facility within 1,000 ft (not in central district) § 17.58.055
Front yard encroachment for required parking (multi‑res zones) Up to 4 ft into required front or street side yard (R‑2 to R‑6) with conditions § 17.58.050(M)
Screening adjacent to residential 6‑ft masonry wall + 7‑ft landscaped strip (exceptions for small projects) § 17.58.050(N)
Parking lot shade 1 tree per 6 spaces (multi‑unit standard) § 17.14.030(A)(1)(d)

Practical guidance and interpretation

  • Use the § 17.58.110 parking table to determine the baseline parking number for almost any non‑residential use; if your proposed use is not listed, the planning director assigns the closest comparable use. Always cite § 17.58.110(D) when requesting an interpretation.
  • For residential projects, check § 17.58.015 first: many small multifamily projects and single‑family developments have no minimum parking standard. However, accessibility and EV‑ready space requirements required by state law (and cross‑referenced in local code) may still apply; the code explicitly preserves Title 24/ADA requirements. § 17.58.015; § 17.58.050(C).
  • If you plan to rely on off‑site parking (adjacent parcel or leased spaces) you must provide recorded assurances (ownership, lease, or other recorded instrument) guaranteeing availability for the life of the structure or until a change of use; see § 17.58.070(C). That recorded instrument is often the gating item in plan checks.
  • Design details (stall dimensions, compact space limits, motorcycle credits, aisle and driveway widths, surfacing and drainage) are technical and enforced at site plan review or building permit stage; reference § 17.58.030, § 17.58.050, and § 17.58.060 when preparing site plans.

Checklist

  • Confirm base parking requirement from § 17.58.110 parking table for your use.
  • Verify whether the project qualifies for residential or central‑district parking exemptions (§ 17.58.015, § 17.58.120).
  • If using off‑site or shared parking, prepare recorded lease/ownership instrument per § 17.58.070(C) and shared‑parking documentation per § 17.58.080.
  • Dimension parking stalls and loading docks to § 17.58.030 and § 17.58.130 standards (including compact and motorcycle limits).
  • Provide required ADA stalls per § 17.58.050(C) and follow Title 24 (see the city's Title 24 page).
  • Comply with landscaping/shade/screening (Chapter 17.61 referenced through § 17.58.050 and R‑2/R‑3 objective standards § 17.14.030).
  • Submit site plan drawings showing ingress/egress, aisle widths, surfacing and drainage for approval per § 17.58.050(I) and Chapter 17.08 site plan review.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Transit credit applicability Transit credit 10% reduction requires a qualifying transit facility within 1,000 ft and paved pedestrian connection; not available in central district. Mis‑application changes parking count. Confirm qualifying transit facility and pedestrian linkage with Planning/Traffic. See § 17.58.055.
Central district / Old Town exemptions These areas can eliminate residential parking minimums; but they do not waive Title 24/ADA or EV requirements. Overreliance can create conflicts with building/site design. Confirm whether parcel is inside the mapped central district or Old Town Kern and whether the project triggers other standards. See § 17.58.120.
Off‑site/shared parking legal instrument Off‑site parking allowed only with recorded assurance; missing or improper documentation will block permit approval. Provide recorded lease or ownership instrument as required by § 17.58.070(C).
Nonconforming parking Existing legal nonconforming parking can persist but changes of use or additions may trigger new parking obligations. Failure to identify nonconformity risks retroactive mitigation. Confirm status under § 17.58.040(C) and discuss with Planning.
Freight/loading hours near residences Freight areas near residential uses may require enclosure during certain hours in central/commercial zones—affects operations and design. Check § 17.58.050(P) and locate any residential parcel within 50 ft.
Bicycle parking The zoning code defers to Chapter 17.58 and the planning director for some credits/approvals; specific bicycle parking standards are not fully stated in the retrieved parking chapter. Not found in retrieved materials — Verify bicycle parking minima/standards with Planning or see the city’s bicycle/transportation standards.

Plain‑English Summary

Most off‑street parking in Bakersfield is controlled by Chapter 17.58 of the Zoning Code; many residential projects (single‑family, small multifamily, and projects in the central district or Old Town Kern) have no minimum parking requirement, while non‑residential uses must follow the parking table and dimensional rules (stalls 9×18, compact limits, loading sizes). Special credits (transit, on‑street, shared parking) and recorded agreements for off‑site parking are allowed but require approval. Always confirm parcel‑specific exceptions with Planning. § 17.58.015; § 17.58.030; § 17.58.070; § 17.58.110; § 17.58.120.

Source References

  • Bakersfield Municipal Code, Title 17, Chapter 17.58 (Parking and Loading Standards), including § 17.58.010 – § 17.58.130.
  • § 17.58.015 (Residential parking requirements) — no minimum for single‑family, certain multifamily, central district exceptions.
  • § 17.58.030 (Minimum dimensions for parking and loading) — stall sizes, compact and motorcycle standards.
  • § 17.58.050 (General standards: ingress/egress, ADA/Title 24 cross‑ref, screening, front‑yard parking encroachment rules) — includes M and N subsections.
  • § 17.58.060 (Parking lot construction, lighting, maintenance).
  • § 17.58.070 and § 17.58.080 (Off‑site and shared parking rules).
  • § 17.58.100 (On‑street parking credit).
  • § 17.58.110 and table (Parking space requirements by land use).
  • § 17.58.120 (Central District and Old Town Kern supplemental rules).
  • Multi‑unit objective standards (R‑2 and R‑3) including parking lot shade and layout: § 17.14.030.
  • Zone chapter example (C‑B) referencing parking: § 17.25.050(C).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (Chapter 17.08) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Bakersfield Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the Bakersfield parking minimums for a new retail store?

Retail parking minimums are specified in the parking table in § 17.58.110(E); the table lists parking by gross floor area (e.g., small retail ranges may require 1 space per X sq ft) — check the specific row for “neighborhood and regional shopping center” or your retail subtype. If your use isn’t listed the planning director will assign a comparable use.

Do I need parking for an ADU in Bakersfield?

No. The code lists Accessory Dwelling Units as having no minimum off‑street parking requirement in the parking table and Chapter 17.58 (ADU row). However, site layout, driveway access and local ADU rules still apply — verify with Planning. § 17.58.110(E).

Are there parking exemptions for downtown Bakersfield?

Yes. The central district and Old Town Kern have supplemental standards: minimum parking standards are not required for residential development in those areas and changes of use without expansion generally don’t trigger new parking requirements. See § 17.58.120 for details.

What size should I make parking stalls and loading docks?

Standard off‑street parking stall is 9 ft × 18 ft; compact stalls 8 ft × 15 ft (max 20% beyond first 20 required spaces), motorcycle stalls 4 ft × 8 ft. Freight/loading spaces are typically 35 ft × 10 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance (first required space can be 25 ft with 12 ft clearance). See § 17.58.030 and § 17.58.130 for the freight table.

Can I count on‑street parking toward my required parking?

Yes, subject to limits: on local streets and where permitted, on‑street credit is allowed — parallel at 1 per 22 ft, angled at 1 per 14 ft of uninterrupted curb, and credits are governed by § 17.58.100 and the traffic engineer’s approval. § 17.58.100.

Can I provide required parking on an adjacent lot?

Yes, but the code requires legal assurances: ownership by a common owner or a recorded lease/instrument guaranteeing availability for the life of the structure or until a change of use, recorded with the Planning Department, per § 17.58.070(C). Without the recorded instrument, off‑site parking likely won't be credited.

How does the planning director treat uses not listed in the parking table?

If a proposed use is not listed, § 17.58.110(D) directs the planning director to assign the same requirement as the most similar listed use. Document your operational assumptions and provide comparable examples to support your proposed parking count.

Are there landscaping or shade requirements for parking?

Yes. Parking lot landscaping, screening adjacent residential property (e.g., 6‑ft masonry wall + 7‑ft landscape strip) and tree‑per‑space shade requirements (multi‑unit: 1 tree/6 spaces) are imposed in § 17.58.050(N) and in multi‑unit standards § 17.14.030. Coordination with Chapter 17.61 is required for planting lists and water‑use rules.

What happens if my property has legal nonconforming parking?

Legal nonconforming parking can remain, but a change of use, a new building, or enlargement may require new parking for the added area only. See the nonconforming parking rules in § 17.58.040(C). Confirm your site’s nonconforming status with Planning.

Are bicycle parking rules in Chapter 17.58?

Bicycle parking is referenced in site circulation and pedestrian/bicycle connectivity provisions (for multi‑unit projects) but a clear, citywide numeric bicycle parking standard is not found in the retrieved Chapter 17.58 excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials — verify bicycle parking minima with Planning or transportation/bicycle plans. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)

More in Bakersfield code

Ask about any Bakersfield property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Bakersfield zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Bakersfield zoning topics

Bakersfield Zoning

Bakersfield Land Use

Bakersfield Development Standards

Bakersfield Design Review

Bakersfield Overlay Districts

Bakersfield Historic Preservation

Bakersfield Signage

Bakersfield Nonconforming Uses

Bakersfield Variances and Exceptions

Bakersfield Landscaping and Screening

Bakersfield overview