On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bakersfield
The city form states a separate permit and application is required for each structure, tenant space, or work performed, and that the permit includes all structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work performed.
Required documents
- Building permit application; owner information; contractor information unless owner-builder; complete plan sets drawn to scale with uniform sheet size minimum 24 inches by 30 inches; and project-specific supporting documents such as structural calculations, special testing and inspection, energy calculations, Title 24 energy plans, grading plans, hydrology calculations, soil/geotechnical reports, hillside information, biological study/HCP, and SWPPP where applicable.
- Building code
- Bakersfield's Building Codes Adoption page currently states new building construction codes took effect January 1, 2020. I did not locate a newer city code-adoption page in the reviewed Bakersfield sources, so the city webpage should be checked directly for any later update.
- Permit validity
- The Bakersfield sources reviewed did not clearly state local permit expiration terms. California administrative code text commonly uses a 180-day abandonment period for applications unless diligently prosecuted or extended, but Bakersfield-specific confirmation was not located in the reviewed city sources.
- Owner-builder
- The city requires owner information on all applications and asks the applicant to identify whether the project is owner-builder. If the applicant is not owner-builder, contractor information is required before permit issuance.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor name, address, phone, license number, class, and expiration date are required before issuance when the project is not owner-builder.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property is within Bakersfield city limits and determine whether City Planning Review is required. The city's building permit form says all building structures, including interior and exterior alterations, exterior signs, and site modifications, must obtain City Planning Review before permit application acceptance, except lots with one single-family residence.
- 02 Prepare the building permit application and project information. The city requires owner information on all applications and requires contractor license information before permit issuance unless the applicant is acting as owner-builder.
- 03 Assemble plan sets and supporting documents. The permit form calls for complete sets of plans drawn to scale, minimum 24 inches by 30 inches, with applicable site, floor, roof, elevations, sections, schedules, utility plans, structural calculations, energy documents, and grading documents as needed.
- 04 Submit a separate application for each structure, tenant space, or scope of work. The city form states the permit must cover all structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work performed.
- 05 Track permit status, inspections, and payments through the city's online permit portal. The Building Permits page says status access requires an account number, PIN, and active email address; applicants needing a PIN are directed to call (661) 326-3720.
- 06 Complete required inspections and address corrections before final approval.
Source: City of Bakersfield Development Services, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bakersfield building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Reinspection fee
The city permit application states a $55.00 re-inspection fee applies for grading pre-inspection if the inspector cannot access the site on the first visit.
The city directs applicants to the online Building Permits portal to pay permits, schedule inspections, and check permit status. Portal access requires the account number, PIN, and an active email address.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online portal (online)
- (661) 326-3720 (phone)
Typical sequence: Not published in the reviewed city sources; at minimum, applicants should expect plan review approval, permit issuance, required trade/building inspections during construction, correction of deficiencies if any, and final approval.
Source: City of Bakersfield Development Services, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bakersfield permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bakersfield, CA? ▸
The city form states a separate permit and application is required for each structure, tenant space, or work performed, and that the permit includes all structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work performed.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Bakersfield, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bakersfield, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is within Bakersfield city limits and determine whether City Planning Review is required. The city's building permit form says all building structures, including interior and exterior alterations, exterior signs, and site modifications, must obtain City Planning Review before permit application acceptance, except lots with one single-family residence. 2. Prepare the building permit application and project information. The city requires owner information on all applications and requires contractor license information before permit issuance unless the applicant is acting as owner-builder. 3. Assemble plan sets and supporting documents. The permit form calls for complete sets of plans drawn to scale, minimum 24 inches by 30 inches, with applicable site, floor, roof, elevations, sections, schedules, utility plans, structural calculations, energy documents, and grading documents as needed. 4. Submit a separate application for each structure, tenant space, or scope of work. The city form states the permit must cover all structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work performed. 5. Track permit status, inspections, and payments through the city's online permit portal. The Building Permits page says status access requires an account number, PIN, and active email address; applicants needing a PIN are directed to call (661) 326-3720. 6. Complete required inspections and address corrections before final approval.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bakersfield, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bakersfield, CA via: Online portal, (661) 326-3720.
last verified April 2026
source City of Bakersfield Development Services, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/kern/bakersfield
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Bakersfield Development Services, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.