GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Bakersfield, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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Bakersfield's Development Services Department runs the 'Bakersfield ADU' program, guiding homeowners through a two-permit process: a Planning Application/site plan review followed by a Building Permit application. Plans can be custom or chosen from the city's ADU Standard Plans Gallery. Inspections and permit status are tracked through the Clariti Permitting System customer portal, and state law requires action on a complete application within 60 days.

Typical timeline

Planning application review approximately 30 working days; state law requires action on a complete building permit application within 60 days. Construction commonly takes 6-12 months.

Where to apply

Department
City of Bakersfield Development Services Department (Planning Division and Building Division)
Permit portal
Clariti Permitting System Customer Portal
Office
1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Planning Division); 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (City Hall)
Contact
661-326-3733devpln@bakersfieldcity.us

Step by step

  1. 1

    Research and budget

    Use the ADU Guidebook and ADU Calculator to understand the process and estimate costs; browse the ADU Standard Plans Gallery for ready-made designs, including reduced-cost pre-reviewed options.

  2. 2

    Hire a team (optional)

    Decide whether to owner-build or hire a licensed architect/designer and contractor, or a design-build team.

  3. 3

    Submit Planning Application and site plan

    Submit the planning application and site development plan to the Planning Division (via the Electronic Planning Application) and pay the fee; staff review typically takes about 30 working days and may route to other agencies.

  4. 4

    Submit Building Permit application

    After receiving the planning permit, submit the building permit application to the Building Division through the Development Center and pay building permit fees.

  5. 5

    Collect the permit

    Once approved and fees are paid, the permit is issued and valid for one year.

  6. 6

    Construction

    Build per approved plans; construction commonly takes 6-12 months.

  7. 7

    Inspections

    Schedule required inspections throughout construction via the Clariti Permitting System customer portal.

  8. 8

    Final inspection

    Pass the final inspection through the Clariti portal before moving in or renting the ADU.

What you need to submit

  • Electronic Planning Application and site development plan
  • Building permit application and construction plans
  • Fee payment for planning and building applications

Bakersfield ADU rules at a glance

JADU
Junior ADU rules follow state law; owner-occupancy is required for JADUs even though it is currently waived for standard ADUs.
Parking
JADUs, garage conversions/demolitions, and ADUs within 1/2 mile of public transit do not require an added parking space; otherwise one parking space is required, which may be tandem (directly behind another space in the driveway).
Max size
Reported as detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft, attached ADU up to 50% of the primary dwelling's size, JADU up to 500 sq ft (from secondary sources summarizing Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 17.65; not independently confirmed on an official numeric table).
Owner occupancy
Not required for ADUs built between 2020 and 2025; still required for JADUs.

Pre-approved ADU plans

Bakersfield publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • ADUs built between 2020 and 2025 do not require owner-occupancy, but this exemption does not apply to JADUs - confirm current status before relying on it.
  • Some city fees are waived for ADUs, but others (like school and water fees, which the city doesn't control) still apply - check the city's fee schedule or contact staff for a project-specific estimate.
  • Standard plans in the ADU Standard Plans Gallery include some reduced-cost, pre-reviewed designs that can speed up plan check.
  • Reach Development Services at devpln@bakersfieldcity.us or 661-326-3733 for ADU-specific questions.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages