Bakersfield, California Building Permit Guide

The Building Division of Bakersfield’s Development Services issues the city’s building permits. It is on the first floor of the Development Services Building, 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301-5210, and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.

This guide covers the Building Division’s office, what it asks for and the codes it applies. No Bakersfield fee schedule, online portal or inspection-booking method was verified for this guide, so ask the Building Division at 661-326-3720 about fees and inspections.

What requires a building permit in Bakersfield?

The Building Division says a permit fee and special permit are required for remodels or alterations and for several kinds of residential work, such as installing a retaining wall, a water heater, an air conditioner, or a swimming pool or spa.

New commercial buildings need drawings, plans and calculations wet signed and stamped by a licensed California Engineer. New residential construction needs drawings, plans and certain calculations, plus information about the contractor.

California builds on one statewide code, Title 24, whose 2025 edition took effect on 1 January 2026; the editions in effect when the application is submitted apply, and cities and counties may adopt local amendments only with findings filed with the state (new residential amendments are largely frozen until June 2031). Title 24 and local amendments

Bakersfield building department: who handles permitting

Building reports from before 2001 may be available at the Building Division’s downtown office.

Building codes in Bakersfield

The Building Division notes that new Building Construction Codes took effect on January 1, 2026, including the 2025 CBC and the California Wildland - Urban Interface Code. The city also has a Board of Building Appeals and a Handicapped Access Appeals Board.

New tracts and model homes in Bakersfield

On a new tract, a maximum of six model homes may be permitted before the final map is recorded, if certain items are completed before the building permits are issued.

How to get a building permit in Bakersfield

A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with the City of Bakersfield on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California

Bakersfield permit search and official resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Bakersfield Building Division

Frequently asked questions

Does a new water heater need a permit in Bakersfield?

Yes. The Building Division lists hot water heaters, retaining walls, air conditioners and swimming pools or spas among the residential work that needs a permit fee and special permit.

Who must stamp commercial plans in Bakersfield?

Drawings, plans and calculations for new commercial buildings must be wet signed and stamped by a licensed California Engineer.

Where can I find an old Bakersfield building report?

Building reports from before 2001 may be available at the Building Division’s downtown office.

Simplify Bakersfield permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Confirm which City divisions and outside agencies the project needs, from building and fire to grading and utilities
• Prepare the plans and forms and file them through the City’s portal or counter
• Book the City’s inspections and track the permit through to final

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in California. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Bakersfield permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.