ADU Building, Zoning, and Design Regulations for Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield is a great place to build an ADU and allows you to add significant value to your property. Before you start building, make sure you understand Bakersfield’s special use regulations for accessory dwelling units.
Zoning Requirements in Bakersfield, California
ADUs are permitted in Kern County as long as the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is being proposed contains a proposed or existing dwelling. You must obtain site plan approval before constructing an accessory dwelling unit.
According to California state law, at least one accessory dwelling unit may be added to each single-family home. Owner occupied single-family lots may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU).
Maximum Area
ADUs can be built as detached or attached units to the primary residence, within an existing home or accessory structure, or as a garage conversion. The City of Bakersfield’s ADU regulations allow for a range of sizes up to 1,200 sf. The zoning of your property and the size of your existing lot and house will be determining factors in how large of an ADU you can build.
- Attached accessory dwelling units: An attached ADU is allowed up to 1,200 square feet in area but no more than 50% of the existing living area, whichever is less.
- Detached accessory dwelling units: Detached ADUs are allowed up 1,200 square feet.
- Conversion ADUs: Conversion of existing residential space or an existing accessory structure into an ADU cannot exceed more than 50% of the existing living structure.
Bakersfield ADU Rentals
Accessory dwelling units in Bakersfield may be rented in increments of 30 days or more. Owner-occupancy will not be required for new Accessory Dwelling Units (conversion and new construction) built between 2020 and 2025.
Design Requirements for Bakersfield ADUs
- The accessory dwelling unit shall conform to all other development requirements of this title except minimum lot area per dwelling.
- The accessory dwelling unit shall conform to the construction requirements of the building code as adopted by the city.
- The accessory dwelling unit shall be architecturally compatible with the main unit. Architectural compatibility shall mean that the exterior building materials and architecture of the accessory dwelling unit shall be the same as the materials used on the main dwelling. Architectural compatibility will be evaluated during site plan review.
Custom ADU Builder in Bakersfield
Over the years, we have worked throughout the greater Bakersfield area, including Sacramento and Fresno. In addition, our team has installed backyard structures throughout the Central Valley including Modesto and Stockton.
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