ADU Permit Submission Checklist in Bakersfield, California

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Bakersfield, California — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$3,300 – $9,900
Review time
Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections
7 inspections required
VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

ADU Permit Checklist

Bakersfield5 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

  • Building Permit ApplicationREQUIRED[1][2]

    Completed City of Bakersfield building permit application with project scope, property details, and owner information and certification

Plans & Diagrams(3)

  • Architectural PlansREQUIRED[3][4]

    Complete set of architectural drawings signed and sealed by a licensed California architect or professional engineer, with floor plans, elevations, and sections

  • Site PlanREQUIRED[5][6]

    Site plan showing property boundaries, lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, parking areas, and utility connections

  • Utility and Mechanical PlansREQUIRED[9][10]

    Plans showing water, sewer, electrical, and gas connections with separate metering specifications for independent ADU utility service

Supporting Documents(1)

  • Property Ownership DocumentationREQUIRED[7][8]

    Deed or title report demonstrating current ownership, required per California Government Code 65852.2 for ADU verification

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Bakersfield before submission.

Avoid rejections — generate a submission-ready packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Bakersfield, California — tailored to your project details.

  • Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $1,100–$6,000 estimated total
  • Step-by-step Bakersfield Building Department portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (7 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents

Bakersfield requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Building Permit Application

Completed City of Bakersfield building permit application with project scope, property details, and owner information and certification

R

Architectural Plans

Complete set of architectural drawings signed and sealed by a licensed California architect or professional engineer, with floor plans, elevations, and sections

R

Site Plan

Site plan showing property boundaries, lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, parking areas, and utility connections

R

Property Ownership Documentation

Deed or title report demonstrating current ownership, required per California Government Code 65852.2 for ADU verification

R

Utility and Mechanical Plans

Plans showing water, sewer, electrical, and gas connections with separate metering specifications for independent ADU utility service

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through Bakersfield Building Department.

  1. 1

    Verify ADU Eligibility

    Confirm property qualifies for ADU under California Government Code 65852.2 and Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 20.202. Check property ownership and zoning status.

    You'll need: Property Ownership Documentation

  2. 2

    Submit Building Permit Application

    Submit complete building permit application including architectural, site, and utility plans to Bakersfield Building Department

    You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Utility and Mechanical Plans

  3. 3

    Plan Review

    Bakersfield Building Department reviews plans for California Building Code and local zoning compliance

  4. 4

    Address Plan Review Comments

    Revise and resubmit plans to address any plan review comments or required modifications

  5. 5

    Fee Payment and Permit Issuance

    Pay all applicable permit and inspection fees and receive authorization to begin construction

  6. 6

    Construction Inspections

    Schedule and pass required inspections at various construction stages including foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
ADU Permit Fee$2,200 – $6,000Verified
Plan Review Fee$1,100 – $3,900Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footing inspection per California Building Co

Foundation and footing inspection per California Building Code

Framing inspection for structural compliance

Framing inspection for structural compliance

Electrical rough-in and service panel inspection

Electrical rough-in and service panel inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Mechanical system and HVAC installation inspection

Mechanical system and HVAC installation inspection

Building exterior and interior walls inspection

Building exterior and interior walls inspection

Final inspection and occupancy authorization

Final inspection and occupancy authorization

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

Bakersfield Building Department

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Portal guide
Official page
ADU Permit Requirements Checklist

Verified February 15, 2026

Fee schedule
Bakersfield Master Fee Schedule

Verified February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Bakersfield?
Yes. Bakersfield requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Bakersfield?
Processing times in Bakersfield vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 6 steps. Contact Bakersfield Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield requires 5 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Property Ownership Documentation, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Bakersfield?
Building without a permit in Bakersfield can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Bakersfield?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Bakersfield's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Bakersfield?
ADU permit fees in Bakersfield typically range from $3,300 to $9,900, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Bakersfield.

Related Permits

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