Bakersfield Building Permits & Inspections: Start Here
Need a building permit or construction inspection in Bakersfield, California? The City of Bakersfield Building Division, within Development Services, handles building permits, plan reviews, construction inspections, and related code enforcement for properties within city limits.
Building Division: 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
Phone: 661-326-3720 | Email: DEVBld@bakersfieldcity.us
Online applications: Use the City’s Clariti Customer Portal. Confirm current counter hours before visiting.
Building Division Contact & Office Information
| Official Agency | City of Bakersfield Development Services – Building Division |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Incorporated City of Bakersfield, Kern County, California |
| Office Address | 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
| Building Division Phone | 661-326-3720 |
| Building Division Email | DEVBld@bakersfieldcity.us |
| Planning Division | 661-326-3733 |
| Office Hours | The City’s published Planning counter hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding applicable closures. Confirm Building Division counter availability before visiting. |
| Official Website | bakersfieldcity.us/building-division |
| Online Permit System | Clariti Customer Portal |
City of Bakersfield or Kern County: Which Department Do You Need?
A Bakersfield mailing address does not necessarily mean a property is inside Bakersfield city limits. Some properties around Bakersfield are in unincorporated Kern County, where county permitting rules and offices apply.
- Open the City’s HELP Team page and access its Planning and Land Use Map.
- Enter the property’s street address in the map search field.
- Open Data Layers and enable Bakersfield City Limits.
- If the property is within city limits, contact the City Building Division. For unincorporated land, contact Kern County Building Inspection.
Kern County Building Inspection: 661-862-8650 | Official County Building Inspection Website.
Which Projects Require a Building Permit?
The City’s published guidance identifies new construction, alterations, repairs, and several equipment replacements as work requiring permits. Requirements depend on the scope, property, and applicable codes.
| Project | Permit Guidance |
|---|---|
| New home or commercial building | Building permits and plan review are required. |
| Room addition or patio cover | Generally requires a permit and may need Planning review. |
| Kitchen or bathroom remodel | Permits depend on structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes. |
| Roof replacement | Re-roofing is identified as permit work in City guidance. |
| Water heater or AC replacement | The City identifies these equipment replacements as permit-related work. |
| Electrical service or rewiring | Permit review is generally required for regulated electrical work. |
| Swimming pool or spa | Permit and applicable safety requirements must be addressed. |
| Garage conversion or ADU | Building approval and applicable planning requirements must be satisfied. |
| Fence, shed, deck, or retaining wall | Requirements depend on dimensions, location, construction, and applicable exemptions. Confirm before starting. |
| Solar panels or battery systems | Check applicable electrical, building, and fire review requirements. |
| Demolition | Check demolition permit, utility-disconnection, and safety requirements. |
This table is a project-screening guide, not a complete list of exemptions. Call 661-326-3720 with the project address and exact work description to confirm the permit category.
How to Apply for a Bakersfield Building Permit
For construction in the City of Bakersfield, follow this sequence before starting work.
- Confirm the property address and jurisdiction. Verify the property is inside Bakersfield city limits. Keep the street address and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) ready.
- Identify your project and permit type. Describe whether the work involves new construction, an addition, a remodel, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or another improvement. Ask the Building Division whether Planning approval is also required.
- Prepare the application documents. Gather owner and contractor information, a clear scope of work, plans, calculations, and other documents required for the project. See the City Development Center for forms and checklists.
- Access the City’s online permit portal. Open Clariti Customer Portal. Sign in or create an account as prompted, then select the appropriate application service.
- Complete the application and submit plans. Enter the property details and scope of work accurately. Upload required documents in the formats requested by the City. Retain the application or record number.
- Respond to review comments and pay required fees. Monitor the application for corrections, additional documents, and review decisions. When payment is due, follow the City’s instructions or use its official payment portal where applicable.
- Receive the issued permit before construction. Confirm that the permit is approved and issued, not merely submitted. Keep the approved plans and required permit documents available at the job site.
A submitted application is not an issued building permit. Planning approval, plan review, corrections, agency clearances, and payment may be required before the City authorizes construction.
Documents Commonly Needed for a Permit
The exact submittal package varies by permit type. Prepare the following information before beginning an application.
- Property information: Job-site address, APN, building or tenant-suite identification, and owner contact information.
- Project description: Clearly identify the existing conditions and proposed construction.
- Plans: Site plan, floor plan, elevations, framing or structural details, and related drawings where required.
- Technical documents: Structural calculations, energy compliance documents, equipment specifications, or other applicable reports.
- Contractor information: Contractor name, license classification, license number, and contact information, when applicable.
- Design professional information: California-registered architect or engineer details and properly signed professional documents when required.
- Planning approval: Site-plan or entitlement documentation where the project requires Planning Division review.
Commercial projects may need additional accessibility, fire protection, structural, and occupancy-related documentation. The City also identifies separate requirements for new residential construction and subdivisions.
Contractor check: Before hiring, verify the contractor’s license through the California Contractors State License Board.
Building Permit Fees and Processing Times
Bakersfield does not have one universal fee for every building permit. Costs depend on the project, permit classification, review requirements, and applicable City charges.
| Fee or Review Item | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Calculated using the applicable City fee schedule and project details. |
| Plan review | May apply when drawings and calculations require examination. |
| Trade permits | Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or related work may carry applicable charges. |
| Development-related fees | Certain projects may require additional impact, utility, school, or agency fees. |
| Corrections or reinspection | Additional charges may apply under the City’s current fee rules. |
For an accurate estimate: Provide the Building Division with your address, construction type, square footage or valuation where relevant, and scope of work. Ask for the current applicable fees, payment timing, and any separate agency charges.
Processing time: Simple maintenance work may have a different review path from major construction. Residential additions, ADUs, and commercial projects can require multiple reviews. No single processing-time estimate applies to every application.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Building inspections are required at specified stages of permitted work. The City uses its Clariti permitting system for permit and inspection services. It also maintains a Click2Gov building permit interface, so applicants should use the system associated with their actual permit record.
- Find your issued permit. Keep the permit number and site address available.
- Open the appropriate City portal. Sign in to the Clariti Customer Portal, or follow the instructions associated with your issued permit.
- Locate the inspection option. Open your permit record and find the available inspection-request function.
- Select the required inspection. Choose the correct inspection stage and an available date, following the portal’s instructions.
- Submit and verify the request. Retain the confirmation and check whether an inspection has been scheduled. A request alone does not guarantee a specific appointment.
- Prepare the site. Have the work ready, provide safe access, and make approved plans and required job documents available.
- Review the result. Check inspection results and complete any required corrections before requesting reinspection or proceeding to the next regulated stage.
Use the City’s Click2Gov Building Permit service to access its listed inspection and result functions if your permit is handled there. For Clariti-issued permits, use the Clariti account. If your permit is not found or scheduling is unavailable, contact the Building Division at 661-326-3720.
Typical Construction Inspection Stages
| Inspection | When It Is Typically Needed |
|---|---|
| Foundation / Footing | After required preparation and before concrete placement. |
| Underground Utilities | Before regulated underground work is concealed. |
| Rough Framing | After applicable framing work is complete and accessible. |
| Rough Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical | Before systems are covered by insulation, drywall, or finishes, as applicable. |
| Insulation / Energy Compliance | At the applicable stage before covering work. |
| Final Inspection | After permitted construction and required corrections are completed. |
The approved permit and project conditions determine the actual required inspections. Do not cover work that must be inspected before receiving the necessary approval.
Check a Permit’s Status or Inspection Results
To follow an existing application, use the portal associated with that permit.
- Clariti applications: Sign in to the City Customer Portal and locate your application or permit record.
- Click2Gov records: Open the Select Permit page. Search using the available application number, address, parcel, or other search criteria.
- Missing information: Ask Building Division staff which system holds the record, particularly for older permits or projects that have changed ownership or contractors.
Keep the permit number, property address, and applicant details ready when requesting assistance. Some records or documents may not be publicly accessible.
Bakersfield Building Codes in 2026
The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, became effective January 1, 2026. Bakersfield applies the applicable California standards together with locally adopted amendments and ordinances.
Depending on the project, relevant codes can include the California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire, Existing Building, and Green Building Standards Codes.
For new applications in 2026, start with the 2025 code cycle, but verify any applicable transition rules, local amendments, and project-specific requirements.
Other Services Handled by Development Services
Depending on the project, applicants may also need help from other City divisions.
- Planning and zoning: Land use, setbacks, site plans, development approvals, and applicable zoning requirements. Planning: 661-326-3733.
- Code enforcement: Building and property conditions that may violate applicable City codes. See City Code Enforcement.
- Accessory dwelling units: ADU planning, application guidance, standard plans, and related resources. See Bakersfield ADU Resources.
- Public right-of-way work: Street, sidewalk, encroachment, and related permits may require Public Works authorization. See City Land Development.
Common Permit Problems and What to Do
| Problem | Practical Next Step |
|---|---|
| Application not moving forward | Check for missing plans, review comments, unpaid fees, or other pending approvals. |
| Cannot find an existing permit | Check the address and permit number; confirm whether the record belongs in Clariti or Click2Gov. |
| Inspection request unavailable | Verify permit status and eligibility, then contact Building Division staff. |
| Inspection failed | Review the correction notes, complete the repairs, and request reinspection when the work is ready. |
| Project scope changed | Ask whether revised plans or additional approval are required before proceeding. |
| Permit expired or nearing expiration | Contact the City about renewal or extension requirements before continuing regulated work. |
| Work started without a permit | Contact the Building Division promptly about the process for correcting unpermitted work. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Bakersfield Building Department located?
The City of Bakersfield Building Division is located at 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Call 661-326-3720 to confirm counter availability before visiting.
2. Does Bakersfield Building Division handle permits for every Bakersfield address?
No. The City handles properties within incorporated Bakersfield city limits. Properties in unincorporated Kern County generally fall under Kern County Building Inspection. Verify the jurisdiction using the City’s Planning and Land Use Map.
3. Can I apply for a Bakersfield building permit online?
Yes. The City provides online building permit application access through its Clariti Customer Portal. Create or sign in to your account, select the appropriate application, and submit the required information and documents.
4. What construction work requires a permit in Bakersfield?
New buildings, additions, many remodels, re-roofing, equipment replacements, and regulated electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work can require permits. Confirm requirements and any exemptions with the Building Division for your specific project.
5. What documents are needed for a building permit?
Common requirements include the project address, owner and contractor information, scope of work, and applicable plans or calculations. Commercial and complex projects may need professionally prepared documents and additional agency approvals.
6. How much does a Bakersfield building permit cost?
Permit costs depend on the type and scope of construction, plan review, and applicable City fees. Contact the Building Division with project details for the current charges; no single fee applies to all projects.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Bakersfield?
Use the inspection function associated with your issued permit in the City’s Clariti or applicable Click2Gov system. Select the required inspection and follow the scheduling instructions. Call 661-326-3720 if you cannot access the permit.
8. How can I check my Bakersfield building permit status?
Check your application or permit record through the relevant City portal. Clariti account holders can access associated records, while the City’s Click2Gov service provides permit-search functions for records handled there.
9. Which building codes apply in Bakersfield in 2026?
The 2025 California Building Standards Code became effective January 1, 2026. Bakersfield also applies relevant local amendments and ordinances. Confirm the governing code requirements for the particular application.
10. Can a homeowner apply for a building permit without a contractor?
Owner-builders may apply when permitted under California law and City requirements. The City’s building permit application recognizes owner-builder applicants. Confirm eligibility and responsibilities before choosing that option.
Official Bakersfield Permit Resources
- City of Bakersfield – Building Division
- Development Center – Applications, Forms & Inspections
- Clariti Online Permit Application Portal
- City Building Permits – Click2Gov
- City Online Payment Portal
- Building Information Guides
- Building Codes Adoption
- Kern County Building Inspection – Outside City Limits
Confirm the permitting jurisdiction, submit the correct application, receive the issued permit, and identify required inspections. For project-specific help, contact Bakersfield Building Division at 661-326-3720.
Information scope: 2026 guidance based on publicly available City of Bakersfield, Kern County, and California state resources reviewed in October 2026. Fees, office schedules, portals, ordinances, and permitting procedures may change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the City of Bakersfield or Kern County government.