Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Bakersfield, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are currently allowed in Bakersfield, CA, but they operate in a regulatory gray area. As of late 2025, no city-specific ordinance exists to govern STRs (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO). However, the City of Bakersfield is actively drafting its first STR ordinance, with preliminary discussions beginning in October 2025. Until this ordinance is adopted, STRs fall under existing frameworks:

• City of Bakersfield: No dedicated STR permitting or zoning rules; traditional "hotel/lodginghouse" regulations (BMC 5.26) may indirectly apply to non-conforming STRs.
• Unincorporated Kern County: STRs are taxed via Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at 6% and require registration.
• State of California: No statewide STR regulations; local jurisdictions (city/county) have primary authority.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bakersfield

1. Due Diligence for Location:

   • Within City Limits (Incorporated Areas): Verify zoning with the Bakersfield Planning Department. Assume compliance with residential use standards until the new ordinance is finalized.
   • Unincorporated Kern County: Confirm property location using Kern County GIS.

2. Tax Registration (Mandatory in Unincorporated Areas):

   • Register for TOT via the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector portal: Kern STR Portal.
   • Collect 6% TOT from guests and remit quarterly (see "Regulations" section).

3. Prepare for Future City Ordinance:

   • Monitor City Council meetings for draft ordinance updates. Expect requirements like permits, local contact postings, and tax reporting.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

| Requirement | City of Bakersfield (Incorporated) | Unincorporated Kern County |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| TOT Registration | Not required (pending city ordinance) | Required via Kern STR Portal |
| Business License/Permit | None (as of Oct 2025) | Not required for TOT registration |
| Guest Registration Book | Required if operating as a "hotel" under BMC 5.26 (indirect applicability to STRs) | Not required |
| Tax Compliance | Comply with state/local TOT once city ordinance is adopted | Collect/reporting 6% TOT quarterly (see Kern TOT details below) |

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Bakersfield (Incorporated Areas)

• Current Status: No STR-specific rules. However, operators must comply with:
  • BMC 5.26 (Hotels and Lodginghouses):
    • Display a valid permit in a public location if classified as a "hotel."
    • Maintain a guest registration book.
    • Restrict room rentals to once per 24 hours.
    • Prohibit rentals for illegal activities (prostitution/drug sales).
    • Comply with Transient Lodging Tax (BMC 3.40) if applicable.
  • Anticipated Ordinance: As of Oct 2025, the city is drafting rules to address noise, parking, tax collection, and enforcement. Expect:
    • Permit requirements and application fees.
    • Mandatory tax reporting.
    • Local contact postings and signage.

Kern County (Unincorporated Areas)

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):
  • Rate: 6% of booking fees.
  • Registration: Mandatory for each STR unit via Kern STR Portal.
  • Filing: Quarterly (see table below).
  • Penalties: Late filing incurs 10% penalty + 1.5% monthly interest; non-filing triggers liens/collection actions.
    | Filing Period | Due Date |
    |---------------------|----------------|
    | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 30 |
    | Apr 1 – Jun 30 | July 31 |
    | Jul 1 – Sep 30 | Oct 31 |
    | Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Jan 31 |

State of California

• No statewide STR regulations. Local jurisdictions enforce rules via:
  • Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280: Authorizes counties/cities to levy TOT.
  • Operators must comply with zoning, noise, and safety laws.

Contact Information

• City of Bakersfield (Future STR Ordinance Inquiries):

  • Phone: (661) 326-3000
  • Website: Bakersfield Municipal Code
  • Email: Not available (use phone for Planning Dept. queries).

• Kern County TOT (Unincorporated Areas):

  • Phone: (661) 868-3489
  • Email: KernTOT@KernCounty.com
  • Registration Portal: Kern STR Portal
  • Website: Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Source Pages

1. Bakersfield Municipal Code 5.26 (Hotels and Lodginghouses)
2. Kern County STR Registration and TOT Information
3. KGET: City Begins STR Ordinance Planning (Oct 2025)
4. Bakersfield Californian: STR Ordinance Drafting (Oct 2025)
5. BuildYourBnb: Bakersfield STR Overview (2021 Data)

Key Takeaways for Investors

• Action in Unincorporated County: Register for TOT immediately and set up quarterly filing systems.
• City of Bakersfield: Prepare for upcoming regulations by monitoring City Council meetings. Assume permits/tax reporting will be required post-2025.
• Compliance Risks: Operating in unincorporated areas without TOT registration risks liens/seizure. In the city, violations may be enforced under hotel/lodging rules until the STR ordinance is adopted.

Disclaimer: Regulations evolve rapidly. Verify requirements with local authorities before operating.