The city of Bakersfield is taking steps to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) for the first time, introducing a proposed ordinance that would establish a permitting process and new guidelines for operating such properties legally within the city. The Bakersfield Planning Commission recently approved the measure, which now advances to the City Council for consideration.
New rules for short-term rentals
Currently, short-term rentals are not permitted to operate in Bakersfield, though city officials estimate that over 500 STRs are active in the area. The proposed ordinance aims to address this by introducing clear regulations for properties rented to visitors on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for stays of less than 30 days.
The new rules would require STR operators to obtain a permit and a business tax certificate from the city. Permits would be valid for one year and could be renewed annually, provided operators meet several conditions, including paying renewal fees, updating the city on any changes to their application, and avoiding multiple citations during the year.
The draft ordinance also establishes operational guidelines, including limits on the number of guests (two per bedroom, with children under 12 not counted) and requirements for emergency contact availability. An emergency contact must be reachable 24/7 and respond within one hour to complaints forwarded by the city.
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Addressing neighborhood concerns
City officials designed the regulations to address community concerns about the impact of STRs on Bakersfield neighborhoods. Issues such as noise, trash, parking, and safety have been raised by local residents. The ordinance would prohibit STR operations from disrupting the residential character of neighborhoods and require compliance with existing municipal codes on noise, waste removal, and event hosting.
Other measures include posting visible notices inside each property with information such as maximum occupancy, parking rules, trash pickup schedules, emergency contact details, and evacuation plans. Additionally, outdoor pools, spas, and hot tubs would be off-limits between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
For apartments and condominiums, the city could cap the number of STRs allowed to operate at approximately 20% of the total units in a building.
Financial implications for Bakersfield
The ordinance also aims to introduce Transient Lodging Taxes, often referred to as "hotel taxes", to STRs. City officials noted that STRs could generate significant tax revenue alongside additional fees from permits. This comes as STRs increasingly become a "growing staple of the tourism economy", according to the Planning Commission agenda.
Broader context and next steps
Cities across California and the United States are also working to balance STR regulations with property owner rights and neighborhood safety. In Bakersfield, the proposed ordinance now moves to the City Council for a final vote. If approved, the regulations would take effect 30 days after adoption.
The public hearing for the ordinance took place during the Bakersfield Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. at 1501 Truxtun Ave. As the city debates these measures, the outcome could shape the future of short-term rentals in the region.