About Us
The Building Division's purpose is to promote health and safety in the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures, and the maintenance of property through the enforcement of uniform building construction codes, conservation standards, regulations and ordinances.

Adoption of Building Code
If you are an architect, engineer, designer or contractor that performs work within the State of California, please be advised that new Building Construction Codes (2007 CBC, CMC, CPC, CEC, California Existing Building Code, California Historical Building Code) will  take effect on January 1, 2008.   These new codes are significantly different than the previous codes. Learn more >

Building Reports
Building Reports are available online and uploaded in the City's Repository in PDF format and Microsoft Office Excel format. Go to Building Reports>

Building Reports previous to 2001 may be available at the Building Division's downtown office at 1715 Chester Avenue, (Chester & 17th Street). Parking is available in the City Parking Structure located at the corner of 18th and Eye. The Building Division is located on the second floor in the Development Services Building.

Building Permits

Need information regarding your Building Permit? See our Electronic Government page and schedule or check the status of your building permit. You may also download the Building Permit Application by using the link on the left side of this page.

Permit Requirements
New Residential & Commercial Construction permit requirements vary depending on the type of work being performed. A permit fee and special permit is required for remodels or alterations and several other types of residential work such as installing a retaining wall, hot water heater, air conditioner, or swimming pool or spa.

The permit requirements for new commercial buildings include the submitting drawings, plans and calculations that must be wet signed and stamped by a licensed California Engineer. Additional information may be required by Plan Checking.

New residential construction also requires that drawings, plans and certain calculations are submitted in addition to information about the contractor. Additional information is required for new tracts. A maximum of six model homes may be permitted prior to recording the final map if certain items are completed prior to the issuance of building permits.

Downloadable Documents
Please see Ordinances & Standards area of the site.

Brochures
For Building Division's available brochures contact the Building Division at (661) 326-3720 or email a request to DevBld@bakersfieldcity.us