BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
POST-MEETING AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
May 27, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
b. Agenda Item Public Statements
*1. Written materials provided by Deborah Newman
3. APPOINTMENTS
4. REPORTS
a. Presentation of Chapter 17.74 (Zoning) enacting regulations for Short Term Rentals The presentation will summarize the operating zoning regulations, the revenue and permit fee structure and its enforcement.
Staff recommends receive and file the report.
*1. PowerPoint Presentation
*2. Staff Memorandum
5. CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
7. ADJOURNMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 27, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: May 1, 2026
SUBJECT: Presentation of Chapter 17.74 (Zoning) involving the Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The presentation will summarize the operating zoning regulations, the revenue and permit fee structure and its enforcement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 12, 2026 Housing and Community Development Committee meeting, the City Attorney’s Office presented the draft ordinance and was directed by the Committee to bring said ordinance to the full City Council for review and approval. On May 7, 2 026, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council adopt Chapter 17.74 to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC), which enacts the regulations for Short Term Rentals (STR).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Cost recovery will be attained by requiring Short-Term Rental operators obtain a permit to operate, as well as the Transient Lodging Tax (“TLT” more commonly referred to as “TOT”) , along with substantial accompanying permitting fees, such as a business tax certificate and inspection fees. The impact to the City General Fund will be a net gain, in the estimates of $1,000,000 per year or more as short term rental inventory expands throughout the city.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
None
City CouncilMay 27, 2026
Short Term Rental Ordinance
Viridiana Gallardo-KingDeputy City AttorneyPhil BurnsDevelopment Services Director
Presentation Outline•Committee History Recap•Short Term Rental Ordinance Overview•Receive and File Report
Recap of Committee History•March 11, 2020:CM Gonzales made a referral to provide information on a short term rental (STR) ordinance. •May 21, 2020: Staff gave STR presentation to Planning and Development Committee.•February 8, 2024:Staff gave STR refresher to Planning and Development Committee (new members). •October 22, 2025: Staff gave STR overview to Housing and Community Development Committee. •February 12, 2026: Staff presented STR ordinance to Housing and Community Development Committee.
Existing Short Term Rental BMC• The City has a “permissive” zoning code (BMC§17.06.040.)• Short term rentals (STR’s) prohibited in City• Current process
Short Term Rental Ordinance Overview
5 •17.74.030 Permit required. •17.74.040 Expiration and Renewal.•17.74.050 Short-Term Rental Regulations. •17.74.060 Short-Term Rental Operator Requirements.•17.74.070 Enforcement. •17.74.080 Fees.•17.74.090 Appeal of permit denial or revocation.
Permit Requirement•STR Application‒ Residential dwelling units (RDU) and Residential Development Projects (apartments/condominiums)‒ Emergency contact person (available 24/7)‒ Consent from property owner‒ No active/pending code enforcement actions or fees‒ Operator responsible for confirming HOA allows STR‒ Operator indemnifies City6
Permit Requirement Cont.• City inspects RDU for hazardous/unsafe conditions• Operator has 45 days after application has been reviewed to meet regulations • Operator required to obtain business tax certificate7
Expiration and Renewal• STR permit valid for 1 year • May be renewed annually• Re-inspection may be required • Wait 1 year to re-apply if 2 or more citations in 12-month lifespan of permit8
STR Regulations• Advertisement• Maximum # of occupants • Comply with BMC 9
STR Operator Requirements • Logistics information on STR • Resolve issues raised by City promptly• Proof of liability insurance • Pay Transient Lodging Tax (aka “TOT”) 12% of total fee10
Enforcement• Violation of any part of the Ordinance – False/misleading info on application – City, county health, state, etc. • Attempt to advertise before permitted • Violations subject to Chapter 1.40 of BMC– criminal and civil actions– Zoning violation11
Fees/Appeal•Fees: Established by resolution •Appeal: permit denial or revocation may be appealed to the City Manager (CMO)12
Recommendation• Receive and File Report – First Reading of STR ordinance at 5:15pm meeting 13