ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Ordinances TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Virginia Gennaro
DATE: June 18, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of an Ordinance amending Chapter 13.12, Section 13.12.030 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code
Related to Development Improvement Standards and Specifications. (FR 6/10/26)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 13.12 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code generally sets forth the applicable design guidelines and development standards to be used in the construction of streets and other public improvements in the City. It also contains the City’s “Complete Streets” policy to provide for a multi -modal approach to the design of streets and transportation facilities.
Section 13.12.030 adopts by reference s pecific standard manuals to be followed as the City’s official development standards. In practice, City engineers approve project plans in compliance with the various manuals to ensure public health and safety of street designs and to provide legal support for various standards.
The proposed ordinance amendment adds the “Urban Street Design Guide,” published by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), to the list of adopted standards that City staff may follow in the design and c onstruction of City streets. This will provide an additional tool for City staff in furtherance of the City’s Complete Streets Policy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The amendment to the Municipal Code will not cause any increase in cost for City Services. In fact, making our streets safer will ultimately help the City reduce potential liability for bike and pedestrian safety.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
Reliable Infrastructure
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance