SB9 in Bakersfield

Bakersfield receives a grade of D, reflecting a complete lack of SB9 activity despite having a standard local ordinance in place. For investors, this signals a market where SB9 opportunities are currently nonexistent. The city’s regulatory environment or market conditions have not encouraged or enabled property owners to pursue SB9 projects. Investors should approach Bakersfield with caution if their strategy relies on SB9-driven development.

Bakersfield has adopted a standard SB9 ordinance consistent with state requirements. The ordinance includes typical provisions such as allowing lot splits and duplex construction on single-family parcels, with standard setbacks, minimum lot sizes, and design standards. Parking requirements follow state guidelines without additional local restrictions. There are no unusual or restrictive elements in the ordinance that would explain the lack of SB9 activity.

Despite having a compliant SB9 ordinance, Bakersfield has seen zero applications or approvals from 2022 through 2025. This flat trajectory indicates that property owners and developers have not engaged with SB9 as a tool for increasing housing density. The absence of applications suggests either a lack of market demand for SB9 projects or other barriers such as local market economics, lack of outreach, or limited developer interest. No changes or shifts occurred during this period to stimulate SB9 activity. Bakersfield is not a charter city, so there was no litigation or legal suppression affecting SB9 implementation.

There is no record of enforcement action by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) against Bakersfield related to SB9 compliance. The city appears to be in compliance with state law but has not seen any SB9 uptake.

Investors should consider Bakersfield a market to avoid if their focus is on SB9-driven development. The complete absence of SB9 applications and approvals over multiple years shows that this city is not currently supporting or generating SB9 projects. Without demand or demonstrated activity, SB9 cannot be relied upon as a growth or value-add strategy here. Investors interested in Bakersfield should look to other development or investment opportunities outside of SB9. For the grading methodology, see the SB9 City Guide post.