How do City and County procedures for building permits differ?
The County’s building permit fee for a typical residence within the metropolitan Bakersfield area is about $300-$400 higher than the City’s fee; however, the City charges $100 for a zoning check that is free of charge from the County. When mandatory impact fees for schools, transportation, and habitat conservation that apply to all new homes within the metropolitan Bakersfield area are added, the proportional difference between County and City permit costs is less. City fees for remodeling/renovation, additions, and separate residences are slightly lower than County fees. If you are in the middle of a building project when your property is annexed, the County will continue to inspect the work if the project is within a month or two of completion.
