Design and permitting decide how smoothly the rest of an ADU goes. In Bakersfield that means a planning approval first and a building permit second; on county parcels it means Kern County's process. We prepare the drawings, file them and answer every correction.
What does parcel research cover?
- Whether the parcel is in the City of Bakersfield, another city or unincorporated Kern County.
- The zone, setbacks, height limits and easements.
- Flood zone status, which matters for Kern County pre-approved plans.
- Your water provider, sewer or septic, and PG&E service.
- Whether the main home's age or features trigger fire sprinkler questions.
What drawings and documents do you prepare?
- Site development plan, floor plan, elevations and sections.
- Structural design and calculations.
- Title 24 energy documents for the correct climate zone, with solar on new detached units where required.
- Finish selections before submittal so the written, itemized quote holds.
Standard plan, pre-reviewed plan or custom?
All three are possible. Bakersfield's ADU Standard Plans Gallery includes standard plans at reduced cost and pre-reviewed plans already checked by the Building Division. Kern County Public Works posts pre-approved plans for county parcels outside flood zones. Custom design suits awkward lots and conversions.
How does the approval sequence work?
Inside city limits, the planning application and site development plan go first, with a 30-working-day review listed by the city, followed by the building application. As of October 2026, state law gives the agency 15 business days to confirm completeness and 60 days to decide a complete application when a home already exists. Details in Bakersfield ADU permits.
Do you offer design only?
We focus on design and construction together so one team answers for both. If you already have approved plans, send them and we will say whether we can build from them.