Bakersfield Code Enforcement: Illegal Sign Removal

Bakersfield, California property owners and advertisers must follow municipal rules for signs and outdoor advertising. This guide explains how city code enforcement inspects sign violations, the typical removal process for illegal signs, steps you can take to comply or appeal, and how to report possible violations to the City of Bakersfield.

Inspections & Removal Procedure

Code enforcement inspections are usually initiated by a complaint or routine patrol. Inspectors assess whether a sign violates local zoning, building, or sign regulations and whether it presents a safety hazard or public nuisance. If a sign is illegal, inspectors may post a notice and order correction or removal.

• Inspectors perform a site visit and document violations with photos and notes.
• Owners typically receive a written notice describing violations and required corrective actions.
• Notices set a compliance deadline; failure to act may lead to removal by the city.
• If the city removes the sign, the owner may be charged for removal and storage costs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Specific monetary penalties and fee schedules are controlled by the Bakersfield Municipal Code and department enforcement policies. Exact fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the general informational pages cited in the resources below.

• Fines: amounts and per-day calculations - not specified on the cited pages.
• Escalation: first offence, repeat, and continuing offence procedures - not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, removal, seizure of property, and referral to court are available enforcement tools.
• Enforcer: City of Bakersfield Code Enforcement division conducts inspections, issues notices, and coordinates removal.
• Appeals and review: administrative appeal routes exist; specific filing time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
• Defences: valid permits, variances, or temporary exemptions may avoid enforcement when properly documented.

Applications & Forms

Sign permits, zoning verifications, and removal authorization are handled by city planning/building divisions. Where exact form numbers or fees are published, consult the City of Bakersfield planning and municipal code resources listed below; if a published form is not found, the city typically accepts online or in-person applications with required plans and fees.

FAQ

Who enforces sign regulations in Bakersfield?

City of Bakersfield Code Enforcement and the Planning/Building divisions enforce sign and zoning rules.

What happens if I remove a posted notice?

Removing a notice is prohibited and can lead to additional enforcement; keep notices and follow the listed instructions.

Can I appeal a removal order?

Yes, there is an administrative appeal process; check the Planning or Code Enforcement office for deadlines and procedures.

How-To

1. Document the sign with clear photos, location, and date.
2. Review city sign permit status for the property through the Planning/Building division.
3. Submit a complaint to Code Enforcement with your evidence and contact information.
4. If you receive a notice, comply by the deadline or apply for a permit/variance if eligible.
5. If you disagree with an enforcement action, file an administrative appeal per city procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Obtain permits before installing signs to avoid enforcement.
• Report illegal signs to Code Enforcement with photos and location details.
• Appeals exist but watch filing deadlines and provide documentation.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Bakersfield Planning & Development
• City of Bakersfield Code Enforcement
• Bakersfield Municipal Code (Municode)