How to Search for Bakersfield Property Records

Before buying or investing in real estate in California, be sure to check property records. They contain many data points that could be helpful. With a bit of research, you can find ownership history, property values, taxes, liens, amenities, house type, foreclosures, zoning, and more. Bakersfield property records are public records, which means anyone can view them or get copies. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. Use the list of the most helpful resources below to search for Bakersfield property records.

Kern County Assessor Recorder's Office

The Kern County Assessor Recorder's office is the primary source for property-related records. As a recorder, they file documents like liens, mortgages, deeds, and foreclosures. The assessor's side of things values all property within the county each year for tax purposes. The office is responsible for providing public access to property records. They have a property search tool on their website where you can find Bakersfield property records by searching the property address, ATN (Assessor Tax Number), or APN (Assessor's Parcel Number). You can also use the website's "Search for Recorded Documents or Maps" feature. Search by Grantor/Grantee, document number, document date, document class, or use the interactive map. You can also visit in person using any of the addresses below:

Kern County Superior Court

Another place to find property records is through the Kern County Superior Court. You can find property-related cases, such as foreclosures, judgments, liens, and property disputes. This court handles civil and criminal matters. They do not allow access to records or searching via their website, but you can visit in person and request records from the clerk or search yourself once you arrive there. They do charge a small fee for copies. You may also request records via mail, but you must include the case number, fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for them to return your research results in. The court is located at 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301. You can request transcripts of court proceedings online.

Bakersfield property taxes are a major source of funding for the city. They pay for city expenses like education, sewer systems, healthcare, fire, police, EMTs, public parks, transportation, road maintenance, and many other municipal services. Bakersfield properties are assessed every year by the tax assessor's office. After the assessor determines the value of all property within the jurisdiction, the Kern County Treasurer and Tax Collector sends out bills and collects payments from property owners. Taxes are paid in two installments. The first payment is due November 1st and becomes delinquent at 5:00 p.m. on December 10th (which incurs a 10% penalty). The second payment is due on February 1st and becomes delinquent at 5:00 p.m. on April 10th (which incurs a 10% penalty). If Bakersfield property taxes go unpaid for too long, the county will place a lien on the property and foreclose, selling the house at auction to pay off the back taxes. You can pay Bakersfield property taxes online; they accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Card 24 hours a day. However, they do add on a convenience fee to the charge. You can also pay by mail with a check or sign up for monthly property tax payments, spreading the cost over 12 months. Include your Assessor Tax Number on the payment and mail it to: KCTTC, Attn: Payment Center, P.O. Box 541004, Los Angeles, CA 90054-1004. If you wish to visit this office in person, the address is KCTTC, 1115 Truxtun Ave., 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

Assessments

The Bakersfield County Tax Assessor's office is the government office that handles annual property assessments to determine property taxes. Property taxes in Bakersfield are reassessed every year. Values are determined through one of four different methods. The actual assessed value may not match the fair market value (FMV) or the amount you could get if you sold the house. If you disagree with the assessed value of your property, you must file an Assessment Appeal Application, form BOE-305-AH, obtained from the clerk of the board of the county where your property is located. Some counties have this form available on the website of either the clerk of the board or the county assessor, or both.

Appraisals

Bakersfield assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

The median effective property tax rate in Bakersfield, California, is 0.8% of the property's assessed value, which is slightly less than the national median of 1.02%. Bakersfield's tax rate is far less than California's median rate of 1.21%. The average property tax payment in Bakersfield, CA is $1,746, which is $654 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

See how Bakersfield's taxes stack up against other counties in California:

• Alpine County 0.76%
• Butte County 0.70%
• Colusa County 0.65%
• Inyo County 0.68%
• Kings County 0.78%
• Lake County 0.70%
• Merced County 0.68%
• Napa County 0.70%
• Sacramento County 0.77%
• Sutter County 0.81%
• Tulare County 0.73%
• Yuba County 0.78%

Exemptions

Although Bakersfield property taxes are not as high as those in other areas, some residents still have trouble paying them to keep their homes. Thankfully, Kern County offers some property tax exemptions to help specific individuals. Some of the available exemptions in Bakersfield are:

• Homeowner's Exemption - reduces the assessed value by $7,000.
• Disabled Veterans' Exemption
• Charitable and Institutional Property Tax Exemptions - for religious organizations.
• Banks and Financial Corporations Personal Property Exemption
• Builders' Exclusion
• Disability Home Modification Exclusion
• Parent-Child Transfer Exclusion
• Solar Energy Exclusion

The exclusions above remove the improved/renovated amount from the assessment. You can apply for any of these exemptions by contacting the Kern County Assessor Recorder.

Most construction projects in Bakersfield, California, require a building permit. Some exceptions include low walls, decks, and driveways. You can get a Bakersfield building permit from the City of Bakersfield Building Division. The city uses the Clariti Customer Portal for all online permitting activities, such as applying for permits, checking the status of a permit, and scheduling inspections. You must set up an online account to begin using the system. If you prefer to do business in person, you can visit their office located at 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA.

The types of available permits in Bakersfield include:

General Building Permits

• Construction, Alteration, Repair: Any work that involves changing the structure of a building, including adding to or modifying it, will likely require a permit.
• Demolition: Permits are needed for demolishing any part of a structure.
• Occupancy Changes: Moving into a new space or changing how a building is used often requires a permit.

Specific System Permits

• Electrical Permits: These are needed for any electrical work on a building or structure, including wiring, transformers, and lighting.
• Mechanical Permits: These permits cover work related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Plumbing Permits: These are necessary for any plumbing work, such as installing or modifying pipes, fixtures, or drainage systems.

Other Types of Permits

• Encroachment Permits: These are needed if you plan to work on or use public property, such as sidewalks or streets.
• Fire Permits: Depending on the project's size and complexity, a fire permit may be required.
• Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate: This type of permit is needed for any construction or operation that may affect air emissions.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

The city of Bakersfield, California, has a strong foothold in the agricultural and energy industries. Its unique Basque culture has contributed significantly to country music, particularly in coining the "Bakersfield Sound." It is a city with a strong sense of community and cultural growth.

Bakersfield, California, has a population of 417,468 residents. The city has 133,876 housing units. This ranks Bakersfield as the 66th among the top 100 cities in America for the number of housing units. The city has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, and multi-family dwellings like duplexes and triplexes. The city also has assisted living facilities, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and supportive housing for individuals with special needs. Some of the styles include Craftsman, Cottage, Mid-Century Modern, Spanish, and Ranch homes. The average price of a house in Bakersfield, CA is $386,119, which represents a 6.1% increase from previous years. That median price is less expensive than in other states.

However, house prices vary considerably based on where in Bakersfield you live. Some examples include:

• Bakersfield (overall average listing price) $398,238
• East Bakersfield $223,078
• Seven Oaks $580,970
• Olde Stockdale $580,970

The Bakersfield, California, real estate market is experiencing a spike in home prices, with the median sales price increasing by roughly 3.3% year-over-year. The average price per square foot is $238. Although the cost of living in Bakersfield is higher than in other areas, housing costs remain affordable. Bakersfield has a vacancy rate of 6.9%. Homes stay on the market for an average of only 53 days.