Density Bonus Ordinance
You can build more residential units on your property than what is allowed by code if you use L.A. County’s Density Bonus. Your project may qualify for a density bonus if it has ONE of the following:
- Affordable units
- Senior citizen units (55 and older)
The size of your bonus depends on many factors, such as how many units are reserved for affordable housing, or senior housing.
Density bonus projects are also eligible to receive other benefits, such as reduced parking requirements and other development standard modifications. However, the density bonus cannot be applied to uses or building types that are prohibited by zoning (for example, multi-family buildings in a single-family residential or agricultural zone) .
Affordability requirements
To be eligible for a density bonus, your project must reserve a minimum number of units for very low, low or moderate-income households. The chart below describes the minimum set-asides and corresponding bonuses. There are limits on the amount of rent that can be charged for income-restricted units. Residents must meet household income thresholds to qualify for affordable housing. There are also limits on the amount of rent that can be charged for income-restricted units.
Affordable rental units must remain affordable for at least 55 years.
How to apply for a density bonus
Ask us at the front counter, email zoningldcc@planning.lacounty.gov, or call (213) 974-6411 to find out if your project qualifies for the Density Bonus program. You will need to fill out the “Housing Permit” application forms.
Click here for Density Bonus Ordinance Archive page for historical information about the Density Bonus Ordinance update hearings and previous version of the ordinance.
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