Density Bonus Ordinance
Density Bonus Ordinance
The State of California has a density bonus law which allows developers of residential units to receive an increase in the number of housing units they can build (density bonus) when and if a portion of the units are rented or sold at affordable rates. The City of Lafayette has codified these laws and guidelines to assist potential developers who wish to use the density bonus program. A developer may receive a density bonus from 5% up to 50% based on the percentage of affordable units provided with the project, or up to 80% if 100% of the total units are affordable. Housing developments for seniors, foster youth/disabled vets/homeless, college students, as well as residential proposals with certain child-care facilities are also eligible for a density bonus.
The City is required to comply with the provisions of the State’s Density Bonus law, which include:
- Granting a sliding scale of market-rate density bonus percentages based on the percentage of proposed affordable units;
- Providing up to development concessions or incentives, depending on the percentage of affordable units provided;
- Granting a density bonus if a developer donates land for very low income housing; and
- Requiring jurisdictions to implement Density Bonus law through local codes.
Contacts
If you have any questions about the Density Bonus Ordinance, please contact planning staff at planner@lovelafayette.org or (925) 284-1976.