Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Berkeley, CA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Berkeley implements California Government Code 65915 density bonus, granting up to 50 percent additional units and concessions for projects providing affordable housing, with local procedures in BMC Title 23.
State Density Bonus Implementation
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Government Code § 65915 (State Density Bonus Law)
65915. (a) (1) When an applicant seeks a density bonus for a housing development within, or for the donation of land for housing within, the jurisdiction of a city, county, or city and county, that local government shall comply with this section. A city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that specifies how compliance with this section will be implemented. Except as otherwise p...
Downtown Design Guide
Downtown Berkeley projects using the Green Pathway streamlined process must conform to the city's Downtown Design Guidelines, and the Design Review Committee (DRC) treats those guidelines as binding standards, not suggestions. The DRC must act within 90 days of a complete application, and its conformance call skips normal design-review appeal channels, going straight to City Council within 14 days.
Berkeley Downtown Design Guidelines Review
Some RestrictionsBerkeley Municipal Code § 23.408.080.A.3
(a) Notwithstanding Section 23.406.070 (Design Review), the DRC shall determine whether the project conforms to the Downtown Design Guidelines and shall take final action on the project no later than 90 days from the date the application for a Green Pathway project, including for Design Review, is complete. (b) When determining whether a project subject to review under this section conforms to ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Alameda County →