Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Berkeley, CA (2026)

3 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 Restrictions

California 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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)

Berkeley applies higher densities and reduced parking near BART stations and major AC Transit corridors through Downtown, Adeline, and Telegraph plans, aligning with state TOD streamlining laws.

Transit-Oriented Development Overlays

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Hillside Overlay Rules

Berkeley Hillside Overlay imposes stricter setbacks, heights, grading, and fire-safety standards in the Berkeley Hills, the area devastated by the 1991 Tunnel Fire that killed 25 people and destroyed 3,000 homes.

Hillside Overlay and Firestorm Rebuilding

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Alameda County →