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Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in La Mesa, CA (2026)

2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for La Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Density Bonus Law

La Mesa's Affordable Homes Bonus Program lets a qualifying housing development receive only one density bonus per project, capped at thirty-five percent above the base zoning density, under La Mesa Municipal Code § 24.053.050. An applicant who qualifies under more than one income category, or additionally as senior housing, must pick a single category, since bonuses from different categories cannot be combined.

La Mesa Affordable Homes Density Bonus Cap

Some Restrictions

La Mesa Municipal Code § 24.053.050

A.In determining the total number of units to be granted, each component of any density calculation, including base density and bonus density, resulting in fractional units shall be separately rounded up to the next whole number. ... C.Each housing development is entitled to only one density bonus. If a housing development qualifies for a density bonus under more than one income category or add...

Downtown Design Guide

New development and major renovations in La Mesa's Mixed Use Overlay Zone, covering RB-D and C-D lots along El Cajon Boulevard, University Avenue and La Mesa Boulevard near the Village and the Spring Street Trolley Station, must go through Urban Design Review against the city's Design Guidelines for Properties in the Mixed Use Overlay Zone, per La Mesa Municipal Code § 24.18.040(F).

La Mesa Mixed Use Overlay Design Review

Significant Restrictions

La Mesa Municipal Code § 24.18.040(F)

F.Design. New development and major renovations in the MU Zone are subject to Urban Design Review by the city's design review board and city council per Chapter 24.11. To encourage design creativity, flexibility, and quality design that is sensitive to the surrounding context and unique site conditions, design guidelines specifically for mixed use have been prepared. For design guidance, obtain...

Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?

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

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in San Diego County →