Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
4 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Los Angeles, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Projects that set aside affordable units qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915 and LAMC Section 12.22 A.25, with bonuses up to 50 percent.
State Density Bonus Allows Up To 50 Percent More Units
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Government Code Sec. 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...
Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)
Housing developments within one-half mile of a major transit stop are eligible for the TOC Affordable Housing Incentive Program, granting at least a 35% residential density increase in exchange for on-site affordable units. Eligibility requires providing at least 11% of units affordable to Very Low Income households or 20% affordable to Lower Income households.
Zoning: Transit Oriented Communities
Some RestrictionsLAMC § 12.22 A.31
(a) Application of TOC Affordable Housing Incentive Program. This Transit Oriented Communities Affordable Housing Incentive Program, and the provisions contained in the TOC Affordable Housing Incentive Program Guidelines, shall apply to all Housing Developments that are located within a one-half mile radius of a Major Transit Stop, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Californi...
Hillside Overlay Rules
Single-family zoned lots in Los Angeles hillside areas may receive Zoning Administrator approval for deviations including reduced setbacks (minimum 4-foot side yard), height up to 45 feet overall, lot coverage up to 50%, and increased grading quantities.
Zoning: Hillside Overlay
Some RestrictionsLAMC § 12.24 W.28
28. Single-Family Zones in Hillside Area. A Zoning Administrator may, upon application, grant the deviations outlined in Paragraph (a) of this Subdivision 28. on Lots in the R1, RS, RE, and RA Zones which are located in a Hillside Area as defined in Section 12.03 of this Code. (a) Zoning Administrator Authority. If an owner seeks relief, a Zoning Administrator has the authority to grant the...
Downtown Design Guide
In the Greater Downtown Housing Incentive Area, LAMC § 12.22 C.3(a) waives standard zoning yard requirements and substitutes the Downtown Design Guide as approved by the City Planning Commission: the guide, not the zone's normal setback table, controls how much yard a residential or mixed-use project must provide.
Downtown Design Guide Governs GDHIA Yards
Some RestrictionsLos Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) § 12.22 C.3(a)
3. Incentives to Produce Housing in the Greater Downtown Housing Incentive Area. (Amended by Ord. No. 179,076, Eff. 9/23/07.) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, for lots in the R4, RAS4, R5, CR, C2, C4, and C5 zones in the Greater Downtown Housing Incentive Area, the following shall apply: (a) No yard requirements shall apply except as required by the Down...
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