Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do density bonus law rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Anaheim and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim implements California's state density bonus law allowing additional units, height, and incentives for projects providing affordable, senior, or moderate-income housing, codified through AMC Title 18 housing chapters.
View full Anaheim rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana implements California Government Code Section 65915 density-bonus law, allowing developers extra units, parking concessions, and waivers in exchange for restricted affordable housing units.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Gov Code 65915 | - |
| Max base bonus | Up to 50 percent | - |
| Concessions | Parking, height, setbacks | - |
| Covenants | Recorded long-term | - |
| Authority | - | CA Govt Code 65915 |
| Covenant term | - | 55 years |
| Local opt-out | - | Not allowed |
| Income tiers | - | Very-low to moderate |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Does density bonus override a specific plan?
State law requires cities to grant minimum bonuses even within specific plans, though the form of the bonus may be adjusted to fit district context.
Can homeowners use density bonus for ADUs?
ADUs follow their own statutes and do not count toward density bonus calculations, but a project with ADUs plus restricted units may still qualify.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can the city refuse density bonuses?
No. State law requires Santa Ana to grant qualifying density bonuses and concessions, though the City reviews specific design and safety conditions.
How long do affordable units stay restricted?
Affordability covenants typically run 55 years, recorded against the property and enforced by the City and state housing agencies.
Compare other topics
See how Anaheim and Santa Ana compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool