Lancaster vs Los Angeles
How do affordable housing linkage fee rules compare between Lancaster, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Lancaster and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 22.140.470 imposes an affordable housing linkage fee on new commercial and market-rate residential development in unincorporated areas. Fees fund the Affordable Housing Trust administered by LACDA, with rates tiered by zone.
View full Lancaster rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles charges a per-square-foot linkage fee on most new market-rate residential and commercial development. Revenue feeds the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to subsidize income-restricted units citywide.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lancaster | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Title 22.140.470 | LAMC §19.18 |
| Coverage | Unincorporated areas only | - |
| Trigger | Commercial, multifamily permits | - |
| Fund manager | LACDA Trust Fund | - |
| Rate structure | Market-tier per-square-foot | - |
| Authorizing ordinance | - | Ord. 184996 (2017) |
| High-market multi-family | - | Roughly $8-$15 per square foot |
| Exemptions | - | ADUs, 100% affordable projects |
| Fund recipient | - | Affordable Housing Trust Fund |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lancaster FAQ
Does the linkage fee apply if I build inside an LA County city?
No. The county fee applies only in unincorporated areas. Many cities like Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Santa Monica have their own linkage or impact fees through separate municipal ordinances under Title 22.140.470.
Are small projects exempt?
Yes. Single-family homes, deed-restricted affordable units, and projects below the square-footage threshold listed in Title 22.140.470 are exempt. Confirm thresholds with LA County Regional Planning before designing your project.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does my ADU pay the linkage fee?
No. Accessory dwelling units are statutorily exempt from the linkage fee under both LA Ordinance 184996 and California Government Code §65852.2 limits on ADU impact fees.
How is my project's market zone determined?
The Department of City Planning maintains a citywide map dividing parcels into high, medium, and low market areas based on land values. Your zone determines the per-square-foot rate.
Can the fee be reduced?
Projects providing on-site affordable units, qualifying for State Density Bonus, or built by qualified nonprofits may receive partial or full waivers under §19.18 procedures.
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