Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Alameda County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Alameda County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Alameda County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Density Bonus Law

Unincorporated Alameda County grants a density bonus up to 35% above base zoning density to housing developments that set aside units for very low, low, or moderate income households, under the county's own Chapter 17.106.

Alameda County Density Bonus Rules

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 17.106.040

In order to qualify for a density bonus and one or more incentives under this chapter, a housing development must consist of five or more dwelling units and meet one or more of the following criteria: A. Agrees to construct and maintain at least five percent of the base units for very low income households; B. Agrees to construct and maintain at least ten (10) percent of the base units for lowe...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Downtown Design Guide

Any conditional use in unincorporated Sunol's downtown SD district must be found consistent with the area's historic, architectural, and visual character before Alameda County's planning commission will approve it.

Sunol Design Review in Alameda County

Significant Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 17.17.040

In addition to the findings required under Section 17.54.135, the planning commission shall not approve a conditional use in the SD district unless it finds that the use:...5.The design of the project is consistent with the historic, architectural, and visual context of the downtown Sunol plan area; and 6.Has been reviewed by the Sunol citizens advisory committee or its successor body.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses by City in Alameda County

5 cities in Alameda County have their own zoning overlays & bonuses rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

OaklandPop. 433,031