Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Density Bonus Law
Santa Cruz County grants a density bonus of up to 35% (50% with an enhanced bonus) above the zoning maximum to unincorporated-area housing developments that set aside affordable units under SCCC Chapter 17.12. Ten percent lower-income, five percent very-low-income, or a qualifying senior project trigger the bonus, along with incentives, parking cuts and standards waivers keyed to the affordable percentage.
Santa Cruz County Density Bonus Ordinance
Some RestrictionsSCCC § 17.12.060(A); § 17.12.065(A)
(A) For the purposes of this chapter, "density bonus" means a density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density as of the date of application by the applicant to the County. The applicant may elect to accept a lesser percentage of density increase, including, but not limited to, no increase in density. The amount of density increase to which the applicant is entitled sha...
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