Alameda, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum project size
- 5 or more dwelling units
- Entry threshold, very-low-income
- 5% of units for 20% bonus
- Sliding-scale maximum
- 35% bonus at 11% very-low-income units
- Affordability term
- 30 years for-sale, 55 years rental
- Senior housing bonus
- Flat 20% density increase
Summary
Alameda grants density bonuses to housing developments of five or more units that include income-restricted affordable housing, senior housing, land donations or child care facilities, under Municipal Code Section 30-17. A project with just 5% very-low-income units gets a 20% density bonus, rising on a sliding scale as the affordable share increases.
a.The provisions of this section 30-17 apply to the following development categories:1.New residential development projects of five (5) or more dwelling units, regardless of the type of dwelling units proposed. Applicant shall demonstrate that at least five (5) residential units can be developed on the project site in compliance with all zoning and development regulations. ... 30-17.7.1 Development[s] that Include Very Low Income Households.a.A very low income household project shall include a minimum of five (5%) percent of the total dwelling units of a development or mixed use development for very low income households as defined in Section 50105 of the Health and Safety Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 74).
Full Breakdown
6(a) applies the density bonus program to new residential projects of five or more dwelling units, qualifying mixed-use projects with at least five units, substantial rehabilitation of five or more multifamily units, nonresidential-to-residential conversions of five or more units, and conversions of five or more rental units to ownership housing. 1 sets the entry threshold for the most common category: a very low income household project shall include a minimum of five percent of the total dwelling units of a development for very low income households as defined in Section 50105 of the Health and Safety Code. 3 for moderate-income common-interest developments. 5. 6(c).
Violations & Fines
A project already at or above the General Plan's or zoning code's maximum permitted density is disqualified from the bonus entirely under Section 30-17.6(c). Once a bonus is granted, the recorded affordability covenant under Section 30-17.5(f) binds the property for 30 or 55 years; failing to keep the income-restricted units affordable for that term breaches the City's enforcement agreement and can trigger contractual remedies against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many affordable units does a project need for a density bonus in Alameda?
How long must density-bonus units stay affordable in Alameda?
Can any housing project in Alameda get a density bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle density bonus law.