Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Alhambra, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Alhambra Zoning Code Ch. 23.14
State law implemented
Cal. Gov't Code § 65915 et seq.
Applies in
All residential-allowing zoning districts
Application filed with
Planning Division
Reviewing body
Planning Commission, City Council or Director
Bonus amount source
Set by state formula, not city schedule

Summary

Alhambra grants a density bonus, plus incentives or concessions, to housing developments and land transfers that set aside units for very low, low, or moderate income households or seniors, sizing the bonus to state law under Zoning Code Chapter 23.14.

The City of Alhambra shall grant qualifying housing developments and qualifying land transfers a density bonus, the amount of which shall be as specified in Cal. Gov't Code §§ 65915 et seq., and incentives or concessions also as described in Cal. Gov't Code § 65915 et seq.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).

Full Breakdown

14 of the Alhambra Zoning Code implements California's State Density Bonus Law, Cal. 020). 040). 050). 060). 070).

Violations & Fines

Chapter 23.14 does not set its own fine schedule; it is an entitlement chapter, not a prohibition. An incomplete application to the Planning Division can be rejected as not sufficient to evaluate the request under § 23.14.050, and a project that fails to execute the required affordability agreement under § 23.14.070 cannot receive final density bonus approval or building permits for the bonus units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alhambra set its own density bonus percentages?
No. Zoning Code § 23.14.040 grants qualifying projects a density bonus in the amount specified by Cal. Gov't Code §§ 65915 et seq., along with incentives or concessions described in that same state statute, so the bonus formula comes from state law, not a separate city table.
Where do I file a density bonus application in Alhambra?
Submit a written application to the Planning Division under § 23.14.050, timed to be processed alongside the project's other entitlements. Include unit counts and bedroom mix, the number of bonus units requested, affordability set-asides, parcel and zoning data, a scaled site plan, and the specific concessions or incentives sought.
Who decides a density bonus request in Alhambra?
The Planning Commission or City Council decides it together with the underlying project under § 23.14.060. If no other body would review the project, the Community Development Director decides the density bonus request directly, and approval is required once state law requirements are met.
What happens after a density bonus is approved?
Under § 23.14.070, before final approval the city and the applicant must agree on an appropriate method for assuring the density bonus units stay available and affordable for the covenant period required by Cal. Gov't Code § 65915 et seq.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Alhambra

All Alhambra rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Alhambra to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview

Get notified when Density Bonus Law in Alhambra, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Los Angeles County handle density bonus law.

Lakewood, CA
Light Restrictions
Downey, CA
Some Restrictions
El Monte, CA
Some Restrictions
Inglewood, CA
Some Restrictions
Carson, CA
Some Restrictions
Long Beach, CA
Some Restrictions
Los Angeles, CA
Some Restrictions
Santa Clarita, CA
Some Restrictions