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Los Angeles County, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter: County Code Ch. 22.120
Minimum project size: 5 baseline units (35 senior)
Rental affordability term: At least 55 years
Permit type: Administrative or Discretionary Housing Permit
Applies in: Unincorporated LA County only

Summary

In unincorporated Los Angeles County, housing developments that set aside units as affordable, senior, or donated-land housing qualify for a density bonus above the base zoning maximum under County Code Chapter 22.120, plus incentives like reduced parking and development-standard waivers.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood, Downey, El Monte, Inglewood, Carson, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Pasadena, Lancaster, Palmdale, Compton, Norwalk, and South Gate have their own density bonus law rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Except as specified otherwise, a housing development shall receive a density bonus in the amounts shown in Table 22.120.050-A, below, subject to an Administrative Housing Permit (Section 22.166.040), if it provides an affordable housing set-aside.

Source: LACO Title 22.140.250View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code Chapter 22.120 implements state density bonus law (Gov. Code § 65915) with the County's own eligibility rules, tables, and permit process. A project needs at least 5 baseline units (35 for standalone senior housing) and must replace any existing rental units. Depending on the affordable set-aside tier in Table 22.120.050-A, projects get a density bonus plus up to 4 incentives (reduced setbacks, height, etc.), reduced parking ratios under Table 22.120.080-A, and waivers of development standards, all processed through an Administrative or Discretionary Housing Permit. Affordability covenants run at least 55 years for rentals.

Violations & Fines

Not a ban but an incentive program. Owners who fail to maintain the recorded affordability covenant face Chapter 22.242 enforcement, monetary penalties spelled out in the covenant, and any other legal remedies; a project can also lose its Housing Permit under the covenant's termination terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply inside the City of Los Angeles?

No. Chapter 22.120 is part of Title 22, which governs only the unincorporated area of LA County: the City of Los Angeles has its own separate density bonus ordinance.

What's the minimum affordable set-aside to get a density bonus?

As little as 5% extremely-low-income or very-low-income set-aside qualifies for a bonus under Table 22.120.050-A, with the bonus percentage and number of incentives scaling up from there.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code (Municode)

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