Anaheim, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Gov Code 65915
- Max base bonus
- Up to 50 percent
- Concessions
- Parking, height, setbacks
- Covenants
- Recorded long-term
Summary
Anaheim implements California's state density bonus law allowing additional units, height, and incentives for projects providing affordable, senior, or moderate-income housing, codified through AMC Title 18 housing chapters.
65915. (a) (1) When an applicant seeks a density bonus for a housing development within, or for the donation of land for housing within, the jurisdiction of a city, county, or city and county, that local government shall comply with this section. A city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that specifies how compliance with this section will be implemented. [...] (b) (1) A city, county, or city and county shall grant one density bonus, the amount of which shall be as specified in subdivision (f), and, if requested by the applicant and consistent with the applicable requirements of this section, incentives or concessions, as described in subdivision (d), waivers or reductions of development standards, as described in subdivision (e), and parking ratios, as described in subdivision (p), if an applicant for a housing development seeks and agrees to construct a housing development [...] that will contain at least any one of the following: (A) Ten percent of the total units of a housing development, including a shared housing building development, for rental or sale to lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code. (B) Five percent of the total units of a housing development, including a shared housing building development, for rental or sale to very low income households, as defined in Section 50105 of the Health and Safety Code. (C) A senior citizen housing development [...]
Full Breakdown
California Government Code §65915 requires every city, including Anaheim, to grant density bonuses, concessions, and waivers to qualifying housing projects. Anaheim implements the law through its zoning code housing element. Projects setting aside specified percentages for very-low, low, moderate, or senior housing receive base density bonuses, with an enhanced 80%+ affordable tier eligible for up to a 50% bonus and additional concessions on parking, height, and setbacks. The city processes density bonus applications concurrently with site development permits, and conflicts with specific plans like ARSP must still honor §65915 minimums.
Violations & Fines
Failing to record affordability covenants, missing inclusionary deadlines, or renting restricted units to over-income households can lead to density bonus rescission and civil penalties under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does density bonus override a specific plan?
Can homeowners use density bonus for ADUs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle density bonus law.