Arcadia, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Bonus range
- Minimum 20 percent, up to 80 percent above maximum density
- Decision maker
- City Council, after Planning Commission recommendation
- Rental affordability term
- 55 years for very low or lower income units
- Parking on request
- 1, 1.5 or 2.5 spaces per unit by bedroom count
- Transit height increase
- Up to three additional stories, or 33 feet
- Review required
- Site Plan and Design Review for any density bonus request
Summary
The City of Arcadia, California grants a density bonus of a minimum of 20 percent and up to 80 percent above maximum density for qualifying affordable, senior and other housing under Arcadia Municipal Code § 9103.15. The City Council decides every density bonus application after a Planning Commission recommendation, and the bonus is calculated under Government Code Section 65915.
A.Determination of Density Bonus. The amount of a density bonus and the extent of other incentives allowed for a proposed housing development shall be determined by the Council in compliance with Government Code Section 65915. If a density bonus or other incentives cannot be accommodated on a site due to strict compliance with the provisions of this Development Code, the Council may modify or waive other development standards as necessary to accommodate all bonus units and other incentives to which the development is entitled.B.Calculating Density Bonus. The calculation of a density bonus in compliance with this subsection that results in fractional units shall be rounded up to the next whole number, as required by State law. ... A minimum density bonus of 20% and up to 80% above the maximum density will be calculated as follows: ... 4.Additional Concessions or Incentives. The Council shall have the discretion to approve additional concessions or incentives to a qualifying project based on the superior merits of that particular project, as determined by the Council.
Full Breakdown
Section 9103.15 of the City of Arcadia, California Development Code implements the housing element of the general plan and Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918, and where the section is silent or conflicts with those sections, the Government Code as amended applies. Under § 9103.15.020 a density bonus and incentives are granted to a development that includes, for example, 5 percent very low-income units, 10 percent lower income units, or 10 percent moderate income units in a for-sale development, or 100 percent of units other than manager's units restricted to very low, lower and moderate income with a maximum of 20 percent moderate.
Other qualifying projects include 10 percent units for transitional foster youth, disabled veterans or homeless persons under a 55-year affordability restriction, 20 percent for low-income students, a donation of at least one acre of land, and a senior citizen housing development of at least 35 units. Developers must replace units occupied by very low or lower-income households at the time of application, or demolished or vacated within the five-year period before it. Section 9103.15.030(B) sets the bonus at a minimum of 20 percent and up to 80 percent above maximum density, rounding fractional units up to the next whole number; its table pairs 5 percent very low-income units with a 20 percent bonus and 100 percent restricted projects with an 80 percent bonus.
Incentives scale with affordability: one for 5 percent very low-income or 10 percent lower or moderate income units, two for 10, 17 and 20 percent, and three for 15, 24 and 30 percent, with a fourth for 100 percent affordable projects; a project within one-half mile of a major transit stop also receives a height increase of up to three additional stories, or 33 feet. The Council must grant a requested concession unless it makes a written finding based on substantial evidence. On request, parking is capped at 1 space per unit for studio to one-bedroom units, 1.5 for two to three bedrooms and 2.5 for four or more.
Every request needs Site Plan and Design Review (§ 9103.15.050), the Planning Commission makes a recommendation, and the City Council makes the findings and decides (§ 9103.15.040). Rental units stay affordable for 55 years, and privately financed for-sale units for 45 years.
Violations & Fines
Density bonus terms are enforced through recorded affordability commitments, not a separate penalty. Section 9103.15.050 requires the developer's procedures for continued availability of the designated lower-income units, and § 9103.15.060 requires the designated units to be reasonably dispersed and compatible in appearance, materials and finished quality. Breaches of the Development Code fall under Section 1200 of the Arcadia Municipal Code, a misdemeanor or an infraction at the City Attorney's discretion, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a density bonus can a project get in the City of Arcadia, California?
Who approves a density bonus in the City of Arcadia?
Can a developer ask for reduced parking?
How long must the affordable units stay affordable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arcadia
California rules heatmap·Compare Arcadia to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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