El Dorado County, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

31 carries out California Government Code Sections 65915, 65916, and 65917 for unincorporated areas outside TRPA's jurisdiction. 010 explains the Chapter offers a density bonus and other incentives to developers who set aside units affordable to very low, lower, and moderate income households, or to seniors. 030(A) requires a "qualifying housing development" of five or more units, for rent or sale, with at least one affordable unit. Under Subsection B, a developer earns the bonus and any associated incentives by committing to at least one of six paths: at least 5 percent very low income units, at least 10 percent lower income units, a senior citizen housing development, at least 10 percent moderate income units in a condominium project, donating land sufficient for at least 40 affordable units under Government Code Section 65915(h), or paying an in-lieu fee the Board sets by resolution.

040(A). Incentives can also include reduced site development standards, such as smaller setbacks, less square footage, or fewer parking spaces, when those changes produce real, documented cost savings, and a density bonus is available for on-site child day care centers under 65915(i). 060, with the County recapturing its share of appreciation on early resale. The Director has 30 days after a complete application to notify the applicant whether the project qualifies.