Bellflower, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Gov. Code § 65915 (state)
- Local chapter
- BMC Chapter 17.41
- Setback incentive
- up to 20% decrease
- FAR incentive
- up to 35% increase
- Adopted
- Ordinance 1443, April 2025
Summary
Bellflower's Chapter 17.41 implements California's Density Bonus Law, letting qualifying affordable-housing developments trade income-restricted units for reduced setbacks, smaller lot widths, and floor-area increases through a Director-reviewed application process.
Yard/Setback. Up to a 20% decrease in the required width or depth of any individual yard or setback, except along any property line that abuts an R-1 or more restrictively zoned property. A landscaping plan must be submitted to the Director for approval.
B. Lot Width. Up to a 20% decrease from a lot width requirement. A landscaping plan must be submitted to the Director for approval.
C. Floor Area Ratio.
1. A percentage increase in the allowable floor area ratio equal to the percentage of density bonus for which the project is eligible, not to exceed 35%; or 2. In lieu of the otherwise applicable floor area ratio, a floor area ratio not to exceed those identified in the adopted General Plan Housing Element governing the project site.
D. Height. A percentage increase in the height requirement in feet equal to the percentage of density bonus for which the project is eligible. This percentage increase in height is applicable over the entire parcel regardless of the number of underlying height limits. For purposes of this subsection, height limits contained in this title and adopted specific plans do not apply.
1. In any zone in which the height or number of stories is limited, this height increase will permit a maximum of 11 additional feet or one additional story, whichever is lower, to provide the affordable units.
2.
Full Breakdown
Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 17.41 (adopted 2025) implements the state Density Bonus Law, Government Code § 65915 et seq., which overrides conflicting local density limits for qualifying affordable-housing projects. Locally, applicants file with the Director alongside any other required land-use application and pay standard fees. Projects may request incentives such as up to a 20% reduction in required yard/setback width or depth (except where the property abuts an R-1 or more restrictive zone), a 20% lot-width reduction, or a floor-area-ratio increase of up to 35%. Before a building permit issues, the developer must record an agreement securing continued affordability of all bonus units.
Violations & Fines
Building a density-bonus project without recording the required affordability agreement, or exceeding the incentive menu without City Council authorization, can block issuance of building permits and void the density bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellflower control density bonuses or does state law?
Can a density-bonus project reduce setbacks next to a single-family zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle density bonus law.