Cambridge, MA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- GFA/FAR bonus
- +30% for residential use
- Dwelling unit count bonus
- +30% over district cap
- Extra height (Res. C-1)
- Up to 6 stories / 74 ft
- Bonus type
- As-of-right, no separate variance
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 11.203.5
Summary
Cambridge lets Inclusionary Housing Projects build 30% more gross floor area or dwelling units than the district otherwise allows, as-of-right, plus extra height in Residence C-1, in exchange for the project's affordable-unit obligations.
If a limitation on GFA or FAR is applicable within the district, the Gross Floor Area permitted by the applicable zoning may be increased by thirty percent (30%), as long as such additional Gross Floor Area is used for residential uses not including hotel or motel use. ... In a Residence C-1 district, the maximum height of buildings or portions of buildings used as Residences may be increased to a maximum of 6 stories above grade and 74 feet above grade per the provisions of Section 5.40, Paragraph (2) of this Zoning Ordinance.
Full Breakdown
200 (Incentive Zoning and Inclusionary Housing) of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, grants specific as-of-right dimensional relaxations in any zoning district, including base or overlay districts. Where a district caps gross floor area (GFA) or floor area ratio (FAR), an Inclusionary Housing Project may increase the permitted GFA by thirty percent, provided the extra floor area goes to residential use other than hotel or motel. Where a district caps the number of dwelling units through minimum lot area per unit or similar rules, the project may add thirty percent more units than otherwise allowed. 20. 40, Paragraph (2). 205.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement of Article 11.200 runs through Section 11.205: the Community Development Department must certify in writing to the Superintendent of Buildings that Sections 11.200-11.205 have been satisfied before any building permit issues for an Incentive Project or Inclusionary Housing Project, and again before a certificate of occupancy issues, tying the density bonus directly to compliance with the inclusionary housing obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra floor area can an Inclusionary Housing Project build in Cambridge?
Does the density bonus also apply to unit count?
Can these projects also get extra building height?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle density bonus law.