Fresno County, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum project size
- 5 or more dwelling units
- Low-income bonus range
- 20% to 42.5% (10%-22% units)
- Very-low-income bonus range
- 20% to 50% (5%-15% units)
- Senior housing bonus
- Flat 20% density bonus
- Affordability duration
- 55 years, recorded restriction
- Governing chapter
- Zoning Ordinance Ch. 824.3
Summary
Fresno County grants density bonuses up to 50 percent above the General Plan maximum for housing developments that set aside units for low, very-low, or moderate-income households, seniors, or homeless residents. The project must have at least five dwelling units and the developer must sign a recorded density bonus agreement with the County.
In order to be eligible for a density bonus... a proposed housing development shall comply with the following requirements... 1. 10 percent of the total number of proposed units are for lower income households, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5; 2. Five percent of the total number of proposed units are for very low-income households, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50105... D. Minimum project size to qualify for density bonus. The density bonus provided by this Chapter shall be available only to a housing development of five or more dwelling units.
Full Breakdown
3 of the Fresno County Zoning Ordinance implements Government Code Section 65915 locally. 020. 5 percent at 22 percent of units; a 5 percent very-low-income set-aside earns 20 percent, rising to 50 percent at 15 percent of units; senior housing developments get a flat 20 percent bonus regardless of unit mix. D), and bonus units themselves are not counted toward the qualifying percentage. 080, tracking the state Government Code Section 65915(c) floor, or longer if a financing program requires it. 110 (Control of Resale). 110, covering unit count, income mix, marketing plan, unit sizes and bedroom counts, the 55-year use-restriction schedule, and remedies for breach.
Violations & Fines
The density bonus agreement required under Section 824.3.110 must spell out the County's remedies for breach by the owner, developer, or any successor-in-interest, and those remedies attach to the recorded 55-year affordability restriction rather than to a standalone fine schedule. Because the restriction is recorded against the property under Section 824.3.080, the County can enforce continued affordability against later owners, not just the original applicant, through the Development Services Division of the Department of Public Works and Planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many affordable units does a Fresno County project need for a density bonus?
How big does a project have to be to qualify?
How long must the affordable units stay affordable?
What does the County require before issuing permits for a bonus project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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