Denton, TX Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Lot area reduction
- up to 20% smaller
- Height bonus
- up to 20% taller
- Rental affordability term
- 30 years
- Homeownership affordability term
- 5 years
- Minimum set-aside
- 15% of units (rental/ownership)
Summary
Denton lets residential projects that set aside affordable units trade into density-boosting relief: smaller lots, taller buildings, and reduced parking under the Development Code's Affordability Incentive Program.
Projects providing affordable units may request one or more of the following incentives... e. 20% reduction in minimum lot area in the applicable zoning district in Section 3.2 - 3.5, f. 20% increase in maximum building height in the applicable zoning district in Section 3.2- 3.5, provided the development is still in compliance with Section 7.10.6,
Full Breakdown
Under Denton Development Code § 2.12.6, a residential development that reserves a set share of units for low-income households (per Table 2.12-B) can draw on multiple incentives at once: a 20% reduction in minimum lot area, a 20% increase in maximum building height, 20% smaller lot width/depth, reduced setbacks, and a parking-ratio cut to as little as one space per affordable unit. The incentives require a recorded Affordability Incentives Agreement executed before any building permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Using a property that received an Affordability Incentive without providing the agreed affordable units, or converting it to a non-affordable use before the Duration of Affordability expires, is a violation of the Denton Development Code (§ 2.12.3.B.6), enforceable under the Agreement's default remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Denton's density bonus actually give a developer?
How long do the affordable units have to stay affordable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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