Fairfield, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Section 25.38 of the Zoning Ordinance implements Government Code Section 65915, and Section 25.38.1 states the provisions shall be interpreted to fulfill the requirements of that state law, with any state amendment automatically superseding conflicting local text. Eligibility under Section 25.38.4(A) requires a housing development to meet at least one threshold: at least 5 percent of the total units for very low-income households, at least 10 percent for lower income households, a qualifying senior citizen housing development, at least 10 percent moderate-income units in a for-sale common interest development, at least 10 percent of units for transitional foster youth, disabled veterans or homeless persons under a 55-year affordability restriction, or a qualifying 100-percent-affordable student housing project.

Section 25.38.5(A) then grants a density bonus in the amount specified by subsection (f) of Government Code Section 65915, rounding any fractional unit up, and an applicant who includes an on-site childcare facility can request an additional density bonus or concession under Section 25.38.5(B). Beyond the density increase, an eligible project can request incentives or concessions under Section 25.38.6 and waivers of development standards like height or setback limits under Section 25.38.7. Parking is capped by Section 25.38.8(A) at 1 space for studio and one-bedroom units, 1.5 spaces for two-to-three-bedroom units, and 2.5 spaces for four-or-more-bedroom units, with even lower ratios, down to no minimum, for qualifying projects near a major transit stop under Section 25.38.8(B). Applications go to the Community Development Department alongside the project's other planning entitlements and carry a Council-set application fee under Section 25.38.3(A).