Fairfield, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- FMC § 25.38 (implements Gov. Code § 65915)
- Very low-income threshold
- 5% of units
- Lower-income threshold
- 10% of units
- Parking cap, studio/1BR
- 1 space per unit
- Parking cap, 4+BR
- 2.5 spaces per unit
- Applies to
- Housing developments of 5 or more units
Summary
Fairfield grants a density bonus above the otherwise maximum allowable residential density to housing developments that set aside units for very low, lower or moderate income households, senior housing, or 100% affordable projects, implementing State Density Bonus Law under Section 25.38.
In order to be eligible for a density bonus, incentives or concessions, a waiver of development standards, or parking ratios as provided by this Section, a proposed housing development project must meet at least one of the following requirements as provided in Government Code Section 65915: 1. At least 5 percent of the total units are for very low-income households. 2. At least 10 percent of the total units are for lower income households.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4962673; v0 updated 2026-02-17).
Full Breakdown
1 states the provisions shall be interpreted to fulfill the requirements of that state law, with any state amendment automatically superseding conflicting local text. 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. 5(B). 7. 8(B). 3(A).
Violations & Fines
Density bonus review is not a code-violation matter; the City can deny only the specific incentive, concession, waiver or reduced parking ratio requested, and only on the narrow findings in Sections 25.38.6 and 25.38.7, such as a specific adverse impact on public health, safety, the physical environment, or a listed historical resource that cannot be feasibly mitigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a density bonus can a Fairfield project get?
What affordable housing mix qualifies for a density bonus in Fairfield?
Can a Fairfield density bonus project reduce required parking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle density bonus law.