Fresno applies California's State Density Bonus Law, granting up to 50 percent extra units, height waivers, and parking concessions for projects that include affordable, senior, or supportive housing, regardless of base zoning.
California Government Code §65915 forces every city, including Fresno, to grant density bonuses, incentives, concessions, and parking reductions to qualifying affordable-housing developers. The bonus scales with the percentage of units restricted to lower, very-low, or moderate-income tenants. Recent state amendments raised maximum bonuses to 50 percent and even 80 percent for 100-percent-affordable projects. Fresno's planning division reviews density-bonus applications administratively when the project meets eligibility, and council discretion is sharply limited. The law preempts inconsistent local zoning, height, parking, and setback standards through the concession process.
Cities denying eligible density-bonus projects risk Housing Accountability Act lawsuits, fines, and HCD enforcement referrals under California state housing law.
See how Fresno's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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