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

Chapter 18.43 (Density Bonus and Other Incentives) is Gardena's local vehicle for the state density bonus law. Section 18.43.020 formally adopts Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918 by reference as the city's density bonus provisions, so any developer seeking bonus units, incentives, concessions, or waivers works through this chapter rather than a separate city formula. Section 18.43.050 requires the density bonus application to be filed concurrently with the underlying housing development application and sets out required contents: the number of bonus units requested, any reduced parking ratio request under Government Code Section 65915(p), any incentive or concession request under Section 65915(d), and any waiver or reduction of a development standard under Section 65915(e).

Incomplete applications trigger timely notice to the applicant, and any inconsistency with the zoning code or the state law must be disclosed under the Housing Accountability Act, Government Code Section 65589.5. Section 18.43.060 requires the applicant to enter into a recorded regulatory agreement with the city, approved by the City Attorney, and to pay the city's costs for any third-party consultants needed to draft the agreement, develop guidelines, or verify occupant eligibility. Affordable units must be built concurrently with market-rate units unless the developer and approving body agree otherwise in the affordable housing agreement, must match market-rate units in exterior design, size, and bedroom mix, and must carry the same access to common amenities.

For-sale projects must keep the affordable units for-sale, and low- and very-low-income replacement requirements under Government Code Section 65915(c)(3) apply. The 'Director' for chapter purposes is the Director of Community Development or designee.