Glen Cove, NY Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Density bonus
- 10% under § 245-24.2E
- Affordable set-aside
- 10%-20% of units, 80%-130% AMI
- Buyout option
- Up to 2 units via payment in lieu
- HOA fee cap
- 20% of Nassau County median gross rent
- Enacted
- Added 8-24-2010
- Penalty
- $1,000-$2,000 fine or 15 days jail, per day
Summary
Glen Cove awards a 10% density bonus to residential subdivisions that set aside affordable units under City Code § 245-24.2. Developers must restrict 10% to 20% of units to households earning 80% to 130% of area median income, or buy out up to two units through a payment to the City's affordable-housing trust fund.
In order to provide for this type of housing, the City Council has determined that all new residential construction in the City must contribute its fair share to the provision of affordable housing. ... (a) Ten percent of units (but no fewer than one unit) to families with incomes no greater than 80% of area median income (AMI); or ... E. Density bonus. In exchange for provision of affordable units as described above, the applicant shall be entitled to a density bonus of 10%, or such other incentive pursuant to a written agreement between the applicant and the City of Glen Cove.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5003439; v76 updated 2026-08-26; through 08-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
2 applies to any residential subdivision that is not exempt: income-restricted developments, projects already meeting affordable-unit requirements elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 280), proposals with at least 10% federally or state-funded units, subdivisions of fewer than five lots, or plans that already fall below 75% of maximum achievable density. A covered subdivision must restrict occupancy and resale on a sliding scale: 10% of units to families at or below 80% AMI, 15% at or below 100% AMI, or 20% at or below 130% AMI, with sale and resale managed by the Glen Cove Housing Authority or an approved nonprofit.
2E entitles the applicant to a 10% density bonus, or another incentive set by written agreement with the City. 2F lets a developer satisfy up to two units of the requirement with a monetary payment, set at twice the median income for a family of four in the Nassau-Suffolk metropolitan area per additional unit, capped at the lot's appraised value; the money goes into a trust restricted to building, acquiring land for, or rehabilitating affordable work-force housing. The City Council may approve buyouts beyond two units only if the subdivision sits in an area with adequate affordable-housing capacity, funds are needed elsewhere, the subdivision is not gated, and it is not in an R-1A, R-1, R-2, or R-3 district.
2G caps the monthly charge at 20% of median gross rent for Nassau County and guarantees inclusionary owners the same voting and participation rights as other unit owners.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 245, including the inclusionary housing and density-bonus requirements, is punishable under § 245-31 by a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 or imprisonment up to 15 days, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. Owners, lessees, architects, builders, contractors, and agents who assist in the violation are each separately liable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Glen Cove's density bonus for affordable housing?
Which subdivisions must include affordable units?
Can a Glen Cove developer pay a fee instead of building affordable units?
What happens if a subdivision violates the inclusionary housing rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glen Cove
New York rules heatmap·Compare Glen Cove to another location·View the New York zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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