Glendale, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Max density bonus
- 35% above base zoning density
- Low income threshold
- 10% minimum, +1.5% per point
- Very low income threshold
- 5% minimum, +2.5% per point
- Affordability duration
- Minimum 55 years for rentals
- Over-35% requests
- City Council hearing, discretionary
- Concessions available
- 1 to 3, based on affordability tier
Summary
Glendale grants residential developers up to a 35% increase in unit count above the base zoning density when a project sets aside affordable units under GMC Chapter 30.36. The bonus scales with the share of low, very-low, or moderate income units, and qualifying projects also earn development incentives or concessions.
In determining the number of density bonus units to be granted, the maximum residential density for the site shall increase according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable housing units exceeds the percentage established by Section 30.36.050, Calculation of density bonus. 1. For each 1% increase above 10% in the percentage of units affordable to low income households, the density bonus shall be increased by one and one-half (1.5) percent up to a maximum of 35%. 2. For each 1% increase above 5% in the percentage of units affordable to very low income households, the density bonus shall be increased by two and one-half (2.5) percent up to a maximum of 35%. 3. For each 1% above 10% of the percentage of units affordable to moderate income households, the density bonus shall be increased by 1% up to a maximum of 35%.
Full Breakdown
060, the density bonus rises on a sliding scale tied to the affordability mix an applicant commits to. 5% for every additional percentage point above 10%, capped at 35%. 5% per additional point, also capped at 35%. Moderate income condominium or planned-development projects get a 5% base bonus plus 1% per point above 10%. An applicant must pick only one housing category; the code bars stacking categories to push past the 35% ceiling on its own. 090 sets separate reduced parking ratios for qualifying developments.
61; the council can grant or deny that request at its sole discretion, weighing the number and type of affordable units, housing type, underlying zone, and neighborhood compatibility. 100 requires low and very low income rental units to stay affordable for a minimum of 55 years, calculated under Health and Safety Code Section 50053, and for-sale units to carry a city equity-sharing agreement upon resale. A density bonus request never requires a general plan amendment or zone change on its own.
Violations & Fines
An applicant is ineligible for a density bonus or any incentives or concessions if the project site included rent-restricted, rent-controlled, or lower/very-low income occupied rental units within the five years before application, unless the housing development replaces those units under Section 30.36.100(C). For incentive or concession requests, the director of community development must grant them unless written findings show no identifiable cost reduction, a specific adverse impact on public health, safety, or a historic resource, or a conflict with state or federal law. Waiver or reduction requests go to a hearing officer, who must deny them unless all findings in Section 30.36.080(B) are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a density bonus can a Glendale project get?
Does a density bonus require a zone change?
How long must density bonus units stay affordable in Glendale?
Can I request more than a 35% density bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
California rules heatmap·Compare Glendale to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle density bonus law.