Hawthorne, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- HMC Ch. 17.17 Residential Density Bonus
- Minimum project size
- 5 or more dwelling units
- Lower-income set-aside
- 10% units = 20.0% bonus
- Very low-income set-aside
- 5% units = 20.0% bonus
- Senior housing bonus
- Flat 20% density bonus
- Affordability term
- 30 years minimum covenant
Summary
Hawthorne must grant a density bonus above the base zone's maximum density under Hawthorne Code §§ 17.17.020-.030 when a housing developer sets aside qualifying affordable units, ranging from a 20.0% bonus at 10% lower-income units up to 35.0% at 20%, or a flat 20% bonus for qualifying senior housing, implementing state Density Bonus Law.
A. The city shall grant a density bonus and concessions or incentives listed in Section 17.17.040, or provide other concessions or equivalent financial incentives, when an applicant for a housing development proposes and agrees to construct any one of the following: 1. Ten percent of the total dwelling units reserved for lower income households as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code (eighty percent of median family income); 2. Five percent of the total dwelling units reserved for very low income households as defined in Section 50105 of the Health and Safety Code (fifty percent of median family income)... § 17.17.030. Density bonus. A. The density bonus provided by this section shall apply to housing developments consisting of five or more dwelling units.
Full Breakdown
010). 12; or 10% moderate-income units in a for-sale common interest development. 030(A)). 030(F)). 020(C)-(D)).
Violations & Fines
A developer or successor owner who breaches the recorded affordability covenant or equity-sharing agreement tied to a density-bonus project is subject to prosecution under Hawthorne Code § 1.20.010 as a misdemeanor, an infraction, or a civil administrative citation at the city attorney's discretion, carrying up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a density bonus can a Hawthorne housing project get?
How many units must a project have to qualify?
How long must the affordable units stay affordable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
California rules heatmap·Compare Hawthorne to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle density bonus law.