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

14, a developer of a residential property zoned and general planned for five or more dwelling units may request a density bonus and incentives or concessions through a Conditional Use Permit, and the request cannot be denied unless the entire project is denied. 12, or at least 10% of units in a common interest development for moderate-income households. 5% for every 1% increase in low-income units above 10%, capping at 35%. 5% per additional 1% above 5%, also capping at 35%. Senior housing developments receive a flat 20% bonus, and moderate-income common interest developments start at a 5% base bonus rising 1% per additional percentage point over 10%, capped at 35%.

Affordability must be guaranteed for 30 years (or longer if tied to financing assistance) through a recorded Affordability Agreement approved by the City Council before building permits issue. The City must grant at least one incentive or concession, such as reduced parking ratios (one space for studios/one-bedrooms, two for two-to-three bedrooms, two-and-a-half for four or more bedrooms), reduced setbacks, or mixed-use zoning, with the number of concessions rising to two at 20% low-income set-asides and three at 30%. A monitoring fee set by City Council resolution is due before the certificate of occupancy issues for the first unit.

The Planning Commission/City Council can deny a requested concession only with a written finding, based on substantial evidence, that it is not needed to achieve affordable housing costs, would cause a specific adverse impact on public health, safety, the environment, or a historic resource, or conflicts with the certified Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan.