Kings County, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Very low-income entry threshold
- 5% of units → 20% bonus
- Maximum density bonus
- 35% at 11%+ very-low units
- Rental affordability term
- 55 years from occupancy
- Approval authority
- Board of Supervisors, by resolution
- Governing state law
- Gov. Code § 65915 et seq.
Summary
Kings County grants housing projects up to a 35% density bonus for setting aside very low-, lower-, or moderate-income units, implementing Government Code § 65915 through Development Code Article 22.
1. Very Low-Income Housing Projects: Housing projects with at least 5 percent of units affordable to Very Low-Income Households are entitled to a density bonus as shown in Table 22-1 below: ... Percent of Very Low-Income Units Percent of Density Bonus 5 20 6 22.5 7 25 8 27.5 9 30 10 32.5 11+ 35
Full Breakdown
Under Development Code Article 22, a project with at least 5% very low-income units earns a 20% density bonus, sliding up to 35% at 11% or more (Table 22-1); parallel sliding scales apply to lower-income and moderate-income ownership projects (Tables 22-2, 22-3). Bonus projects also get reduced lot standards under Table 22-5 - smaller site frontage, width, depth, and a 15-foot front setback in RM zones - unless state Government Code § 65915(d)-(e) standards are less restrictive. Agreements are approved by the Board of Supervisors and run with the land.
Violations & Fines
Each density bonus agreement must define penalties and enforcement mechanisms for failing to maintain affordability, runs with the land, and binds the property through any sale or transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a density bonus can a Kings County housing project get?
How long must density-bonus units stay affordable in Kings County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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