Yolo County, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum project size
- Five or more dwelling units
- Low-income set-aside
- 10% of units for low-income households
- Very-low-income set-aside
- 5% of units for very-low-income households
- General bonus
- 20% minimum, up to 35% maximum
- Senior housing bonus
- Flat 20% density increase
- Land dedication bonus
- 15% minimum, combinable to 35% cap
Summary
Yolo County must grant a density bonus under Sec. 8-12.103 to any housing development of five or more units that reserves 10% of units for low-income households, 5% for very-low-income households, or is built as senior citizen housing. Sec. 8-12.104 sets the general bonus at 20%, scaling up to a 35% cap, implementing State Government Code Sections 65915 and 65917.
(a) The County shall grant a density bonus to an applicant or developer of a housing development consisting of five (5) or more dwelling units, who agrees to provide the following: (1) At least another ten (10) percent of the total units of a housing development for low income households; or (2) At least another five (5) percent of the total units of a housing development for very low income households; or (3) A senior citizen housing development. (b) All density calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Supplement 2026 S-21 includes: Local legislation current through Ord. 1584, effective June 25, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 3). Fractional target units are rounded up to the next whole number. Sec. 5% for each 1% of very-low-income units above the 5% threshold, capped at 35%; senior developments get a flat 20% bonus. A condominium or planned development project that reserves an extra 10% of units for moderate-income households (as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50093) qualifies for at least a 5% bonus, rising 1% per additional 1% of moderate-income units, up to 35%. A land-dedication bonus of at least 15% applies when an applicant donates land meeting Government Code Section 65915(g), scaling 1% per 1% of donation above the 10% minimum, and can be combined with the general bonus up to a combined 35% cap.
Sec. 104(d) also caps required on-site parking ratios for qualifying developments, starting at one space for studio and one-bedroom units. Sec. 109 governs application review and approval, Sec. 110 sets resale and occupancy restrictions on target units, and Sec. 111 addresses expiration and extension of those restrictions.
Violations & Fines
This chapter is an entitlement program, not a prohibition, so there is no fine schedule for developers seeking a bonus. Compliance is enforced through the application review and approval process in Sec. 8-12.109 and through resale and occupancy restrictions recorded against target units under Sec. 8-12.110, with expiration and extension of those affordability covenants addressed in Sec. 8-12.111.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many affordable units does a Yolo County project need for a density bonus?
What is the maximum density bonus available in Yolo County?
Does donating land qualify a project for a density bonus?
Are reduced parking ratios available with a density bonus project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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