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

Chapter 17.41, Article II implements the state Density Bonus Law locally rather than creating an independent city formula. Section 17.41.030 states the article's purpose is 'to establish a program in accordance with Section 65915 et seq. of the California Government Code to provide both density increases and other incentives to encourage the creation of housing affordable to moderate-, low-, and very low-income households and units intended to serve seniors, transitional foster youth, disabled veterans, homeless persons, and lower income in the threshold amounts specified in state law.' Section 17.41.032 makes any development 'that qualify under California Government Code Section 65915 for a density increase and other incentives' eligible to apply, and requires the applicant to comply with Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918, which 'shall prevail over any conflicting provision of this code.' Section 17.41.034 confirms that a qualifying project 'shall be granted a density bonus, the amount of which shall be as specified in California Government Code Section 65915 et seq.,' meaning the bonus percentage and incentive count are calculated under the state formula rather than a separate Lancaster schedule.

Density bonus units are excluded from the base unit count used to determine eligibility, and Section 17.41.036 lets an applicant request a waiver or reduction of a development standard, such as the height or setback tables in Section 17.08.060, where the standard would physically preclude building the bonus units, plus a parking reduction under Government Code Section 65915(p). Applications are processed concurrently with a project's other entitlements per Section 17.41.040 and considered by the planning commission or city council alongside the underlying project.