Lincoln, NE Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Bonus amount
- 20% density bonus
- Trigger
- Community wastewater in AG/AGR
- Bonus cap
- 20% combined, subsections c-g
- Approval path
- Special permit, Planning Commission
Summary
Lincoln grants a 20% dwelling-unit density bonus to Community Unit Plans in the AG or AGR district that use a shared community wastewater system instead of individual septic systems, under Municipal Code § 27.65.020.
A community unit plan located in either the AG Agriculture District or AGR Agricultural Residential District which utilizes a community wastewater disposal system rather than individual wastewater systems shall receive a twenty percent (20%) density bonus.
g. A community unit plan located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, or BTA Overlay zoning districts which will substantially protect floodplain or floodprone areas may receive a dwelling unit bonus if a permanent conservation easement or permanent deed restriction is dedicated to preserve the floodplain or floodprone area. The bonus allotment will be proportionally equal to the amount of floodplain preserved on the site and the size of the lot as in conformance with the design standards.
h. The dwelling unit bonuses permitted under subsections (c), (d), (e), and (g) of this section shall not exceed a cumulative total of twenty percent (20%) in any community unit plan.
(Ord. 21803 §10; November 17, 2025; Ord. 21125 §10; August 30, 2021: Ord. 20503 §25; June 19, 2017: Ord. 20372 § 22; August 29, 2016: Ord. 20043 § 2; June 30, 2014: Ord. 18829 §1; October 16, 2006; Ord. 18481 §1; December 20, 2004: Ord. 18454 §2; October 11, 2004: Ord. 18361 §1; May 10, 2004: Ord. 17285 § 1; January 20, 1998: Ord. 16428 §1; July 19, 1993: Ord. 15781 §1; November 26, 1990: Ord. 12571 §345; May 8, 1979).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 27.65, a Community Unit Plan sited in the AG Agriculture or AGR Agricultural Residential district earns an automatic 20% density bonus if it runs a community wastewater system rather than individual septic (§ 27.65.020(f)). Separate 20% bonuses apply to BTA Overlay District plans that reserve land for future annexation and subdivision (§ 27.65.020(d)-(e)), and open-space or floodplain-protection bonuses are available in the R-1 through R-8 districts. Bonuses stacked under subsections (c), (d), (e), and (g) cannot exceed a combined 20% for any single plan. Every Community Unit Plan still goes through special-permit review by the Planning Commission under Chapter 27.63.
Violations & Fines
Building without an approved Community Unit Plan or special permit, or exceeding the approved density and bonus allotment, halts building-permit and certificate-of-occupancy issuance until the plan is amended and approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Community Unit Plan get a density bonus in Lincoln?
Can density bonuses be combined for a bigger increase?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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