Longmont, CO Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Density bonus
- Up to 25% more units above max density
- Qualifying threshold
- At least 12% affordable rental or owner units
- Base R-SF density range
- 1 to 8 units/acre
- Base R-MF density range
- 18 to 35 units/acre
- Other incentives
- Extra story, reduced lot size/width, parking
- Approval process
- Administrative, via written incentive application
Summary
Longmont lets residential and mixed-use developments that include at least 12 percent affordable rental or ownership housing add up to 25 percent more dwelling units than the base zoning district's maximum density allows, one of several incentives the city grants in exchange for the deed-restricted units.
d. Affordable housing meeting the requirements of section 15.04.030.A.2 are eligible for a density bonus up to 25 percent above the maximum density allowed in each residential zoning district. e. Accessory dwelling units meeting the requirements of section 15.02.080.E are not subject to the upper density range limits specified in subsection B.3.a of this section or included in the calculation of density on a lot or parcel. C. Setbacks. 1. Measurement. a.
Full Breakdown
c, with the density-bonus percentage scaling down proportionately if it does. a, which run from up to one unit per acre in R-RU, one to eight units per acre in R-SF, six to 18 in R-MN and R-MH, and 18 to 35 in R-MF; mixed-use districts must otherwise meet at least the R-MF minimum of 18 units per acre. 2, plus reduced parking. Incentives are not automatic. i, the developer must submit a written affordable housing incentive application to the director of community services, and the planning and development services director approves the incentives administratively rather than through a discretionary public hearing.
Violations & Fines
There's no separate penalty tied to the density bonus itself since it's an optional incentive, not a mandate: a developer simply doesn't receive the extra units, additional story, or reduced lot standards if the project doesn't document at least 12 percent affordable rental or owner-occupied units and file the required incentive application. A project that claims the bonus without meeting the deed-restriction and eligibility requirements in § 15.05.220 risks having its site plan or building permit rejected at city review, or, if already approved, an enforcement action for developing above the density otherwise allowed on the parcel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra density can an affordable project get in Longmont?
What percentage of units has to be affordable to qualify for Longmont's density bonus?
Does the density bonus come with anything else in Longmont?
Who approves a Longmont density-bonus application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Boulder County handle density bonus law.