Los Angeles, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- State authority
- Gov Code Section 65915
- Local code
- LAMC Section 12.22 A.25
- Maximum bonus
- 50 percent (80 percent AB-2334)
- Approval
- By-right when eligible
Summary
Projects that set aside affordable units qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915 and LAMC Section 12.22 A.25, with bonuses up to 50 percent.
65915. (a) (1) When an applicant seeks a density bonus for a housing development within, or for the donation of land for housing within, the jurisdiction of a city, county, or city and county, that local government shall comply with this section. A city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that specifies how compliance with this section will be implemented. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (s), failure to adopt an ordinance shall not relieve a city, county, or city and county from complying with this section. (2) A local government shall not condition the submission, review, or approval of an application pursuant to this chapter on the preparation of an additional report or study that is not otherwise required by state law, including this section.
Full Breakdown
California Government Code Section 65915, implemented locally by LAMC Section 12.22 A.25, requires Los Angeles to grant a density bonus when a project reserves a defined share of units for very-low, low, or moderate-income households or seniors. Bonuses scale from 20 to 50 percent above otherwise-allowed density, with additional incentives, concessions, and parking reductions. AB-2334, effective 2023, expanded bonuses up to 80 percent in qualifying Tier 4 jurisdictions (including most of Los Angeles) when 100 percent of units are affordable. Approval is by-right when statutory requirements are met; the city cannot deny eligible projects.
Violations & Fines
Improperly denied density-bonus projects can sue the city under Government Code Section 65915 for damages, attorney fees, and writ relief compelling approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many affordable units must I provide to qualify?
Can the city add discretionary review on top?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle density bonus law.