Madera, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Madera Municipal Code §§ 10-3-5.101 to 10-3-5.103
- Minimum project size
- 5 or more dwelling units
- Lower-income bonus range
- 20% to 35% (10%-20% units)
- Very-low-income bonus range
- 20% to 35% (5%-11% units)
- Senior/mobile home bonus
- Flat 20%
- State authority
- Cal. Gov't Code § 65915
Summary
Madera's local density bonus ordinance, § 10-3-5.101 et seq., grants housing developments of five or more units a density increase above the General Plan maximum when a set share of units serve lower-income, very-low-income, senior or moderate-income households.
(D) Minimum project size to qualify for density bonus. The density bonus provided by this subchapter shall be available only to a housing development of five or more dwelling units. ... (A) Density bonus. ... A housing development that complies with the eligibility requirements specified in § 10-3-5.102(A) above, shall be entitled to density bonuses as follows, unless a lesser percentage is proposed by the applicant. (1) Bonus for units for lower income households. A housing development that is eligible for a bonus in compliance with the criteria specified in § 10-3-5.102(A)(1), (10% of units for lower income households) shall be entitled to a density bonus calculated as follows:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2024 S-50: Current through Ordinance 1010 C.S., passed 6-5-24).
Full Breakdown
in 2015 to implement Cal. 102(D). A project qualifies by including at least 10% lower-income units, 5% very-low-income units, a senior citizen development or age-restricted mobile home park, or 10% moderate-income units in a common interest development sold to the public. 3. 102(C), and condominium conversion projects seeking a bonus must separately satisfy Cal. 5. The bonus is calculated against the General Plan Land Use designation and zone maximum density in effect as of the application date, giving developers a fixed local benchmark rather than a moving target tied to later rezonings.
Violations & Fines
There is no separate penalty clause in this subchapter; noncompliance is addressed through the entitlement process itself. If a project does not maintain the required percentage of affordable, senior or moderate-income units it relied on to earn the bonus, the review authority can decline to approve or can rescind the associated density increase and incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units does a Madera project need to qualify for a density bonus?
How large a density bonus can a Madera developer get?
Does a senior housing project in Madera get an automatic bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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