Projects setting aside affordable units in unincorporated Santa Clara County qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915, implemented locally through Title C zoning provisions, with bonuses now up to 80 percent.
California Government Code Section 65915, implemented locally through Santa Clara County Title C Zoning Ordinance density bonus provisions, requires the county 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 percent up to 50 percent above otherwise-allowed density, with additional incentives, concessions, waivers, and parking reductions. AB-2334, effective 2023, raised the maximum bonus to 80 percent in qualifying jurisdictions when 100 percent of units are affordable. Approval is ministerial when statutory requirements are met; the County Department of Planning and Development cannot deny eligible projects or impose discretionary conditions beyond the statute.
Improperly denied density-bonus projects can sue the county under Government Code Section 65915 for damages, attorney fees, and writ relief compelling approval. The Housing Accountability Act adds further enforcement teeth.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Palo Alto's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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