Placentia, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Section 23.23.010 says the density increase is at least twenty-five percent over the designated zoning density, plus additional incentives if warranted, and applies citywide. Under § 23.23.020 a housing development is five or more dwelling units, or four or fewer on recommendation by the director of development services and approval by the city council. It also covers conversion of a commercial building to residential use, substantial rehabilitation of a multifamily dwelling that nets added units, and condominium conversions meeting Government Code Section 65915.5. A developer gets only one density bonus even if more than one qualifying criterion is met (§ 23.23.030).

Section 23.23.040 computes the unit count by multiplying the units allowed under the maximum residential density by 1.25, rounding any fraction up to the next full unit. The set-aside percentages are figured without the bonus units, again rounding up. Area median income comes from HUD figures for the Anaheim/Santa Ana Partial Metropolitan Statistical Area. Set-aside units must have a bedroom mix and amenities representative of the entire project and be reasonably distributed. The city and the applicant sign a written contract, recorded against the deed before building permits issue.

Rental projects cap low-income rent at 30 percent of 60 percent of monthly area median income and very low-income rent at 30 percent of 50 percent (§ 23.23.050(f)). Owners report occupants within 30 days of occupancy and annually, and the city can audit once per year on 48 hours notice. Ownership projects cap the down payment at 10 percent of the purchase price, require purchasers to occupy the units, and require deed restrictions and city liens before building permits (§ 23.23.060). The set-aside period is 10 years with no additional incentive and 30 years otherwise.

Section 23.23.070 requires the city to provide at least one of three incentives unless it makes written findings under Section 65915 (b) of the Government Code: reduced site development standards, mixed use zoning, or other regulatory concessions. The director of development services evaluates the request and the city council decides. Development plan review under Chapter 23.75 applies (§ 23.23.080). The chapter's history line lists only Ord. O-2002-05 of 2002.