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

Chapter 17.310 (Affordable Housing, Density Bonuses) implements Government Code Section 65915 and the Housing Element of the General Plan. Under § 17.310.020 it applies to proposed residential development of five or more dwelling units where the zone allows the use. Table 3-3 in § 17.310.030 sets the thresholds. A project that sets aside 10% of its units for lower income households qualifies for a 20% density bonus and one concession or incentive, and the bonus climbs 1.5% for every 1% of dedicated units above that threshold, up to a 35% maximum. A very-low income set-aside starts at 5%, adds 2.5% per 1%, and is also capped at 35%. A senior project that is 100% age-restricted earns a 20% bonus. Fractional units round up to the next larger integer.

Section 17.310.040 grants parking maximums by right: one on-site space for zero to one bedrooms, two spaces for two to three bedrooms, and 2 1/2 spaces for four or more bedrooms, counting uncovered parking but not on-street parking. In residential zones the discretionary menu runs from a 15% deviation from one side setback and a 10% deviation from parcel coverage to a 15% deviation from front or rear setbacks (rear setback still at least five feet) and a 10% cut in required parking. In commercial zones the menu removes any limit on stories within the zone's height limit or reduces the private open space requirement. Waivers of development standards fall under § 17.310.050 and apply to the whole development, not parcel by parcel.

Section 17.310.060 sends the request through a conditional use permit under Chapter 17.605. The applicant files with the first application for the project, pays the City's cost of any consultant review, and submits a pro-forma showing the concession produces an identifiable, financially sufficient, and actual cost reduction. A density bonus agreement in recordable form binds all future owners.