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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
SLMC Chapter 6.08, Residential Density Bonus
Applies in
all zoning districts allowing residential use
Processed by
Planning Division
Bonus amount set by
Cal. Gov. Code § 65915 et seq.
Application items required
7 items per § 6.08.116
Affordability secured by
City-developer agreement under § 6.08.124

Summary

San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 6.08 implements the State Density Bonus Law in every zoning district that allows residential uses. Under § 6.08.112 the City must grant qualifying housing developments and land transfers a density bonus, plus incentives or concessions, in the amounts set by California Government Code § 65915. Developers apply through the Planning Division.

§ 6.08.104. Applicable Zoning Districts. This chapter shall be applicable in all zoning districts that allow residential uses. ... § 6.08.108. Qualifications. All proposed housing developments that qualify under California Government Code Section 65915 for a density increase and other incentives, and any qualified land transfer under California Government Code Section 65915 shall be eligible to apply for a density bonus (including incentives and/or concessions) consistent with the requirements, provisions and obligations set forth in California Government Code Section 65915, as may be amended. § 6.08.112. Density Bonus, Incentives and Concessions. The City of San Leandro shall grant qualifying housing developments and qualifying land transfers a density bonus, the amount of which shall be as specified in California Government Code Section 65915 et seq., and incentives or concessions also as described in California Government Code Section 65915 et seq.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4967405; v8 updated 2026-07-06).

Full Breakdown

104). 112); the ordinance does not set its own separate unit-count formula, it incorporates the state statute by reference. 116), and the application must include: a project description; total units proposed with sizes and bedroom counts; the number of units to be added through the density increase; the number of units set aside for very low, low, moderate income or senior households; zoning, general plan designation and assessor's parcel numbers; a scaled vicinity map and preliminary site plan showing building footprints, driveways and parking; and a list of every concession or incentive requested with an explanation of why each is needed. 120). 124), which is how long-term affordability is locked in rather than through a standalone monitoring section in this chapter.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 6.08 carries no misdemeanor or fine provision of its own, unlike the adjoining inclusionary housing chapter. Compliance instead runs through the recorded agreement required by § 6.08.124 assuring continued availability of the bonus units, and through the eligibility standards of California Government Code § 65915 itself. An application that omits any of the seven required items in § 6.08.116, such as the assessor's parcel number, unit counts, or the specific concessions requested, cannot be processed concurrently with the project's other entitlements under § 6.08.120.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Leandro have its own density bonus formula?
No. Section 6.08.112 says the City shall grant the density bonus, incentives, and concessions in the amount specified in California Government Code § 65915 et seq. The local ordinance adopts the state formula rather than setting a separate city-only calculation.
Where does San Leandro's density bonus ordinance apply?
Section 6.08.104 makes Chapter 6.08 applicable in all zoning districts that allow residential uses citywide, so eligibility turns on whether the district permits residential development, not on a separate density-bonus overlay zone.
What has to be in a density bonus application?
Section 6.08.116 requires a written submission to the Planning Division with a project description, total units and bedroom counts, the number of bonus units requested, affordability set-asides, zoning and parcel data, a scaled site plan, and a list of every concession or incentive requested with justification.
Who decides a density bonus request and can it be denied?
Section 6.08.120 has the same decision-maker or body reviewing the underlying project decide the density bonus request at the same time, and requires approval if the applicant complies with California Government Code § 65915, leaving little independent discretion to deny a qualifying request.

Sources & Official References

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