San Rafael, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum project size
- 5 or more residential units
- Governing statute
- Cal. Gov. Code § 65915
- Local code section
- SRMC § 14.16.030.C
- Benefit
- Density bonus plus one concession
Summary
San Rafael grants a density bonus plus extra development-standard concessions to residential projects of five or more units that include affordable housing, following state Government Code Section 65915 and city council resolutions setting the specific terms.
Upon a separate application by an applicant for a residential development project of five (5) or more units that includes an eligible affordable housing project, including such residential development projects that include housing for transitional foster youth, qualified student housing, land donation, construction of a child care facility, or a qualified senior citizen housing development, shall be eligible for a density bonus, as well as an additional concession or incentive or waiver/reductions of development standards, consistent with the requirements of California Government Code Section 65915 and as set forth by resolution adopted by the city council from time to time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.16.030.C lets a residential development of five or more units that includes an eligible affordable housing component, such as transitional foster youth housing, qualified student housing, land donation, a child care facility, or senior housing, apply for a density bonus plus an added concession, incentive, or waiver of development standards. The code ties eligibility and the amount of bonus directly to California Government Code Section 65915 (the state Density Bonus Law), with implementing details set by city council resolution rather than fixed numbers in the municipal code itself. State law controls where local standards would otherwise conflict.
Violations & Fines
The municipal code sets no separate penalty schedule for this incentive program; density bonus terms are enforced through project conditions of approval, and noncompliance can result in revocation of the bonus and reversion to base zoning standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Rafael set its own density bonus percentages?
What size project qualifies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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