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

64 of Santa Clara's Zoning Code implements the City's local density bonus program alongside Government Code Section 65915. 020(D), the bonus is available "only to a housing development of five or more dwelling units, including mixed-use developments," so single-family and small-lot projects do not qualify. 030 sets the bonus scale: a project reserving 10% of units for lower-income households earns a 20% density bonus, rising on Table 4-5 to a 50% bonus at 24% low-income units. Very low-income set-asides start at 5% of units for a 20% bonus and reach 50% at 15% of units (Table 4-6).

Senior citizen developments and qualifying mobile home parks get a flat 20% bonus, and a project restricting 100% of units to senior housing may build at any residential density compatible with neighboring uses. For-sale developments with 10% moderate-income units start at a 5% bonus, growing to 50% at 44% moderate-income units (Table 4-7). Projects that are 100% affordable (except a manager's unit) receive an 80% density bonus, and if the site sits within one-half mile of a major transit stop the City "shall not impose any maximum controls on density" at all.

020(E) also lets a commercial developer earn a development bonus, up to a 20% increase in allowable intensity, floor area ratio, or height, or a 20% parking reduction, by partnering with a housing developer to fund at least 30% low-income or 15% very low-income units, with the agreement reviewed and approved by the City and reported annually to the state Department of Housing and Community Development under Government Code Section 65400.