Projects setting aside affordable units in unincorporated Santa Clara County qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915, implemented locally through Title C zoning provisions, with bonuses now up to 80 percent.
California Government Code Section 65915, implemented locally through Santa Clara County Title C Zoning Ordinance density bonus provisions, requires the county to grant a density bonus when a project reserves a defined share of units for very-low, low, or moderate-income households or seniors. Bonuses scale from 20 percent up to 50 percent above otherwise-allowed density, with additional incentives, concessions, waivers, and parking reductions. AB-2334, effective 2023, raised the maximum bonus to 80 percent in qualifying jurisdictions when 100 percent of units are affordable. Approval is ministerial when statutory requirements are met; the County Department of Planning and Development cannot deny eligible projects or impose discretionary conditions beyond the statute.
Improperly denied density-bonus projects can sue the county under Government Code Section 65915 for damages, attorney fees, and writ relief compelling approval. The Housing Accountability Act adds further enforcement teeth.
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Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara regulates amplified sound and music through City Code Chapter 9.10, requiring permits for amplified events and prohibiting audible music at 50 fe...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara regulates outdoor music at venues including Levis Stadium and Santana Row under City Code Chapter 9.10 and conditional use permits, with amplifie...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara requires encroachment permits for new driveways, limits driveway width by zoning, and prohibits parking across sidewalks regardless of property o...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara tows abandoned vehicles after 72 hours under CVC 22651(k) and participates in the Santa Clara County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program for priv...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara limits recreational vehicle street parking to 72 hours, requires permits for extended street storage, and restricts driveway RV storage under zon...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara fences must meet height, material, setback, and visibility standards under City Code Title 18 Zoning, with special rules for corner lots, histori...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Santa Clara's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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