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.
Santa Clara County, CA
Santa Clara County Planning operates under the Comprehensive General Plan with mandatory state elements plus area-specific plans for South County, Rural Unin...
Santa Clara County, CA
Unincorporated Santa Clara County follows California AB 1482 statewide rent cap (5 percent plus CPI, max 10 percent) with no local rent control ordinance.
See how Santa Clara County's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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