Sarasota, FL Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- MU-1, MU-2, MU-3 zones
- Maximum bonus
- up to 3x base density
- Set-aside
- 15% of bonus units, minimum
- Income mix
- 1/3 at or below 80% AMI
- Affordability term
- 30 years minimum
Summary
City of Sarasota lets developers in its MU-1, MU-2, and MU-3 urban mixed-use zones build up to three times the base residential density if at least 15 percent of the bonus units are set aside as attainable housing.
Attainable housing density bonus. Development on zoning lots designated MU-1, MU-2, or MU-3 may exceed the base density when attainable dwelling units are provided for a portion of those residential dwelling units exceeding the base density. The maximum residential density shall not be greater than three times the permitted base density of the future land use classification when attainable housing units are provided on-site. ...a minimum of 15 percent shall be designated as attainable units.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
In the urban mixed-use zone districts, a project can exceed its base density when it dedicates a share of the added units to attainable housing. The maximum residential density is capped at three times the base density for the applicable future land use classification, and a minimum of 15 percent of the units above the base density must be attainable. Of those attainable units, at least one-third must serve households at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI), and no more than one-third may serve households between 100 and 120 percent of AMI, with affordability locked in for at least 30 years.
Violations & Fines
A recorded Affordable Housing Agreement with the city is required before site plan approval; a project that fails to record it, or that falls short of the 15 percent set-aside or the required income mix, is not entitled to the added density and is held to the base cap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra density can a Sarasota project get for attainable housing?
How long must the attainable units stay affordable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota to another location·View the Florida zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sarasota County handle density bonus law.