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

Ventura implements California's state density bonus law locally through zoning Chapter 24.445, adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-003 on June 24, 2025. Section 24.445.030(A) makes a proposed housing development eligible for a density bonus and other regulatory incentives if the applicant submits an application under Section 24.445.040 and agrees to build at least the percentage of affordable units required by California Government Code Section 65915(b)(1); a project is ineligible if it demolished affordable rental units occupied by low-income households within the prior five years, unless it replaces them.

Once approved, the terms are locked into a recorded affordable housing agreement under Section 24.445.070 that runs with the land and binds future owners. For rental projects, Section 24.445.070(B)(1) sets a minimum 55-year affordability period, extendable if a construction, mortgage insurance, or rental subsidy program requires longer. For for-sale projects, Section 24.445.070(C)(3) sets a shorter 45-year floor, or longer if required by other applicable state or federal law, and Section 24.445.070(C)(1) requires unsold units to go through an equity-sharing sale to a qualified nonprofit if not purchased by an eligible low- or moderate-income household within 180 days of the certificate of occupancy.

Requests for concessions, incentives, waivers or reduced parking are reviewed concurrently with the underlying planning application by Community Development, and coastal-zone projects must additionally show consistency with the certified local coastal program under Section 24.445.050. Enforcement under Section 24.445.200(D) authorizes the city to revoke permits, recover civil fines and enforcement costs including attorneys' fees, or pursue eviction or foreclosure for violations of the agreement.