Whittier, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- WMC § 18.66.010 and § 18.66.040
- State authority
- Government Code § 65915
- Minimum project size
- 5 or more dwelling units
- Very low-income threshold
- 5% of units minimum
- Low-income threshold
- 10% of units minimum
- Moderate-income (for-sale) threshold
- 10% of units minimum
Summary
Whittier grants a density bonus above the otherwise maximum allowable residential density for multifamily and mixed-use projects of five or more units that dedicate a share to very low, low, or moderate-income households, implementing state Density Bonus Law under Chapter 18.66.
This chapter establishes procedures to implement the state's Density Bonus Law as set forth in Government Code Section 65915. The incentives in this chapter are used by the city as a means of meeting its commitment to encouraging the provision of affordable housing to all economic groups living within the City. ... A.Density Bonus Requirement. Upon request and application of a developer, the city shall grant a density bonus in accordance with this section if the applicant seeks and agrees to construct one of the following:1.At least five percent of the units are dedicated to very low-income households;2.At least ten percent of the units are dedicated to low-income and very low-income households;3.At least ten percent of the units are dedicated to moderate-income households and are available to the general public for sale; or4.A senior citizen housing development as defined by Section 51.3 of the Civil Code.
Full Breakdown
010 states the chapter implements the state's Density Bonus Law under Government Code Section 65915 and is the city's mechanism for encouraging affordable housing across economic groups. 030 limits applicability to multifamily residential and mixed-use development projects of five or more dwelling units, not counting bonus units. 3. 040(C), and an applicant may accept a lesser bonus percentage but cannot request more than the chapter or state law allows. 020 defines the mechanics: a density bonus is an increase above the otherwise maximum allowable residential density under the title and general plan land use element as of the date the application is deemed complete, and concessions or incentives are site-standard reductions or zoning modifications that produce identifiable, financially sufficient cost reductions, separate from the density increase itself. 080 offers up to a thirty-five percent additional density bonus for donating land to the city for very low-income housing.
Violations & Fines
Density bonus units and any associated affordable units are subject to deed-restricted affordability covenants under Section 18.66.100, and noncompliance with the affordability term or occupancy conditions attached to an approved density bonus permit is enforceable as a condition-of-approval violation under the city's zoning enforcement and general penalty provisions in Chapter 1.08.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum project size for a density bonus in Whittier?
How much affordable housing does a Whittier developer need to provide for a density bonus?
Can a Whittier density bonus project get extra floor area for a day-care center?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
California rules heatmap·Compare Whittier to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle density bonus law.