Chapter 18.165
DENSITY BONUS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES
Sections:
18.165.010 Purpose and intent.
18.165.030 Calculation of residential density bonus and number of incentives and concessions.
18.165.045 Commercial development bonus.
18.165.050 Child care facilities.
18.165.060 Condominium conversions.
18.165.065 Student housing developments.
18.165.070 Affordability and development standards.
18.165.075 Modified parking standards.
18.165.080 Development standards modified as incentive or concession for housing developments.
18.165.090 Application requirements and review.
18.165.100 Density bonus housing agreement.
18.165.010 Purpose and intent.
In accordance with Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65915, 65915.5, 65915.7, and 65917, this chapter is intended to provide incentives for the production of housing for very low income, lower income, and senior households, for the production of housing for moderate income households residing in condominium and planned development projects, and for the production of student housing. In enacting this chapter, it is also the intent of the city of Fremont to facilitate the development of affordable housing and to implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the city’s housing element. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17; Ord. 05-2021 § 29, 4-20-21.)
18.165.020 Definitions.
Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meaning established by this section, which are intended to be compliant with the definitions within Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65915 through 65918, as it may be amended from time to time:
“Affordable ownership cost” means a sales price resulting in projected average monthly housing payments during the first calendar year of a household’s occupancy, including interest, principal, mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, homeowners’ association dues, if any, and a reasonable allowance for utilities, property maintenance and repairs, not exceeding the following:
(1) Moderate income units: 110 percent of the area median income, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by 35 percent and divided by 12.
(2) Lower income units: 70 percent of the area median income for households whose income exceeds the maximum limit for very low income households, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by 30 percent and divided by 12.
(3) Very low income units: 50 percent of the area median income, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by 30 percent and divided by 12.
The city may determine sales prices of target units by any reasonable method so long as average monthly housing payments of eligible households do not exceed those permitted by this definition.
“Affordable rent” means monthly housing expenses, including all fees for housing services and a reasonable allowance for utilities, not exceeding the following:
(1) Very low income units: 50 percent of the area median income, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by 30 percent and divided by 12.
(2) Lower income units: 60 percent of the area median income for households whose income exceeds the maximum limit for very low income households, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by 30 percent and divided by 12.
“Area median income” means area median income for Alameda County as published pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 25, § 6932, or successor provision.
“Assumed household size” means one person in a studio apartment, two persons in a one-bedroom unit, three persons in a two-bedroom unit, and one additional person for each additional bedroom.
“Child care facility” means a child day care facility other than a family day care home, including, but not limited to, infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and school age child care centers.
“Commercial development” means a construction project for nonresidential uses.
“Commercial development bonus” means a modification of development standards mutually agreed upon by the city and a commercial developer that is provided to a commercial development eligible for such a bonus pursuant to Section 18.165.045. Examples of a commercial development bonus include an increase in floor area ratio, increased building height, or reduced parking.
“Common interest development” is as defined in Cal. Civ. Code § 4100.
“Density bonus” means a density increase over the otherwise allowable maximum residential density for a housing development or, if elected by the applicant, a lesser percentage of density increase, including, but not limited to, no increase in density.
“Density bonus housing agreement” means a recorded agreement between a developer and the city as described in Section 18.165.100 to ensure that the requirements of this chapter are satisfied. The agreement, among other things, shall establish the number of target units, their size, location, terms and conditions of affordability, and production schedule.
“Density bonus units” means those residential units granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that exceed the otherwise allowable maximum residential density for the development site.
“Development standard” means a site or construction condition that applies to a housing development pursuant to any ordinance, general plan element, specific plan, or other city condition, law, policy, resolution, or regulation. A “site and construction condition” is a development regulation or law that specifies the physical development of a site and buildings on the site in a housing development, including but not limited to a height limitation, a minimum lot area per unit requirement, a setback requirement, a floor area ratio, an on-site open space requirement, or a parking ratio.
“Housing development,” as used in this section, means a development project for five or more residential units, including mixed-use developments. For the purposes of this section, “housing development” also includes a subdivision or common interest development, as defined in Cal. Civ. Code § 4100, approved by a city, county, or city and county and consists of residential units or unimproved residential lots and either a project to substantially rehabilitate and convert an existing commercial building to residential use or the substantial rehabilitation of an existing multifamily dwelling, as defined in Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65863.4(d), where the result of the rehabilitation would be a net increase in available residential units. For the purpose of calculating a density bonus, the residential units shall be on contiguous sites that are the subject of one development application, but do not have to be based upon individual subdivision maps or parcels. The density bonus shall be permitted in geographic areas of the housing development other than the areas where the units for the lower income households are located. This definition includes a “shared housing” project as defined in Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65915.
“Incentives or concessions” means such regulatory concessions as listed in Section 18.165.080.
“Lower income household” means households whose income does not exceed the low income limits applicable to Alameda County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code § 50079.5.
“Major transit stop” is as defined in Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21155, and means an existing site, or a site included in the regional transportation plan, that contains a rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes each with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods. A housing development is considered to be within one-half mile of a major transit stop if all parcels within the housing development have no more than 25 percent of their area farther than one-half mile from the stop and if not more than 10 percent of the residential units or 100 units, whichever is less, in the housing development are farther than one-half mile from the stop.
“Market-rate units” means all units within a housing development except target units.
“Maximum residential density” means the maximum number of residential units allowed in a housing development by the city’s zoning ordinance and by the land use element of the general plan on the date that the application for the housing development is deemed complete. If the maximum density allowed by the zoning ordinance is inconsistent with the density allowed by the land use element of the general plan, the greater density shall prevail.
“Moderate income household” means households whose income does not exceed the moderate income limits applicable to Alameda County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code § 50079.5.
“Partnered housing agreement” means an agreement approved by the city between a commercial developer and a housing developer identifying how the commercial development will provide housing available at affordable ownership cost or affordable rent. A partnered housing agreement may consist of the formation of a partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or other entity recognized by the state in which the commercial developer and the housing developer are each partners, members, shareholders, or other participants, or a contract between the commercial developer and the housing developer for the development of both the commercial development and the housing development.
“Qualified resident” means senior citizens or other persons eligible to reside in a senior citizen housing development.
“Senior citizen housing development” means a senior citizen housing development with at least 35 dwelling units as defined in Cal. Civ. Code § 51.3 or a mobile home park that limits residency based on age requirements for older persons pursuant to Cal. Civ. Code § 798.76 or 799.5.
“Special needs housing” means any housing, including supportive housing, intended to benefit, in whole or in part, persons identified as having special needs relating to mental health; physical disabilities; developmental disabilities, including without limitation intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism; and risk of homelessness, and housing intended to meet the housing needs of persons eligible for mental health services funded in whole or in part by the Mental Health Services Fund, created by Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 5890.
“Specific adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective and identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date that the application was deemed complete.
“Student housing development” means a housing development that will be used exclusively for undergraduate, graduate, or professional students enrolled full time at an institution of higher education accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
“Target unit” means a dwelling unit within a housing development which will be reserved for sale or rent, and is made available at an affordable rent or affordable ownership cost, to very low, lower, or moderate income households, or is a unit in a senior citizen housing development, or is intended to serve transitional foster youth, disabled veterans, or homeless persons, and which qualifies the housing development for a density bonus and incentives pursuant to Section 18.165.030 or qualifies a commercial development for a commercial development bonus pursuant to Section 18.165.045.
“Unobstructed access” to a location means that a resident is able to access the location without encountering natural or constructed impediments. “Natural or constructed impediments” includes, but is not limited to, freeways, rivers, mountains, and bodies of water, but does not include residential structures, shopping centers, parking lots, or rails used for transit.
“Very low income household” means households whose income does not exceed the very low income limits applicable to Alameda County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code § 50105. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17; Ord. 05-2021 § 30, 4-20-21; Ord. 07-2023 § 27, 12-5-23.)
18.165.030 Calculation of residential density bonus and number of incentives and concessions.
(a) Subject to the findings included in Section 18.165.090, the city shall grant a 20 percent density bonus to a developer of a housing development who seeks a density bonus and agrees to construct at least one of the following and any additional replacement housing units required by subsection (d) of this section:
(1) Ten percent of the total units of the housing development as target units affordable to lower income households; or
(2) Five percent of the total units of the housing development as target units affordable to very low income households; or
(3) A senior citizen housing development. The density bonus for a senior citizen housing development is limited to 20 percent of the number of senior housing units.
(b) Subject to the findings included in Section 18.165.090, the city shall grant a five percent density bonus to a developer of a housing development who seeks a density bonus and agrees to provide all of the following and any additional replacement housing units required by subsection (d) of this section:
(1) Ten percent of the total units in the housing development as target units for sale to moderate income households at an affordable sales price; and
(2) All of the dwelling units in the housing development are offered to the public for sale.
(c) Subject to the findings included in Section 18.165.090, the city shall grant a density bonus of 20 percent of the type of units listed in subsection (c)(1) of this section to a developer of a housing development who seeks a density bonus and agrees to provide all of the following and any additional replacement housing units required by subsection (d) of this section:
(1) Ten percent of the total units in the housing development for transitional foster youth, as defined in Cal. Educ. Code § 66025.9; disabled veterans, as defined in Cal. Gov’t Code § 18541; or homeless persons, as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 et seq.); and
(2) The units described in subsection (c)(1) of this section are subject to a recorded restriction requiring that the units remain affordable to very low income households for 55 years.
(d) Replacement housing shall be provided on a site which meets both of the following conditions:
(1) Rental housing is now located or was located on the site at any time in the five-year period preceding the date of submittal of the density bonus application; and
(2) The rental housing is or was, during that five-year period:
(A) Subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law restricting rents to levels affordable to very low and lower income households;
(B) Subject to any form of public rent or price control; or
(C) Occupied by very low or lower income households.
A housing development subject to this subsection (d) is not eligible for a density bonus, incentive, concession, waiver, or modified parking provided by this chapter unless the proposed housing development contains one of the following, whichever results in a greater number of affordable units:
(3) The percentage of target units specified in subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section; or
(4) The replacement affordable units specified in Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65915(c)(3)(B) and (C).
(e) The density bonus for which the housing development is eligible shall increase if the percentage of very low income, lower income, or moderate income target units is increased, as specified in Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65915(f) and summarized in subsection (k) of this section. When calculating the maximum residential density and the number of permitted density bonus units, any calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded to the next larger integer.
(f) The density bonus units shall not be included when determining the number of target units required to qualify for a density bonus. When calculating the required number of target units, any calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded to the next larger integer.
(g) The developer may request a lesser density bonus than the project is entitled to, but no reduction will be permitted in the number of required target units pursuant to subsections (a) through (d) of this section. Regardless of the number of target units, no housing development may be entitled to a density bonus of more than 50 percent.
(h) Each housing development is entitled to only one density bonus, which may be selected based on the percentage of either very low income target units, lower income target units, or moderate income target units, the project’s status as a senior citizen housing development, or the project’s provision of housing for transitional foster youth, disabled veterans, or homeless persons. Density bonuses from more than one category may not be combined.
(i) Subject to the findings included in Section 18.165.090, when a developer seeks a density bonus, the city shall grant incentives or concessions listed in Section 18.165.080 as follows:
(1) One incentive or concession for projects that include at least 10 percent of the total units for lower income households, at least five percent for very low income households, or at least 10 percent for persons and families of moderate income in a common interest development.
(2) Two incentives or concessions for projects that include at least 17 percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 10 percent for very low income households, or at least 20 percent for persons and families of moderate income in a common interest development.
(3) Three incentives or concessions for projects that include at least 24 percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 15 percent for very low income households, or at least 30 percent for persons and families of moderate income in a common interest development.
(4) Four incentives or concessions for projects that include 100 percent of all units in the development, including total units and density bonus units, but exclusive of a manager’s unit or units, for lower income households, except that up to 20 percent of the units in the development, including total units and density bonus units, may be for moderate-income. If the project is located within one-half mile of a major transit stop, the applicant shall also receive a height increase of up to three additional stories, or 33 feet.
(j) In accordance with state law, neither the granting of a concession or incentive nor the granting of a density bonus shall be interpreted, in and of itself, to require a general plan amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval.
(k) The following tables summarize this information, and are intended to be compliant with Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65915 et seq., as may be amended:
|
Target Group |
Percentage Target Units |
Bonus Granted |
% Target Units Required for Maximum 50% Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Very Low Income |
5% |
20% |
15% |
|
6% |
22.5% |
||
|
7% |
25% |
||
|
8% |
27.5% |
||
|
9% |
30% |
||
|
10% |
32.5% |
||
|
11% |
35% |
||
|
12% |
38.75% |
||
|
13% |
42.5% |
||
|
14% |
46.25% |
||
|
15+% |
50% |
||
|
Low Income |
10% |
20% |
24% |
|
11% |
21.5% |
||
|
12% |
23% |
||
|
13% |
24.5% |
||
|
14% |
26% |
||
|
15% |
27.5% |
||
|
16% |
29% |
||
|
17% |
30.5% |
||
|
18% |
32% |
||
|
19% |
33.5% |
||
|
20% |
35% |
||
|
21% |
38.75% |
||
|
22% |
42.5% |
||
|
|
23% |
46.25% |
|
|
24+% |
50% |
||
|
Very Low or Low Income |
100% |
80% |
80%1 |
|
Moderate Income (for-sale only) |
10% |
5% |
44% |
|
|
11% |
6% |
|
|
|
12% |
7% |
|
|
|
13% |
8% |
|
|
|
14% |
9% |
|
|
|
15% |
10% |
|
|
|
16% |
11% |
|
|
|
17% |
12% |
|
|
|
18% |
13% |
|
|
|
19% |
14% |
|
|
|
20% |
15% |
|
|
|
21% |
16% |
|
|
|
22% |
17% |
|
|
|
23% |
18% |
|
|
|
24% |
19% |
|
|
|
25% |
20% |
|
|
|
26% |
21% |
|
|
|
27% |
22% |
|
|
|
28% |
23% |
|
|
|
29% |
24% |
|
|
|
30% |
25% |
|
|
|
31% |
26% |
|
|
|
32% |
27% |
|
|
|
33% |
28% |
|
|
|
34% |
29% |
|
|
|
35% |
30% |
|
|
|
36% |
31% |
|
|
|
37% |
32% |
|
|
|
38% |
33% |
|
|
|
39% |
34% |
|
|
|
40% |
35% |
|
|
|
41% |
38.75% |
|
|
|
42% |
42.5% |
|
|
|
43% |
46.25% |
|
|
|
44+% |
50% |
|
|
100% |
20% of senior units only |
– |
|
|
Units Designated for Transitional Foster Youth, Disabled Veterans, or Homeless Persons |
10% (Designated units must also be affordable to very low income households) |
20% of designated units only |
– |
|
Note: No density bonus may be granted unless replacement affordable units are provided as required in subsection (d) of this section. 1 No maximum density shall be required for a housing development project that meets 100 percent affordability requirements of Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65915(b)(1)(G) and that is built within one-half mile of a major transit stop as defined by Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21155(b) or is located in a very low vehicle travel area as defined by Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65915(o). The applicant shall also receive a height increase of up to three additional stories, or 33 feet. |
|||
|
Target Group |
Target Units |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Very Low Income |
5% |
10% |
15% |
Projects with at least 80% low income and no more than 20% moderate income |
|
Low Income |
10% |
17% |
24% |
|
|
Moderate Income (for-sale common interest development only) |
10% |
20% |
30% |
|
|
Lower income students in a student housing development |
20% |
|
|
|
|
Maximum Incentive(s)/Concession(s) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
Notes: 1. Incentives may be selected from only one category (very low, low, or moderate). 2. No incentives are available for land donation or for a senior citizen housing development (if not affordable). 3. Condominium conversions and day care centers may have one incentive or a density bonus at the city’s option, but not both. 4. No incentives or concessions may be granted unless replacement affordable units are provided as required in subsection (d) of this section. |
||||
(Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17; Ord. 05-2021 § 31, 4-20-21; Ord. 07-2023 § 28, 12-5-2.)
18.165.040 Land donation.
(a) When a developer of a housing development donates land to the city as provided in this section and meets the requirements of Section 18.165.030(d), the developer shall be entitled to a 15 percent increase above the otherwise allowable maximum residential density for the housing development. For each one percent increase above the minimum 10 percent land donation described in subsection (b)(2) of this section, the density bonus shall be increased by one percent, up to a maximum of 35 percent. This increase shall be in addition to any increase in density allowed by Section 18.165.030, up to a maximum combined density bonus of 35 percent if a developer seeks both the increase required pursuant to this section and Section 18.165.030. When calculating the allowable maximum residential density and the number of permitted density bonus units, any calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded to the next larger integer.
(b) A housing development shall be eligible for the density bonus described in this section if the city makes all of the following findings:
(1) The developer will donate and transfer the land no later than the date of approval of the final subdivision map, parcel map, application for the housing development, or first building permit, if no map is required.
(2) The developable acreage and zoning classification of the land being transferred are sufficient to permit construction of units affordable to very low income households in an amount equal to at least 10 percent of the number of residential units of the proposed development, or will permit construction of a greater percentage of units if proposed by the developer.
(3) The transferred land is at least one acre in size or of sufficient size to permit development of at least 40 units, has the appropriate general plan designation, is zoned with appropriate standards to allow development at a density of at least 30 units per acre, and is now or at the time of construction will be served by adequate public facilities and infrastructure. No later than the date of approval of the final subdivision map, parcel map, application for the housing development, or first building permit, if no map is required, the transferred land will have all of the permits and approvals, other than building permits, necessary for the development of the very low income housing units on the transferred land.
(4) The transferred land and the very low income units constructed on the land will be subject to a deed restriction ensuring continued affordability of the units consistent with this chapter, which restriction will be recorded on the property at the time of transfer.
(5) The land will be transferred to the city, other public agency, or to a housing developer approved by the city. The city reserves the right to require the developer to identify a developer of the very low income units and to require that the land be transferred to that developer.
(6) The transferred land is within the boundary of the proposed housing development. The transferred land may be located within one-quarter mile of the boundary of the proposed housing development; provided, that the city additionally makes all of the findings included in Section 18.155.080(b).
(7) A proposed source of funding for the very low income units shall be identified no later than the date of approval of the final map, parcel map, application for the housing development, or first building permit, if no map is required. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17.)
18.165.045 Commercial development bonus.
(a) When a developer proposes to construct a commercial development and has entered into a partnered housing agreement approved by the city, the city shall grant a commercial development bonus mutually agreed upon by the developer and the city. The commercial development bonus shall not include a reduction or waiver of fees imposed on the commercial development to provide for affordable housing.
(b) The partnered housing agreement shall include all of the following provisions:
(1) The housing development shall be located either on the site of the commercial development or on a site within the city that is within one-half mile of a major transit stop and is located in close proximity to public amenities, including schools and employment centers.
(2) At least 30 percent of the total units in the housing development shall be made available at affordable ownership cost or affordable rent for low-income households, or at least 15 percent of the total units in the housing development shall be made available at affordable ownership cost or affordable rent for very low income households.
(3) The commercial developer must agree either to directly build the target units; donate a site consistent with subsection (b)(1) of this section for the target units; or make a cash payment to the housing developer for the target units.
(c) Any approved partnered housing agreement shall be described in the city’s housing element annual report as required by Cal. Gov’t Code § 65915.7(k). (Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17.)
18.165.050 Child care facilities.
(a) When a developer proposes to construct a housing development that includes target units as specified in Section 18.165.030(a) through (d) and includes a child care facility that will be located on the premises of, as part of, or adjacent to the housing development, the city shall grant either of the following if requested by the developer:
(1) An additional density bonus that is an amount of square feet of residential space that is equal to or greater than the amount of square feet in the child care facility.
(2) An additional concession or incentive that contributes significantly to the economic feasibility of the construction of the child care facility.
(b) A housing development shall be eligible for the density bonus or concession described in this section if the city makes all of the following findings:
(1) The child care facility will remain in operation for a period of time that is as long as or longer than the period of time during which the target units are required to remain affordable pursuant to Section 18.165.070.
(2) Of the children who attend the child care facility, the percentage of children of very low income households, lower income households, or moderate income households shall be equal to or greater than the percentage of dwelling units that are proposed to be affordable to very low income households, lower income households, or moderate income households.
(c) Notwithstanding any requirement of this section, the city shall not be required to provide a density bonus or concession for a child care facility if it finds, based upon substantial evidence, that the community already has adequate child care facilities. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17.)
18.165.060 Condominium conversions.
(a) The city shall grant either a density bonus or other incentives of equivalent financial value if the applicant for a condominium conversion agrees to provide 33 percent of the total units of the proposed condominium project as target units affordable to lower or moderate income households, or to provide 15 percent of the total units in the condominium conversion project as target units affordable to lower income households, and to provide any replacement affordable units required by Section 18.165.030(d). All such target units shall remain affordable for the period specified in Section 18.165.070(b).
(b) For purposes of this section, a “density bonus” means an increase in units of 25 percent over the number of apartments to be provided within the existing structure or structures proposed for conversion. “Other incentives of equivalent financial value” shall not be construed to require the city to provide a cash transfer payment or other monetary compensation of any type but may include, at the city’s discretion, modification of requirements that the city might otherwise apply as conditions of approval.
(c) No condominium conversion shall be eligible for a density bonus if the apartments proposed for conversion constitute a housing development for which a density bonus or other incentives were previously provided pursuant to this chapter or Cal. Gov’t Code § 65915.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the city to approve a condominium conversion. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17.)
18.165.065 Student housing developments.
(a) A 35 percent density bonus shall be granted to projects described in Cal. Gov’t Code § 65915(b)(1)(F). (Ord. 05-2021 § 32, 4-20-21.)
18.165.070 Affordability and development standards.
(a) Target units shall be constructed concurrently with market-rate units or pursuant to a schedule included in the density bonus housing agreement. No temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy for any new market-rate unit in a housing development or for commercial space in a commercial development shall be issued until permanent certificates of occupancy have been issued for the required target units unless explicitly permitted by the density bonus housing agreement or partnered housing agreement.
(b) Target units offered for rent to lower income and very low income households shall be made available for rent at an affordable rent. Target units offered for sale to very low, lower, or moderate income households shall be sold at an affordable ownership cost. All target units offered for rent shall remain restricted and affordable to the designated income group for a minimum period of 55 years. All target units offered for sale shall remain restricted and affordable to the designated income group for a minimum period of 30 years. A longer period of time may be specified if required by any construction or mortgage financing assistance program, mortgage insurance program, or rental subsidy program applicable to the housing development.
(c) Provisions for the continued affordability of target units shall be consistent with those specified in Section 18.155.070.
(d) Target units shall be built on site, unless off-site construction is approved pursuant to Section 18.165.040 or 18.165.045, and shall be dispersed within the housing development. The number of bedrooms of the target units shall be equivalent to the bedroom mix of the market-rate units in the housing development, except that the developer may include a higher proportion of target units with more bedrooms. The design and appearance of the target units shall be compatible with the design of the total housing development. Housing developments and commercial developments shall comply with all applicable development standards, except those which may be modified as provided by this chapter. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17.)
18.165.075 Modified parking standards.
(a) If a housing development is eligible for a density bonus, upon the request of the developer, the city shall not require a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of parking for persons with a disability and guests, that exceeds the following ratios:
(1) Zero to one bedroom: one on-site parking space.
(2) Two to three bedrooms: one and one-half on-site parking spaces.
(3) Four and more bedrooms: two and one-half parking spaces.
(b) For certain other housing developments that are eligible for a density bonus, upon the request of the developer, the city shall not require a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of parking for persons with a disability and guests, that exceeds the ratios shown in the following table. However, if the city, at its cost, has conducted an areawide or citywide parking study in the last seven years, then the city may find, based on substantial evidence, that a higher parking ratio is required than shown in the following table. In no event may the required parking be greater than the ratio provided in subsection (a) of this section. The parking study must conform to the requirements of Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65915(p)(7).
|
Type of Development |
Maximum Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Rental or ownership housing development with: 1. At least 11 percent very low income or 20 percent lower income units or at least 40% moderate income units; and 2. Within one-half mile of a major transit stop; and 3. Unobstructed access to the major transit stop. |
0.5 per unit |
|
Rental housing development with: 1. All units affordable to lower income households except manager’s unit(s); and 2. Within one-half mile of a major transit stop; and 3. Unobstructed access to the major transit stop. |
0 per unit |
|
Senior citizen rental housing development with: 1. All units affordable to lower income households except manager’s unit(s); and either 2. Has paratransit service; or 3. Is within one-half mile of fixed bus route service that operates eight times per day, with unobstructed access to that service. |
0 per unit |
|
Special needs rental housing development with: 1. All units affordable to lower income households except manager’s unit(s); and either 2. Has paratransit service; or 3. Is within one-half mile of fixed bus route service that operates eight times per day, with unobstructed access to that service. |
0 per unit |
(c) If the total number of parking spaces required for a development by this section is other than a whole number, the number shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For purposes of this section, a development may provide “on-site parking” through tandem parking or uncovered parking, but not through on-street parking.
(d) Religious Institution Affiliated Housing Project. Parking requirements for a religious institution affiliated housing development projects are as provided in Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65913.6. Religious institution/assembly parking may count towards religious institution/assembly affiliated housing parking requirements. Up to 50 percent of proposed religious institution/assembly parking spaces may be eliminated as a part of a religious institution/assembly affiliated housing development project. The elimination of religious use parking spaces pursuant to a religious institution affiliated housing development project that has been approved does not constitute a concession pursuant to Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65915. The reduction in parking spaces shall not reduce the minimum parking standards of a religious institution affiliated housing development project below one space per unit. The request to share parking is exempt from discretionary permit review or modification, and exempt from nonconforming regulations.
This shall not apply to a religious institution affiliated housing development project if either of the following is true:
(1) The parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high-quality transit corridor as defined in Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21155(b), or a major transit stop as defined in Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21064.3.
(2) There is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel. (Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17; Ord. 05-2021 § 33, 4-20-21; Ord. 07-2023 § 29, 12-5-23.)
18.165.080 Development standards modified as incentive or concession for housing developments.
(a) Incentives or concessions that may be requested pursuant to Sections 18.165.030(i) and 18.165.050(a) may include the following:
(1) A reduction of site development standards or a modification of zoning code requirements or architectural design requirements which exceed the minimum building standards provided in Cal. Health & Safety Code Division 13, Part 2.5 (commencing with § 18901) and which result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable ownership costs or affordable rents, including, but not limited to:
(A) Reduced minimum lot size and/or dimension.
(B) Reduced minimum lot setback.
(C) Reduced minimum outdoor and/or private outdoor living area.
(D) Increased maximum lot coverage.
(E) Increased maximum building height and/or stories.
(F) Reduced minimum building separation requirement.
(G) Reduced street standard, such as reduced minimum street width.
(2) Approval of mixed-use development in conjunction with the housing development if nonresidential land uses will reduce the cost of the housing development and if the city finds that the proposed nonresidential uses are compatible with the housing development and with existing or planned development in the area where the proposed housing development will be located.
(3) Incentives for affordable units listed in Section 18.155.040(a).
(4) Modifications of those development standards included in Section 18.165.070(d).
(5) Other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the developer or the city which result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable ownership costs or affordable rents.
(b) Developers may seek a waiver or modification of any development standard that will physically preclude the construction of a housing development meeting the criteria of Section 18.165.030(a) through (d) at the density or with the concessions or incentives permitted by this chapter. The applicant shall bear the burden of demonstrating that the development standards that are requested to be waived will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the housing development with the density bonus and incentives.
(c) Nothing in this section requires the provision of direct financial incentives for the housing development, including but not limited to the provision of financial subsidies, publicly owned land, fee waivers, or waiver of dedication requirements. The city, at its sole discretion, may choose to provide such direct financial incentives. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 27-2016 § 25, 12-6-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17; Ord. 06-2019 § 1, 10-1-19.)
18.165.090 Application requirements and review.
(a) An application for a density bonus, incentive, concession, waiver, modification, modified parking standard, or commercial development bonus pursuant to this chapter shall be submitted with the first application for approval of a housing development or commercial development and processed concurrently with all other applications required for the housing development or commercial development. An applicant shall be informed whether the application is complete consistent with Cal. Gov’t Code § 65943. The application shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the city and shall include at least the following information:
(1) Site plan showing total number of units, number and location of target units, and number and location of proposed density bonus units.
(2) Summary table showing the maximum number of units permitted by the zoning and general plan excluding any density bonus units, proposed target units by income level, proposed bonus percentage, number of bonus units proposed, and total number of dwelling units proposed on the site.
(3) Tenure (rental versus for-sale) of target units and proposals for ensuring affordability.
(4) A description of all dwelling units existing on the site in the five-year period preceding the date of submittal of the application and identification of any units rented in the five-year period. If dwelling units on the site are currently rented, income and household size, if known, of all residents of currently occupied units. If any dwelling units on the site were rented in the five-year period but are not currently rented, the income and household size, if known, of residents occupying dwelling units when the site contained the maximum number of dwelling units.
(5) Description of any recorded covenant, ordinance, or law applicable to the site that restricted rents to levels affordable to very low or lower income households in the five-year period preceding the date of submittal of the application.
(6) Description of any requested incentives, concessions, waivers or modifications of development standards, or modified parking standards.
(7) For all incentives and concessions except mixed-use development, to establish eligibility for the requested incentives and concessions, the application shall include evidence that the requested incentives and concessions result in identifiable and actual cost reductions, including the actual cost reduction achieved through the incentive, and evidence that the cost reduction allows the applicant to provide affordable rents or affordable ownership costs.
(8) If a mixed-use building or project is proposed as an incentive, the applicant shall provide evidence that nonresidential land uses will reduce the cost of the residential project, and that the nonresidential land uses are compatible with the residential project and the existing or planned surrounding development.
(9) For waivers or modifications of development standards, the application shall provide evidence that the development standard for which the waiver is requested will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the housing development with the density bonus and incentives requested.
(10) If a parking reduction is requested, a table showing parking required by the zoning ordinance and proposed parking. If a parking reduction provided by Section 18.165.075(b) is requested, evidence that the project is eligible for the requested parking reduction.
(11) If a density bonus or concession is requested for a land donation, the application shall show the location of the land to be dedicated and provide evidence that each of the findings included in Section 18.165.040(b) can be made.
(12) If a commercial development bonus is requested for a commercial development, the application shall include the proposed partnered housing agreement, the proposed commercial development bonus, and evidence that each of the standards included in Section 18.165.045(b) has been met.
(13) If a density bonus or concession is requested for a child care facility, the application shall show the location and square footage of the child care facilities and provide evidence that each of the findings included in Section 18.165.050(b) can be made.
(14) If a density bonus or incentive is requested for a condominium conversion, the application shall provide evidence that all of the requirements found in Section 18.165.060 can be met.
(b) An application for a density bonus, incentive, concession, waiver, modification, modified parking standard, or commercial development bonus for a housing development or a commercial development pursuant to this chapter shall be considered by and acted upon by the approval body with authority to approve the housing development or commercial development within the timelines prescribed by Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65950 et seq. Any decision regarding a density bonus, incentive, concession, waiver, modification, modified parking standard or commercial density bonus may be appealed to the planning commission and from the planning commission to the city council. In accordance with state law, neither the granting of a concession or incentive, nor the granting of a density bonus, shall be interpreted, in and of itself, to require a general plan amendment, zoning change, variance, or other discretionary approval.
(c) Before approving an application for a density bonus, incentive, concession, waiver, modification, or commercial development bonus, the approval body shall make the following findings, as applicable:
(1) A finding that the housing development is eligible for the density bonus and any incentives, modified parking, or waivers requested and includes any replacement affordable units required by Section 18.165.030(d).
(2) A finding that any requested incentive will result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable rents or affordable ownership costs based upon the documentation provided by the applicant.
(3) If the density bonus is based all or in part on donation of land, the findings included in Section 18.165.040(b).
(4) If the density bonus, incentive, or concession is based all or in part on the inclusion of a child care facility, the findings included in Section 18.165.050(b).
(5) If the incentive or concession includes mixed-use development, the findings included in Section 18.165.080(a)(2).
(6) If a waiver or modification is requested, a finding that the development standards for which the waiver is requested would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the housing development with the density bonus and incentives permitted.
(7) If the density bonus, incentive, or concession is based all or in part on a condominium conversion, a finding that the project complies with the requirements of Section 18.165.060.
(8) If a commercial development bonus is requested, a finding that the project complies with the requirements of Section 18.165.045, that the city has approved the partnered housing agreement, and that the bonus has been mutually agreed upon by the city and the commercial developer.
(d) If a request for a concession or incentive is otherwise consistent with this chapter, the approval body may deny a concession or incentive only if it makes a written finding, based upon substantial evidence, of one of the following:
(1) The concession or incentive does not result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable rents or affordable ownership costs.
(2) The concession or incentive would have a specific adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the development unaffordable to lower and moderate income households.
(3) The concession or incentive is contrary to state or federal law.
(e) If a request for a waiver or modification is otherwise consistent with this chapter, the approval body may deny a waiver or modification only if it makes a written finding, based upon substantial evidence, of one of the following:
(1) The waiver or modification would have an adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources.
(2) The waiver or modification is contrary to state or federal law, which may include a finding that the development standards for which the waiver is requested would not have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the housing development with the density bonus and incentives permitted.
(f) If a density bonus or concession is based on the provision of child care facilities, the approval body may deny the bonus or concession if it finds, based on substantial evidence, that the city already has adequate child care facilities.
(g) If a density bonus or concession is based on the provision of student housing in a student housing development, all applicable eligibility requirements provided in Cal. Gov’t Code § 65915(b)(1)(F) shall be satisfied. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17; Ord. 05-2021 § 34, 4-20-21; Ord. 07-2023 § 30, 12-5-23.)
18.165.100 Density bonus housing agreement.
(a) If any density bonus, incentive, concession, waiver, modified parking, or commercial development bonus is approved pursuant to this chapter for a housing development, a density bonus housing agreement shall be made a condition of the discretionary planning permits. The density bonus housing agreement shall be a legally binding agreement between the applicant and the city to ensure that the requirements of this chapter are satisfied and shall be binding on all future owners and successors in interest. The density bonus housing agreement may be combined with the affordable housing agreement and other documents required by Chapter 18.155. The executed density bonus housing agreement shall be approved by the city attorney and shall be recorded against the housing development or the commercial development, as applicable, prior to final or parcel map approval, or, where a map is not being processed, prior to issuance of any building permit for the housing development or commercial development.
(b) The density bonus housing agreement for a housing development or commercial development shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) The total number of units approved for the housing development, the number, location, and level of affordability of target units, and the number of density bonus units.
(2) Standards for determining affordable rent or affordable ownership cost for the target units.
(3) The location, unit size in square feet, and number of bedrooms of target units.
(4) Provisions to ensure affordability in accordance with Sections 18.165.070(b) and (c).
(5) A schedule for completion and occupancy of target units in relation to construction of market-rate units or construction of the commercial development, as applicable.
(6) A description of any incentives, concessions, waivers, reductions, modified parking, or commercial development bonus being provided by the city.
(7) A description of remedies for breach of the agreement by either party. The city may identify tenants or qualified purchasers as third party beneficiaries under the agreement.
(8) Procedures for qualifying tenants and prospective purchasers of target units.
(9) Financing of ongoing administrative and monitoring costs.
(10) Other provisions to ensure implementation and compliance with this chapter.
(c) In the case of for-sale housing developments, the density bonus housing agreement shall include the following conditions governing the sale and use of target units during the applicable use restriction period:
(1) Target units shall be owner-occupied by eligible very low, lower, or moderate income households, or by qualified residents in the case of senior citizen housing developments.
(2) The purchaser of each target unit shall execute an instrument approved by the city and to be recorded against the parcel, including such provisions as the city may require to ensure continued compliance with this chapter.
(d) In the case of rental housing developments, the density bonus housing agreement shall provide for the following:
(1) Procedures for establishing affordable rent, filling vacancies, and maintaining target units for eligible tenants;
(2) Provisions requiring verification of household incomes;
(3) Provisions requiring maintenance of records to demonstrate compliance with this subsection; and
(4) The developer’s agreement that the restrictions on rents are consistent with the Costa-Hawkins Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1954.51 through 1954.535).
(e) Density bonus housing agreements for child care facilities and land dedication shall ensure continued compliance with all conditions included in Sections 18.165.050 and 18.165.040, respectively. (Ord. 9-2014 § 22, 3-4-14; Ord. 09-2016 § 1, 5-3-16; Ord. 08-2017 § 8, 6-6-17.)