# Density bonus

A density bonus lets a developer build more than zoning allows, in exchange for a public benefit like affordable housing. Also called bonus density or incentive zoning.

Data as of Oct 11, 2026. Page: https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/density-bonus/

## What it is

Density bonus programs trade extra units, height, or floor area for benefits like affordable homes or open space. California requires cities and counties to offer one under state law; in most other states the programs are local.

## What it tells you

A density bonus request means a project is pushing for more homes than the zoning allows, often with an affordable share. It points to multifamily or mixed-use building on that site.

## How it moves through a city or county

1. The developer requests the bonus with a rezoning, site plan, or building application.
2. Staff check that the benefit qualifies, such as the share of affordable units.
3. The benefit is secured by an agreement or a recorded restriction.
4. Staff, the planning commission, or the council approves it, depending on the program.

Some bonuses are granted by right once the benefit is offered; others are negotiated. The affordable share and the size of the bonus differ by program.

Rules vary by state, county, and city. These pages describe common practice, not legal advice.

## Find it on Boardwalk

Search Boardwalk for "density bonus" or "affordable housing". [Start free trial](https://boardwalkai.com/auth/signup/)

## Related terms

- [Planned unit development](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/planned-unit-development/): A planned unit development, or PUD, is a custom zoning district for one project, with its own rules for uses and density.
- [Rezoning](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/rezoning/): A rezoning changes the zoning district on a piece of land, which changes what can be built there and how much.
- [Development agreement](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/development-agreement/): A development agreement is a contract between a local government and a developer setting a project's rules, timing, and public improvements.

## Common questions

### Do density bonuses only apply to affordable housing?

No, many density bonus programs reward other benefits too, like open space or green building. Affordable housing is the most common, and in California it is set by state law.

### Does a density bonus need a public hearing?

Whether a density bonus needs a public hearing depends on the program. Some are granted by staff once a project meets the rules; others ride on a rezoning or planned unit development that goes to hearings.

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## How to cite

Source: Boardwalk, "Density bonus", boardwalkai.com/glossary/density-bonus/, data as of Oct 11, 2026.

How we count: https://boardwalkai.com/coverage/#how-we-count