Density Bonus Program Overview

The City of Hermosa Beach’s Density Bonus Program is designed to support the development of affordable and inclusive housing by offering developers a range of incentives in exchange for providing affordable units within residential projects. In alignment with California Density Bonus Law (Government Code §65915), the program allows qualifying developments to increase residential density, reduce parking requirements, and request waivers or concessions from certain development standards. These incentives aim to make it more feasible to build housing that serves very low-, low-, and moderate-income households, seniors, and special needs populations, while also promoting efficient land use and sustainable community growth.

Key Provisions

Affordable Housing Incentives
Developers who include affordable units—such as homes for low-income families, seniors, or special needs groups—can build more units than normally allowed.

Flexible Development Standards
Qualifying projects may request adjustments to zoning rules, like reduced setbacks, increased height, or smaller open space requirements, to help make projects more feasible.

Parking Reductions
Projects with affordable housing qualify for reduced parking requirements, especially if located near public transit.

Lot Consolidation Bonus
Developers who combine two or more parcels into a single site may receive an extra density bonus—up to 10%—depending on the total lot size.

Expedited Review
Projects that qualify for a density bonus and meet certain criteria receive faster planning and building permit processing at no additional cost.

Affordability Requirements
All affordable units must remain affordable for a set period and meet specific income and occupancy standards.