A density bonus is a zoning tool enabling a developer to change the specifications of what is normally allocated in terms of the number of units, the height of the buildings, or the amount of floor space. In exchange, the developer must provide a defined public benefit, such as a specific percentage of affordable housing units.
In housing development projects with 10 percent low-income housing units or 5 percent very-low-income housing units, the city of Los Angeles allows developers to:
- apply a density bonus of 20 to 35 percent, according to the percentage of affordable units provided,
- provide less parking than is normally required, and
- choose three on-menu incentives.
Developers requesting off-menu incentives must provide the city with documentation to show that the waiver or modification is needed in order to make the restricted affordable units economically feasible.
RSG provides the analysis required by the city for developers proposing projects in the city of Los Angeles and requesting a density bonus and off-menu incentives. RSG also provides the peer review analysis required by the city. Call RSG today to find out how we can help you to create a win-win situation.
Written by Dominique Clark, an Associate at RSG