Summary
The city's local density bonus is barely used — only five projects in years — so staff proposed a simpler, more generous program with bonuses for parks-adjacent, senior, and community-benefit housing to help meet RHNA goals.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Aims to make more housing projects financially feasible, including small-lot 'missing middle' projects.
Housing developers and future renters and buyers, especially those seeking affordable units.
Some residents worry about density and neighborhood character, though height increases over one story still require public hearings.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Jun 9, 2026
The city's local density bonus got a major overhaul to actually get used — adding bonuses for parks-adjacent projects, senior housing, nuisance-property removal, and, for the first time in the state, union/prevailing-wage labor standards. It's aimed at getting Long Beach closer to its state-mandated housing targets, where only 6% of the affordable goal has been permitted so far.
Planning Commission - Apr 16, 2026
The city's local density bonus is barely used — only five projects in years — so staff proposed a simpler, more generous program with bonuses for parks-adjacent, senior, and community-benefit housing to help meet RHNA goals.
Related development
Enhanced Density Bonus Amendment (ZCA26-001)
Makes the local bonus program competitive with the state's, aiming to boost affordable housing production citywide.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Coastal Commission modifications (ZCA24-003)
Keeps affordable housing requirements on track to apply in the coastal zone, though full effect is still a year or more away.
Enhanced Density Bonus Program Update
Aims to unlock more housing citywide, especially small-lot and affordable projects, by making the local bonus program competitive with state law.
Housing Omnibus Zoning Code Update
Housing projects citywide would move faster with fewer public hearings, shifting more decisions to staff-level review with appeal rights.
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