The provisions of this Chapter shall be known as the Density Bonus and Incentive Procedure and Regulations. The purpose of these provisions is to encourage the construction of affordable housing, senior housing, and the provision of child care facilities, following California Government Code Sections 65915—65918 ("Density Bonuses and Other Incentives").

The Density Bonus and Incentive Procedure and Regulations are intended to comply with provisions of the California Government Code Sections 65915—65918 (inclusive), which provides that a local government shall grant a density bonus, incentives or concessions, waivers or reductions of development standards, and/or reduced parking ratios, to a developer of a residential housing development constructing a specified percentage of housing for moderate income households, low income households, very low income households, senior citizens, transitional foster youth, disabled veterans, homeless persons, or lower income students; or providing child care facilities. These procedures and regulations shall apply to all proposals, citywide, to create five (5) or more living units, including in a mixed-use development, in which the developer is requesting a density bonus. Any provision in California Government Code Sections 65915—65918 (inclusive), but not included in this Chapter, is considered by the City of Oakland to be valid and applicable.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

Affordable Housing. "Affordable housing" shall mean that the relevant housing is available and restricted to occupancy at an affordable housing cost or an affordable rent to moderate income households, low income households, or very low income households.

B.

Affordable Housing Cost. "Affordable housing cost" shall have the same meaning as provided, in Section 50052.5 of the California Health and Safety Code and its implementing regulations. Affordable housing cost includes loan principal, loan interest, property and, mortgage insurance, property taxes, home owners' association dues and a reasonable allowance for utilities.

C.

Affordable Rent. "Affordable rent" shall have the same meaning as California Health and Safety Code and its implementing regulations. Affordable rent includes rent and a reasonable allowance for utilities.

D.

Child Care Facility. "Child Care Facility," as used in this Chapter, shall mean 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.

E.

Concession. "Concession" shall have the same meaning as Incentive, as defined below.

F.

Density Bonus. "Density bonus" has the same meaning as provided in California Government Code Section 65915 and shall mean a density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density as of the date a density bonus application is received, or, if elected by the developer, a lesser percentage of density increase, including, but not limited to, no increase in density. The density bonus units shall not be included when determining the number of target living units that must be affordable to the relevant income group. For purposes of this definition, unless otherwise specified in the specific plan or its implementing zoning regulations, where a specific plan includes a separate provision that allows for a density bonus, including through a Conditional Use Permit, a developer cannot receive a density bonus under both this Chapter and under the specific plan.

G.

Developer. "Developer" shall mean the owner or owner's authorized agent, or other person, including a lessee, having the right under the Oakland zoning ordinance, to make an application for development approvals for the development, or redevelopment, of a housing development project.

H.

Development Standard. "Development standard" shall mean a site or construction condition, including, but not limited to, a height or story limitation, a setback requirement, a floor area ratio, an onsite open-space requirement, or a parking ratio, that applies to a residential development pursuant to any ordinance, General Plan element, specific plan, charter, or other local condition, law, policy, resolution, or regulation.

I.

Incentive. "Incentive" has the same meaning as provided in California Government Code Section 65915 and shall mean a reduction in site development standards, or a modification to a requirement of the Oakland Planning Code so long as the requested reduction or modification both exceeds the minimum building standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that would otherwise be required and results in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable rent or affordable housing costs. Incentives do not include the provision of direct financial incentives for the housing development, including the provision of City-owned land or the waiver of fees or dedication requirements, the modification of any City of Oakland Standard Conditions of Approval, or modification of any mitigation measures required by the California Environmental Quality Act.

J.

Major Transit Stop. "Major transit stop" shall have the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the California Public Resources Code.

K.

Maximum Allowable Residential Density. "Maximum allowable residential density" has the same meaning as provided in California Government Code Section 65915 and shall mean the maximum density allowed in the zoning district applicable to the site proposed for the residential housing development as specified under the Oakland Planning Code; or, if a range of density is permitted, the maximum allowable density allowed in the zoning district applicable to the site proposed for the residential housing development as specified under the Oakland Planning Code. If the density allowed in the applicable zoning district is inconsistent with the density allowed in the applicable land use designation under the Land Use and Transportation Element of the Oakland General Plan, the General Plan density shall prevail.

L.

Moderate, Low and Very Low Income Households. "Moderate, low and very low income households" shall mean those households whose income matches levels determined periodically by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, based on the Oakland Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) median income levels by family size, under which:

1.

"Moderate income" is as defined in Section 50093 of the California Health and Safety Code and its implementing regulations;

2.

"Low income" is as defined in Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code and its implementing regulations;

3.

"Very low income" is as defined in Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code and its implementing regulations.

M.

Residential Housing Development. "Residential housing development," for purposes of this Chapter, has the same meaning as "housing development" as provided in California Government Code Section 65915 and shall mean a project involving the construction of five (5) or more residential dwelling units, including mixed-use developments, excluding any units permitted by the density bonus awarded pursuant to this Chapter.

N.

Senior Citizen Housing Development. "Senior citizen housing development" shall mean the development, substantial rehabilitation, or substantial renovation of at least thirty-five (35) dwelling units reserved for senior citizens, where each unit houses at least one (1) person fifty-five (55) years of age or older, and/or a qualified permanent resident, as described in Section 51.3 of the California Civil Code; further, it shall also mean a mobile home park that limits residency based on age requirements for housing for older persons pursuant to Section 798.76 or 799.5 of the California Civil Code.

O.

Target Living Unit. "Target living unit" shall mean a dwelling unit within a residential housing development that will be offered for rent or sale exclusively to the designated income group or other category listed in Section 17.l07.040 and which shall be available at an affordable rent or affordable housing cost.

P.

Total Base Dwelling Units. "Total base dwelling units" shall mean the total number of residential units proposed by the developer, including target living units but not including any dwelling units added by a density, bonus, which shall not exceed the maximum allowable residential density.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

A developer seeking a density bonus shall file an application with the Oakland Planning Bureau for a density bonus and/or incentive(s) and waiver(s) using the form prescribed by the Director of Planning. An application for a density bonus and/or related incentive(s) and waiver(s) shall be submitted concurrently with the application for a planning entitlement for a housing development and shall be processed and considered as part of the same.

B.

The density bonus application shall be accompanied by such information including, but not limited to, site and building plans, drawings and elevations, and operational data, as may be required to permit the review of the proposal in the context of the required findings, and any additional information deemed necessary by the Director of Planning to permit the review of the proposal in the context of the required findings.

C.

No density bonus application shall be determined to be complete until the following have been provided:

1.

A written statement specifying the total base dwelling units, target living units, desired density bonus, incentive(s) and/or waiver(s) requested, and the type, location, size and construction scheduling of all living units;

2.

Payment of all fees for the application as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule;

3.

If an incentive is requested, a narrative explanation as to the "actual cost reduction achieved, stated in a dollar amount, and how the cost reduction would result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable rent or affordable housing costs for the target living units;

4.

If a waiver is requested, a narrative and diagrammatic explanation demonstrating that the application of any development standard for which a waiver is requested would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the development at the density and with the incentives permitted by this Chapter. Information should include narrative descriptions, analyses, and architectural diagrams that clearly articulate how many units would be lost due to the application of the specific development standard(s). Where more than one (1) waiver is sought, the application should clearly demonstrate why the waivers are cumulatively necessary to prevent a development standard from physically precluding the construction of the development;

5.

If an incentive or waiver is requested, submittal of information sufficient to allow the City to assess whether any of the requested inventive(s) or waiver(s) will have a specific adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources, or if there is such an impact, an analysis of potential methods to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the residential housing development unaffordable to moderate-, low-, and very low-income households, and the feasibility of such methods;

6.

If the application is for approval of mixed use where the mix of uses would not otherwise be allowed, evidence that the proposed nonresidential use will reduce the cost of the residential housing development and that the nonresidential use is compatible with the proposed residential housing development and other existing or planned development in the area where the proposed residential housing development will be located;

7.

Information determined necessary to demonstrate compliance with the replacement unit provisions described in Section 17.107.045 and Government Code Section 65915(c)(3), including a narrative description of any prior residential use of the property and supporting documentation.

8.

Any other such information as may be required to permit the review of the proposal in the context of the required findings, as requested by the Director of City Planning.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

The City shall grant one (1) density bonus, the amount of which shall not exceed the amounts specified in the tables below, and, if requested, incentives in accordance with Section 17.107.080, waivers in accordance with Section 17.107.095, and parking ratio reductions in accordance with Section 17.107.120, when a developer agrees to construct a residential housing development with at least any one (1) of the following categories:

1.

Category 1—Ten percent (10%) of the total base dwelling units of a residential housing development are made available as affordable housing for low-income households; or

2.

Category 2—Five percent (5%) of the total base dwelling units of a residential housing development are made available as affordable housing for very low-income households; or

3.

Category 3—A senior citizen housing development; or

4.

Category 4—Ten percent (10%) of the total base dwelling units of a residential housing development are sold at affordable housing cost to persons and families of a low or moderate income, provided that all units in the development are offered to the public for purchase and not as rental units; or

5.

Category 5—Ten percent (10%) of the total base dwelling units of a residential housing development are made available as affordable housing for transitional foster use, as defined in Section 66025.9 of the California Education Code, disabled veterans, as defined in Section 18541 of the California Government Code, or homeless persons, as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11301 et seq.). The units described in this Subparagraph shall be provided at the same affordability level as very low-income units; or

6.

Category 6—Twenty percent (20%) of the total base dwelling units are made available as affordable housing for lower income students in a student housing development that meets all of the requirements contained in subdivision(b)(1)(F) of California Government Code Section 65915; or

7.

Category 7—One hundred percent (100%) of all dwelling units, including total base dwelling units and density bonus units but exclusive of a manager's unit or units, of a residential housing development are made available as affordable housing for lower income households, except that up to twenty percent (20%) of the dwelling units, including total based dwelling units and density bonus units, may be made available for moderate-income households.

B.

For residential housing developments meeting Category 1 above, the density bonus shall be calculated as indicated in Table 17.107.01:

Table 17.107.01: Density Bonus for Providing Units for Low Income Households

Source: California Government Code Section 65915(f)(1).

C.

For residential housing developments meeting Category 2 in Subsection A. above, the density bonus shall be calculated as indicated in Table 17.107.02:

Table 17.107.02: Density Bonus for Providing Units for Very Low Income Households

Source: California Government Code Section 65915(f)(2).

D.

For senior citizen housing developments meeting Category 3 in Subsection A. above, the density bonus shall be twenty percent (20%) of the number of senior housing units. Any density bonus granted under this Chapter shall be separate from, and not combined with, the City of Oakland Senior Housing Density Bonus which, if a conditional use permit is approved, permits an increase of seventy-five percent (75%) more senior housing units than are permitted by zoning, as described in Section 17.106.060.

E.

For residential housing developments meeting Category 4 in Subsection A. above, the density bonus shall be calculated as indicated in Table 17.107.03.

Table 17.107.03: Density Bonus for Moderate-Income For-Sale Developments

Source: California Government Code Section 65915(f)(4).

F.

For transitional housing developments meeting Category 5 in Subsection A. above, the density bonus shall be twenty percent (20%) of the number of units of the type giving rise to a density bonus under Category 5.

G.

For student housing developments meeting Category 6 in Subsection A. above, the density bonus shall be thirty-five percent (35%) of the number of total student housing units.

H.

For housing developments meeting Category 7 in Subsection A. above, the following shall apply:

1.

Except as otherwise provided in Subsection H.2. below, the density bonus shall be eighty percent (80%) of the number of units for lower income households.

2.

If the residential housing development is located within one-half (½) mile of a major transit stop, the developer may seek a waiver requesting that no maximum controls on density apply and shall also receive a height increase of up to three (3) additional stories or thirty-three (33) feet. A qualifying residential housing development seeking a waiver from any maximum controls on density shall not be eligible for, and shall not receive, any additional waivers.

3.

Rents for all dwelling units in housing developments meeting Category 7, including the density bonus units, shall be set such that the rent for at least twenty percent (20%) of the dwelling units are set at an affordable rent, as defined in Section 50053 of the Health and Safety Code, and the rent for the remaining units in the housing development are set at an amount consistent with the maximum rent levels for a housing development that receives an allocation of state or federal low-income housing tax credits from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.

I.

The developer shall elect whether the density bonus shall be awarded on the basis of Category 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 in Subsection A. above. The developer may elect to accept a lesser percentage of density bonus, including no increase in density. All density calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded up to the next whole number. The granting of a density bonus shall not be interpreted, in and of itself, to require a General Plan amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval. The density bonus shall not be included when determining the number of target living units that must be affordable to the relevant income group.

J.

Determination of the number of target living units required to be included in an eligible residential housing development and the number of density bonus units shall be calculated as follows:

1.

Prior to submission of a density bonus application, the developer shall review the applicable zoning standards in the Oakland Planning Code and the instructions included on the supplemental application for density bonus to determine the maximum allowable residential density for the site proposed for the residential housing development.

2.

The developer shall then provide information on the proposed total base dwelling units and the category in Subsection A. above under which the developer proposes for the density bonus to be awarded. The developer shall state how many of the proposed total base dwelling units will meet the requirements of the category selected.

3.

The developer shall then provide information regarding any dwelling units currently existing at the site proposed for the residential housing development as determined by staff as necessary to ensure no replacement units must be included prior to eligibility for a density bonus and related incentive(s) and waiver(s), as described further in Section 17.107.045.

4.

The developer shall then calculate the density bonus for which its proposed residential housing development is eligible by multiplying the percentage of bonus units as described in Subsections B., C., D., E., G., and H. above by the proposed total base dwelling units, rounding up the product. For Category 5, the percentage of bonus units shall be multiplied by the number of the type of units giving rise to the density bonus only, as described in Subsection F.

5.

The developer shall then state whether it elects to include a lesser number of density bonus units in the proposed residential housing development, including the possibility of no density bonus units.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

A developer shall be ineligible for a density bonus or any other incentives or waivers if the residential housing development is proposed on any property that includes a parcel or parcels on which rental dwelling units are or, if the dwelling units have been vacated or demolished in the five-year period preceding the application, have been subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of lower or very low income; subject to any other form of rent or price control; or occupied by lower or very low income households.

B.

Notwithstanding Subsection A. above, a developer shall remain eligible for a density bonus and related incentive(s) and waiver(s) if the conditions described in Subsection A. apply, the proposed residential housing development replaces those units, and either of the following applies:

1.

The proposed residential housing development, inclusive of the units replaced pursuant to this Section, contains affordable units at the percentages set forth in Section 17.107.040.

2.

Each unit in the development, exclusive of a manager's unit or units, is affordable to, and occupied by, either a lower or very low income household.

C.

For purposes of this Section, "replace" shall mean either of the following:

1.

If any dwelling units described in Subsection A. are occupied on the date of application, the proposed residential housing development shall provide at least the same number of units of equivalent size to be made available at affordable rent or affordable housing cost to, and occupied by, persons and families in the same or lower income category as those households in occupancy. If the income category of the household in occupancy is not known, it shall be rebuttably presumed that lower income renter households occupied the units in the same proportion of lower income renter households to all renter households within the City of Oakland as determined by the most recently available data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's ("HUD's") Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy database. For unoccupied dwelling units described in Subsection A. in a development with occupied units, the proposed residential housing development shall provide units of equivalent size to be made available at affordable rent or affordable housing cost to, and occupied by, persons and families in the same or lower income category as the last household in occupancy. If the income category of the last household in occupancy is not known, it shall rebuttably presumed that lower income renter households occupied these units in the same proportion of lower income renter households to all renter households within the jurisdiction as determined by the most recently available data from HUD's Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy database.

2.

If all dwelling units described in Subsection A. have been vacated or demolished within the five-year period preceding the date of application, the proposed residential housing development shall provide at least the same number of units of equivalent size as existed at the highpoint of those units in the five-year period preceding the application to be made available at affordable rent or affordable housing cost to, and occupied by, persons and families in the same or lower income category as those persons and families in occupancy at that time. If the income category of the household in occupancy at the highpoint is not known, it shall be rebuttably presumed that low-income and very low income renter households occupied the units in the same proportion of low-income and very low-income renter households to all renter households within the City of Oakland as determined by the most recently available data from HUD's Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy database.

3.

All replacement calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded up to the next whole number. If the replacement units will be rental dwelling units, these units shall be subject to a recorded affordability restriction for fifty-five (55) years. If the proposed development is for-sale units, the units replaced shall be subject to the provisions of Paragraph (2) of Subsection (c) of Government Code Section 65915.

4.

For purposes of this Section, "equivalent size" means that the replacement units contain at least the same total number of bedrooms and bathrooms as the units being replaced.

D.

For any dwelling unit described in Subsection A. that the developer proposes to replace, the developer shall comply with all applicable requirements of Chapter 822, Residential Rent Adjustments and Evictions, including, but not limited to, relocation assistance.

(Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

Eligibility. A project involving a land donation to the City shall be eligible for the increased density bonus described in this Section if all of the following conditions are met:

1.

The developer donates and transfers the land to the City no later than the date of approval by the City of the final subdivision map, parcel map, or residential development application of the residential housing development seeking the density bonus.

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 not less than ten percent (10%) of the number of residential units of the proposed residential housing development seeking the density bonus.

3.

The transferred land is characterized by the following:

a.

It is at least one (1) acre in size, or of sufficient size to permit development of at least forty (40) units; and

b.

It has the appropriate General Plan designation and is appropriately zoned for affordable housing; and

c.

It is or will be served by adequate public facilities and infrastructure; and

d.

It shall have appropriate zoning and development standards to make the development of the affordable housing units feasible; and

e.

No later than the date of approval of the final subdivision map, parcel map, or residential development application of the residential housing development seeking the density bonus, the transferred land shall 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, except that the City may subject the proposed residential housing development to subsequent design review, if the design is not reviewed by the City before the time of transfer.

4.

The transferred land and the affordable housing units shall be subject to a deed restriction, which shall be recorded on the property at the time of dedication, ensuring continued affordability of the units for a term of at least fifty-five (55) years.

5.

The land is transferred to the City or to another housing developer approved by the City.

6.

The transferred land shall be within the boundary of the proposed residential housing development or, if the City agrees, within one-quarter (¼) mile of the boundary of the proposed residential housing development.

7.

A proposed source of funding for the construction of units affordable to very low income households shall be identified not later than the date of approval of the final subdivision map, parcel map, or residential development application.

B.

When a developer donates land to the City, the developer shall be entitled to an increase above the otherwise maximum allowable residential density for the entire residential housing development, as indicated in Table 17.107.04.

Table 17.107.04: Land Donation

Source: California Government Code Section 65915(g)(1).

C.

This density bonus shall be in addition to any Density Bonus mandated by Section 17.107.040; up to a maximum combined density increase of thirty-five percent (35%), if the developer seeks both the increase required under this Section and the increase under Section 17.107.040.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

Residential Development. When a developer proposes to construct a residential housing development that conforms to the requirements of Section 17.107.040 (i.e. a density bonus), and includes a child care facility that will be located on the premises of, as part of, or adjacent to, the residential housing development, the City shall grant either of the following:

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; or

2.

An additional incentive approved by the City that would contribute significantly to the economic feasibility of the construction of the child care facility.

B.

Requirements. The City shall require, as a condition of approving the residential housing development, that the following occur:

1.

The child care facility shall remain in operation for a period of time that is as long as, or longer than, the period of time during which the affordable housing units are required to remain affordable pursuant to this article; and

2.

Of the children who attend the child care facility, the children of very low income households, lower income households, moderate income households shall equal a percentage that is equal to, or greater than, the percentage of dwelling units that are made affordable to very low income households, lower income households, or families of moderate income households pursuant to Section 17.107.040.

C.

Commercial or Industrial Development. California Government Code (Section 65917.5) permits a density bonus when a child care facility is installed, operated and maintained in a commercial or industrial project, over the otherwise maximum allowable density or floor area ratio permitted under the Oakland Planning Code and Land Use and Transportation Element of the Oakland General Plan. For purposes of this Section only, "child care facility" means a facility installed, operated, and maintained under this Section for the nonresidential, care of children as defined under applicable State licensing requirements for the facility. The density bonus shall be calculated as follows:

1.

A maximum of five (5) square feet of floor area for each one (1) square foot of floor area contained in the child care facility for existing structures.

2.

A maximum of ten (10) square feet of floor area for each one (1) square foot of floor area contained in the child care facility for new structures.

For purposes of calculating the density or floor area bonus under this Section, both indoor and outdoor square footage requirements for the child care facility as set forth in applicable State child care licensing requirements shall be included in the floor area of the child care facility.

D.

Notwithstanding any requirement of this Section, the City shall not be required to provide a density or floor area bonus or incentive for a child care facility if it finds, based upon substantial evidence, that the community has adequate child care facilities. Further, the provisions of California Government Code Section 65917.5 (Subsections c—e) shall apply in Oakland.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

Residential Development Project involving the conversion of existing apartments into condominiums, pursuant to Title 16 Oakland Subdivision Regulations, that includes at least thirty-three percent (33%) of its total units restricted to moderate income households for thirty (30) years, or fifteen percent (15%) of its total units affordable to Lower Income households for thirty (30) years, and agrees to pay for the administrative costs incurred by the City related to process the application and monitor the future status of the Affordable Housing Units, the City shall either:

1.

Grant a Density Bonus, increasing the number of residential units by twenty-five percent (25%) over the number of apartments, to be provided within the existing structure or structures proposed for conversion; or

2.

Provide other incentives of equivalent financial value to be determined by the City. For purposes of this Section, "other incentives of equivalent financial value" shall not be construed to require the City of Oakland to provide cash transfer payments or other monetary compensation, but may include the reduction, or waiver, of requirements which the City might otherwise apply as conditions of conversion approval.

B.

An applicant for approval to convert apartments to a condominium project may submit to the City a preliminary proposal ("Pre-Application") pursuant to this Section prior to the submittal of any formal requests for subdivision map approvals. The City shall, within ninety (90) days of receipt of a written proposal, notify the applicant in writing of the manner in which it will comply with this Section.

C.

An applicant shall be ineligible for a condominium conversion density bonus or other incentives under this section if the apartments proposed for conversion constitute a residential development project for which a density bonus or other incentives were previously granted under this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014)

A density incentive is a benefit granted by the City that results in identifiable and actual cost reductions necessary to provide for the reduced rents or sales prices for the target living units, and shall mean any of the following:

A.

The reduction in development standards that exceed the minimum building standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission as provided in Part 2.5 of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to:

1.

Required off-street parking;

2.

Required setbacks;

3.

Maximum building height and/or stories;

4.

Required open space;

5.

Maximum Floor-Area Ratio (FAR);

6.

Minimum lot area;

7.

Minimum courtyards.

B.

Approval of a mix of allowed uses in conjunction with the residential housing development if commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses will reduce the cost of the housing development, and if the commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses are compatible with the housing development and the existing or planned development in the area where the proposed residential housing development will be located.

C.

Other regulatory incentives proposed by the developer, or the City, that would result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable rent or affordable housing cost, as demonstrated by the developer, but which shall not include any proposals for modification to the City's uniformly applied development standards imposed as Standard Conditions of Approval.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Apr. 19, 2022, amended the title of § 17.107.080 to read as herein set out. The former § 17.107.080 title pertained to density incentives or concessions.

A.

Number of Incentives. Except as otherwise provided by Section 17.107.100, when a developer proposes to construct a residential housing development that conforms to the requirements of Section 17.107.040, the developer shall receive the following number of incentives:

1.

One (1) incentive for projects that include at least ten percent (10%) of the total units for lower income households, at least five percent (5%) for very low income households, at least ten percent (10%) for persons and families of moderate income in a development in which the units are for sale, or at least twenty percent (20%) of the total units for lower income students in a student housing development.

2.

Two (2) incentives for projects that include at least twenty percent (20%) of the total units for lower income households, at least ten percent (10%) for very low income households, or at least twenty percent (20%) for persons and families of moderate income in a development in which the units are for sale.

3.

Three (3) incentives for projects that include at least thirty percent (30%) of the total units for lower income households, at least fifty percent (50%) for very low income households, or at least thirty percent (30%) for persons and families of moderate income in a development in which the units are for sale.

4.

Four (4) incentives for projects that meet the criteria of Category 7 in Subsection A. of Section 17.107.040.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Apr. 19, 2022, amended the title of § 17.107.090 to read as herein set out. The former §; 17.107.090 title pertained to permitted number of density incentives or concessions.

A.

Per California Government Code 65915(e)(1), in no case may a city apply any development standard that will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a development meeting the category criteria in Subsection 17.107.040.A. at the densities or with the incentives permitted by this Chapter.

B.

A developer may submit a proposal for the waiver or reduction of any development standard that will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a development meeting the category criteria in Subsection 17.107.040.A. at the densities, or with the incentives permitted, under this Chapter. The developer must include in their proposal an explanation of how that development standard has the effect of physically precluding the construction of the development, including schematics or drawings that illustrate the impact of the development standard taking into consideration the incentives already requested. Where more than one (1) waiver is sought, the developer must clearly demonstrate why the waivers are cumulatively necessary to prevent a development standard from physically precluding the construction of the development. Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to require the City to waive or reduce development standards if the Director of Planning determines that the waiver or reduction does not physically preclude the construction of the development or results in any of the following:

1.

A specific, adverse impact, as defined in Paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 65589.5, upon public health and safety and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact;

2.

An adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources; or

3.

The waiver or reduction that would be contrary to State or Federal law.

C.

The granting of a waiver shall not be interpreted, in and of itself, to require a General Plan amendment, zoning change or other discretionary approval. A proposal for the waiver or reduction of development standards pursuant to this Section shall neither reduce, nor increase, the number of incentives to which the developer is entitled.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A developer seeking a density bonus may submit to the City a proposal for the specific incentives that the developer requests; the City shall grant the incentive requested by the developer, unless the City makes a written finding, based upon substantial evidence of any of the following:

A.

The incentive does not result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for the reduced rents or sales prices for the target living units.

B.

The incentive would have a specific adverse impact (as defined in Section 65589.5(d)(2) of the California Government Code), upon public health and safety or on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the development unaffordable to low and moderate income households.

C.

The incentive would be contrary to State or Federal law.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Apr. 19, 2022, amended the title of § 17.107.100 to read as herein set out. The former § 17.107.100 title pertained to findings for denial of incentives and concessions.

A.

The floor area, number of bedrooms, and amenities (such as bathrooms, fixtures, appliances, location, and utilities) of the targeted living units shall be substantially equal in size and quality to those of the market-rate units.

B.

Tenant households in the targeted living units shall have the same level of access to the residential housing development's services and facilities as tenant households in the market-rate units of the residential housing development.

C.

The targeted living units shall be evenly distributed throughout the residential housing development.

D.

The targeted living units shall be constructed concurrent with or prior to the construction of market-rate units in each phase of the residential housing development. The City shall not issue final certificates of occupancy for more than fifty percent (50%) of the market-rate units in any phase of development until final certificates of occupancy are issued for all of the targeted living units in that phase of development.

(Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

Where a developer proposes to provide target living units as rental units, all approvals for any affordable housing applications that include a density bonus and/or density incentive(s) shall be conditioned to ensure the continued affordability of the target living units that are part of the approvals for a period of not less than fifty-five (55) years, or a longer period of time if required by the construction or mortgage financing assistance program, mortgage insurance program, or rental subsidy program, and their occupancy shall be restricted only to residents who satisfy the affordability requirements for the target living units. Prior to submittal of a construction-related permit, the developer shall enter into a regulatory agreement with the City, the terms of which shall .be consistent with the City's model documents, as may be amended from, time to time, and shall be reviewed and revised as appropriate by the Housing and Community Development Department (Housing Development Services Division). The regulatory agreement shall contain restrictive covenants to ensure the continued affordability of rental target dwelling units at the specified rent level for a period of not less than fifty-five (55) years and shall restrict the occupancy of those units only to residents who satisfy eligibility standards and the affordability requirements as approved for the approved residential housing development. The regulatory agreement shall be recorded with the Alameda County Recorder's Office as an encumbrance against the property, and a copy of the recorded agreement shall be provided to and retained by the City. The regulatory agreement shall not be subordinated in priority to any other lien interest in the property.

B.

Where a developer proposes to provide target living units as ownership units, all approvals for any affordable housing applications that include a density bonus and/or incentive(s) shall be conditioned to ensure that the restricted target living units comply with the City of Oakland Affordable Homeownership Development Program Guidelines. Developer shall pay a one-time fee to determine the eligibility of each initial homebuyer. The developer shall provide for initial homebuyer education to apprise buyers of the long-term affordability restrictions applicable to the targeted dwelling units, and shall submit information regarding the initial homebuyer's income, household size, and other funding sources to the City of Oakland Housing and Community Development Department for review and approval. If a potential initial homebuyer does not meet the City of Oakland's underwriting requirements, then the proposed homebuyer will not be allowed to purchase the home, and the developer will be required to find a qualified substitute buyer. The developer shall also be required to submit to the City evidence that all initial homebuyers of for-sale target dwelling units have entered into a density bonus equity share agreement prior to purchasing the unit or property, and the grant deed conveying title to the unit to the initial homebuyer shall reference the equity share agreement. Prior to submittal of a construction-related permit, the developer shall enter into an affordability agreement with the City, the terms of which shall be consistent with the City's model documents, as may be amended from time to time, and shall be reviewed and revised as appropriate by the Housing and Community Development Department (Housing Development Services Division). The affordability agreement shall contain restrictive covenants to provide that target living units are offered at an affordable housing cost and that only households that meet the eligibility standards for the target living units and agree to execute an equity share agreement with the City are eligible to occupy the target living units. The affordability agreement shall be recorded with the Alameda County Recorder's Office as an encumbrance against the property, and a copy of the recorded agreement shall be provided to and retained by the City. The affordability agreement shall not be subordinated in priority to any other lien interest in the property.

C.

The regulatory agreement or affordability agreement, as applicable, shall include at a minimum all of the following:

1.

The total number of dwelling units approved for the residential housing development;

2.

The total number of target living units approved for the residential housing development;

3.

A description of the household income group to be accommodated by the restricted affordable units and the standard for determining the corresponding affordable rent or affordable housing cost.

D.

If the site proposed for the residential housing-development has an approved condominium map and the developer chooses to rent the target living units at initial occupancy, the target living units cannot convert to ownership during the term of the regulatory agreement, even if the market-rate units in the residential housing development convert to ownership.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Apr. 19, 2022, amended the title of § 17.107.110 to read as herein set out. The former § 17.107.110 title pertained to condition required for continued affordability.

Only those households meeting the standards for very low income, low income, moderate income or other category listed in Section 17.107.040, as applicable to the proposed residential housing development, shall be eligible to occupy target living units.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

All buyers of for-sale target living units shall enter into a density bonus equity share agreement with the City prior to purchasing the unit or property. The equity share agreement shall specify that the title to the subject property or unit may not be transferred without prior approval of the City. The owner of the for-sale target living unit may not rent out the unit, and the unit must remain owner occupied. Following City approval, the developer shall record the equity share agreement against the parcel containing the target dwelling unit, as well as a Deed of Trust and Request for Notice in the event of default, sale, or refinancing, with the Alameda County Recorders Office, and shall provide a copy of the recorded equity share agreement to the City.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Apr. 19, 2022, amended the title of § 17.107.112 to read as herein set out. The former § 17.107.112 title pertained to density bonus resale agreement.

Rental target living units shall be managed/operated by the developer or developer's agent or successor. Each developer of rental target living units shall submit for review and approval by the Housing and Community Development Department and any other relevant City departments an annual report to the City identifying which units are target living units, the monthly rent, vacancy information, monthly income for tenants of each target rental living unit throughout the prior year, and other information required by the City, while ensuring the privacy of the tenant.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

The developer shall pay to the Housing and Community Development Department an annual monitoring fee pursuant to the Master Fee Schedule, as updated annually, for City monitoring of rental target living units. The first payment of the monitoring fee shall be paid prior to the issuance of building permit(s).

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

Nothing in this Chapter shall limit the City's right to deny an affordable housing or senior citizen housing project if, based on a preponderance of the evidence in the record, the decision-making body can make any one (1) of the findings set forth in Government Code Section 65589.5(d) presented below:

1.

The jurisdiction has adopted a housing element pursuant to this article that has been revised in accordance with Section 65588, is in substantial compliance with this article, and the jurisdiction has met or exceeded its share of the regional housing need allocation pursuant to Section 65584 for the planning period for the income category proposed for the housing development project, provided that any disapproval or conditional approval shall not be based on any of the reasons prohibited by Section 65008. If the housing development project includes a mix of income categories, and the jurisdiction has not met or exceeded its share of the regional housing need for one (1) or more of those categories, then this paragraph shall not be used to disapprove or conditionally approve the project. The share of the regional housing need met by the jurisdiction shall be calculated consistently with the forms and definitions that may be adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 65400. In the case of an emergency shelter, the jurisdiction shall have met or exceeded the need for emergency shelter, as identified pursuant to Paragraph (7) of Subdivision (a) of Section 65583. Any disapproval or conditional approval pursuant to this paragraph shall be in accordance with applicable law, rule, or standards.

2.

The housing development project or emergency shelter as proposed would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the development unaffordable to low- and moderate-income households or rendering the development of the emergency shelter financially infeasible. As used in this paragraph, a "specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the Oakland Planning Code or General Plan land use designation shall not constitute a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.

3.

The denial of the housing development project or imposition of conditions is required in order to comply with specific State or Federal law, and there is no feasible method to comply without rendering the development unaffordable to low- and moderate-income households or rendering the development of the emergency shelter financially infeasible.

4.

The housing development project or emergency shelter is proposed on land zoned for agriculture or resource preservation that is surrounded on at least two (2) sides by land being used for agricultural or resource preservation purposes, or which does not have adequate water or wastewater facilities to serve the project.

5.

The housing development project or emergency shelter is inconsistent with both the Oakland Planning Code and General Plan land use designation as specified in any element of the General Plan as it existed on the date the application was deemed complete, and the jurisdiction has adopted a revised housing element in accordance with Section 65588 that is in substantial compliance with this article.

(Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)

A.

Per California Government Code, upon the request of the developer, the City shall not require a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of parking for persons with disability and guests, of a residential housing development meeting the category criteria in Subsection 17.107.040.A. that exceeds the following ratios:

1.

Zero (0) to one (1) bedroom: One (1) onsite parking space.

2.

Two (2) to three (3) bedrooms: One and one-half (1½) onsite parking spaces.

3.

Four (4) and more bedrooms: Two and one-half (2½) parking spaces.

B.

If a residential housing development includes at least forty percent (40%) moderate income units, at least twenty percent (20%) low-income units, or at least eleven percent (11%) very low income units, and is located within one-half (½) mile of a major transit stop, and there is unobstructed access to the major transit stop from the residential housing development, then, upon the request of the developer, the City shall not impose a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of parking for persons with disability and guests, that exceeds one-half (½) spaces per unit.

C.

If a residential housing development consists solely of rental units, exclusive of a manager's unit or units, with an affordable rent to lower income families, then, upon the request of the developer, the City shall not impose a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of parking for persons with disability and guests, that exceeds the following ratio:

1.

If the residential housing development is located within one-half (½) mile of a major transit stop, and there is unobstructed access to the major transit stop from the development, the City shall not impose vehicular parking standards.

2.

If the development is a for-rent housing development for individuals who are sixty-two (62) years of age or older that complies with Sections 51.2 and 51.3 of the Civil Code and has either paratransit service or unobstructed access, within one-half (½) mile, to fixed bus route service that operates at least eight (8) times per day, the City shall not impose vehicular parking standards.

3.

If the development is a special needs housing development, as defined in Section 51312 of the California Health and Safety Code, or a supportive housing development, as defined in Section 50675.14 of the California Health and Safety Code, the City shall not impose vehicular parking standards. A development that is a special needs housing development shall have either paratransit service or unobstructed access, within one-half (½) mile, to fixed bus route service that operates at least eight (8) times per day.

D.

If the total number of parking spaces required for a residential housing development 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 "onsite parking" through tandem parking or uncovered parking, but not through on street parking.

E.

This provision shall apply to a development that meets the requirements of Section 17.107.040, but only at the request of the developer. A developer may request parking incentives beyond those provided in Section 17.107.120, pursuant to Section 17.107.080. A request pursuant to this Section shall neither reduce nor increase the number of incentives to which the developer is entitled.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13224, § 3(Exh. A), 4-22-2014; Ord. No. 13684, § 2(Exh. A), 4-19-2022)