AB 1287
The Stacked Density Bonus
AB 1287 amended California's State Density Bonus Law (Gov. Code § 65915). A project that already maxes the base bonus can earn a second bonus for adding very-low-income or moderate-income units — pushing the combined density increase toward 100%, roughly doubling the units base zoning allows.
Run Your AB 1287 FeasibilityWhat AB 1287 Adds
A Second Bonus Tier
Once a project reaches the maximum base density bonus, AB 1287 lets it earn more by dedicating additional very-low-income or moderate-income units — a combined increase up to about 100%.
More Concessions
Reaching the higher affordability tiers unlocks additional incentives and concessions, on top of the waivers of development standards that density bonus projects already receive.
Stacks With Programs
AB 1287 works within State Density Bonus Law, so it layers with the base bonus and, in Los Angeles, interacts with local programs such as CHIP/TOC. It is not an ADU law.
How the Stacked Bonus Works
- 1
Reach the maximum base density bonus
Design the project so its affordable set-aside hits the top of the base State Density Bonus Law schedule (Gov. Code § 65915).
- 2
Add units to trigger AB 1287
Dedicate additional very-low-income or moderate-income units above the base requirement to unlock AB 1287's supplemental density bonus.
- 3
Stack the bonus
Combine the base and AB 1287 bonuses — the total can approach a 100% density increase over base zoning, roughly doubling allowable units.
- 4
Claim the added concessions
Higher affordability tiers under AB 1287 also unlock additional incentives, concessions, and waivers of development standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AB 1287?
AB 1287 (2023) amended California's State Density Bonus Law (Gov. Code § 65915), effective January 1, 2024. It lets a housing project that already maxes out the base density bonus earn an ADDITIONAL density bonus by dedicating more units to very-low-income or moderate-income households. Combined, the total density bonus can approach 100% — roughly doubling the units allowed by base zoning. It is not an ADU law.
How much extra density does AB 1287 add?
On top of the base bonus a project earns for its required affordable units, AB 1287 adds a second bonus tier. Projects that dedicate additional very-low-income units can earn up to roughly an extra 38.75%, and additional moderate-income units add more — pushing the combined density bonus toward 100%. The exact percentage scales with the affordability level and unit mix.
Which projects qualify for AB 1287 in Los Angeles?
AB 1287 applies to housing developments using State Density Bonus Law — generally five or more units — that first reach the maximum base density bonus, then add more very-low-income or moderate-income units. It stacks with the base bonus and, in Los Angeles, interacts with local programs such as CHIP/TOC. It does not apply to ADUs.
See If AB 1287 Fits Your Project
Brick Work models the base density bonus, the AB 1287 stack, and the concessions your affordability mix unlocks — so you know the real unit count before you design.
Run Your Feasibility