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Monrovia council introduces ordinance to update density bonus rules to match state law
Summary
On Sept. 16 the council introduced Ordinance 2025‑O9 to bring Monrovia’s density-bonus provisions into alignment with state law, codify eligibility thresholds and procedures, and consolidate density-bonus and inclusionary housing rules. Council voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance; second reading is expected Oct. 7.
The Monrovia City Council at its Sept. 16 meeting introduced Ordinance 2025‑O9, a package of zoning-code changes to align the city’s density bonus regulations with state law and support affordable housing development.
What the ordinance does: Senior Planner Jennifer Driver told the council the draft ordinance consolidates density-bonus regulations into a single chapter, codifies state-defined eligibility thresholds and application procedures, and clarifies how density bonuses, concessions, waivers and parking reductions apply. It also aligns the local code with the city’s recently adopted inclusionary housing program and offers a consolidated affordable housing covenant to streamline approvals.
Key details presented: Driver summarized how state density-bonus percentages relate to set‑aside levels for very low-, low-, and moderate‑income units, and described optional stacked bonuses for special‑needs housing. Example figures presented by staff included: a 5% very‑low set‑aside can yield a 20% bonus, while a 15% very‑low set‑aside can yield a 50% bonus; low‑ and moderate‑income thresholds were described with corresponding maximum bonuses. The ordinance applies to projects with a minimum of five units; it covers both for‑sale and rental projects.
Process and timeline: Planning Commission held a public hearing on Aug. 13 and recommended approval. Council voted on Sept. 16 to introduce the ordinance (read by title only and waive further reading). Staff said the ordinance is recommended as statutorily exempt from CEQA for this action and that the council will consider a second reading and potential adoption on Oct. 7.
Council questions and public input: Councilmembers asked about the cost to apply for density bonus requests and how the city will monitor long‑term compliance with affordable housing covenants. Staff said application fees have not yet been finalized and that the ordinance requires property owners to submit annual income verification and contains monitoring and enforcement provisions consistent with the recently adopted inclusionary housing rules.
Vote: The motion to introduce, read by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance 2025‑O9 passed on a roll-call vote: Councilmembers Wes Bridal, Sergio Jimenez, (Councilmember) Spicer, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Tamela Kelly and Mayor Becky Shevlin voted yes.
Ending: Staff recommended returning Oct. 7 for a second reading and potential adoption; council did not amend the ordinance language at the Sept. 16 introduction.
