Incentive zoning and density bonuses are pioneering strategies aiming to guide property development towards public benefits. Incentive zoning encourages developers to offer community perks like affordable housing, park spaces or transit access in exchange for allowances like height increases in areas with specific zoning laws. Thus, it facilitates developers to profitably exceed ‘as-of-right’ zoning restrictions while enhancing community amenities.
On the other hand, density bonuses offer added development rights, enabling developers to construct more sizable or densely packed buildings than ordinarily permissible by the zoning code. This bonus is often granted if the development incorporates certain public benefits, such as a designated amount of affordable housing units.
These tactics buffer the potential adverseness of profuse developments while promoting social welfare. They not only help cities grow responsibly but also address emergent issues like housing affordability. However, their implementation requires careful planning to attain a negotiation beneficial to both developers and communities.