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Pacifica · Building on your lot

Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary) in Pacifica

Pacifica's own rules on affordable units in new housing (inclusionary), with the code text for every value.

Each rule below links to the section of the Pacifica Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Pacifica's code says

Pacifica code What Pacifica's code adds
How long units stay affordable
  • Rental BMR units stay affordable for at least 55 years.
    § 9-4.4704 · code text
    Rental BMR units shall remain available at an affordable rent to an eligible household for a minimum of fifty-five (55) years.
Exemptions
  • Rebuilding structures destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake or other act of nature is exempt, if reconstruction occurs within 3 years.
    § 9-4.4702 · code text
    The reconstruction of any structures that have been destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake or other act of nature provided that the reconstruction takes place within three (3) years of the date the structures were destroyed.
Fee instead of units
  • The fee for each BMR unit reflects its estimated cost, set by City Council resolution.
    Applies: Applies to residential development outside the redevelopment project area.
    § 9-4.4706 · code text
    The in-lieu payment for each BMR unit shall reflect the estimated cost to provide the BMR unit and shall be set forth in a resolution adopted by the City Council.
Projects it applies to
  • The rule applies to 8 or more units, lots or parcels.
    § 9-4.4702 · code text
    The requirements of this article shall apply to all residential developments of eight (8) or more units, lots or parcels, including all residential developments in which eight (8) or more units will be added to existing projects.
Share of affordable units
  • At least 15% of all units, lots or parcels must be BMR units for very low, lower or moderate income households.
    § 9-4.4702 · code text
    Not less than fifteen (15%) percent of all units, lots or parcels in a residential development subject to this article shall be BMR units restricted for occupancy by very low, lower or moderate income households.
  • At least 50% of required BMR units go to lower income households; the rest go to moderate income households.
    Applies: Applies outside the redevelopment project area.
    § 9-4.4702 · code text
    Outside the redevelopment project area, the first required BMR unit and at least fifty (50%) percent of the required BMR units shall be restricted to occupancy by lower income households and the remaining required BMR units shall be restricted to occupancy by moderate income households.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Does Pacifica require affordable units in new housing?

Pacifica's code: Rental BMR units stay affordable for at least 55 years. (§ 9-4.4704); Rebuilding structures destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake or other act of nature is exempt, if reconstruction occurs within 3 years. (§ 9-4.4702).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Pacifica property

Ask GoCodebook how Pacifica's affordable units in new housing (inclusionary) rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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