FAQ
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About ICLT
What is the Irvine Community Land Trust?
The Irvine Community Land Trust (ICLT) is a private nonprofit organization operating under a 501(c)(3) certification. ICLT acquires and permanently holds land for the purpose of creating and preserving affordable housing. By retaining ownership of the land and leasing it to developers and homeowners through long-term ground leases, ICLT ensures that the housing built on its land remains affordable — not just today, but for generations to come.
What is a community land trust?
A community land trust (CLT) is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land for the long-term benefit of a community. The CLT separates the ownership of the land from the ownership of the buildings on it. This model allows the trust to control the cost of housing over time, ensuring permanent affordability regardless of market conditions.
Is ICLT a public agency?
No. ICLT is a private nonprofit and is not subject to the rules and regulations that govern public agencies. ICLT is independently governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of individuals who live or work in the City of Irvine.
Is ICLT subject to the Brown Act?
No. Because ICLT is not a public agency, it is not subject to the open-meeting requirements that govern elected officials. Although current or former elected officials from the City of Irvine have served on ICLT’s board, they do not act in their elected capacity when participating in board matters.
Is ICLT related to the City of Irvine?
ICLT has its roots in the City of Irvine, having originally started as a City agency. In 2017, ICLT and the City formally separated that relationship, and ICLT became a fully independent nonprofit. The two organizations continue to maintain a close working relationship, united by a shared commitment to providing affordable housing for Irvine’s residents. Following its independence, ICLT also expanded its mission to support communities throughout Orange County.
Is ICLT financially independent?
Yes. Although ICLT originally received funding from the City of Irvine to launch its mission, it is and remains financially independent from the City. ICLT also received substantial funds as a named co-plaintiff in a settlement between the City of Irvine’s Successor Agency and the State of California Department of Finance. The settlement arose from the statewide dissolution of redevelopment agencies in 2012, which placed prior redevelopment commitments — including the City’s grant agreement with ICLT — at risk. Settlement proceeds were distributed to ICLT from 2018 through 2024, with the understanding that all funds would be used to acquire, develop, and provide affordable housing within the City of Irvine. As of 2025, ICLT has demonstrated that all settlement funds received have been deployed toward affordable housing developments in Irvine, fulfilling its obligations under the original grant agreement.
How the Model Works
How does the ground lease model work?
ICLT owns the land and enters into long-term, renewable ground leases with homeowners or rental developers.
- For ownership communities, homebuyers purchase the home but lease the land underneath it at an affordable rate. In exchange for a below-market purchase price, homeowners agree to a resale formula within the ground lease that limits appreciation, preserving affordability for future buyers.
- For rental communities, the ground lease restricts the rents that can be charged, ensuring long-term affordability for tenants.
Are ICLT homes permanently affordable?
Yes. Unlike traditional affordable housing programs where affordability restrictions may expire after 30 to 55 years, ICLT’s ground lease model preserves affordability in perpetuity. Because ICLT retains ownership of the land and the ground lease includes resale and rent restrictions, affordability is maintained for current and future generations.
Housing & Eligibility
What types of housing does ICLT support?
ICLT supports a range of housing types, including:
- Affordable rental apartments
- For-sale townhomes and condominiums
- Special needs housing, including group homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Housing reserved for veterans and formerly homeless individuals
What communities does ICLT currently have?
ICLT’s portfolio includes Sage Park (for-sale homes), Parc Derian Apartments, Alegre Apartments, Salerno Apartments, Doria Apartments, scattered-site condominiums, and special needs group homes.
Who is eligible to live in ICLT housing?
Eligibility varies by community. Generally, ICLT housing serves individuals and families earning between 30% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Rental communities typically serve households at 30%–80% AMI, while ownership communities may serve households earning up to 120% AMI. Each community has its own income requirements based on its financing structure.
How can I apply for housing at an ICLT community?
ICLT does not directly accept applications. Because ICLT leases its land to developers/operators who manage the individual communities, applications are handled by the respective property management companies for each development. Visit our Contact Us page for links to current communities and contact information.
Does ICLT maintain a waitlist for affordable housing?
No. While ICLT does not maintain a waitlist, there are several agencies that track affordable housing availability in the region, including the City of Irvine, the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, and the Orange County Housing Authority.
Governance & Funding
How is ICLT governed?
ICLT is governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by the membership. Board members are comprised of individuals who live or work in the City of Irvine. A professional staff led by an Executive Director manages day-to-day operations.
How is ICLT funded?
ICLT utilizes a combination of funding sources, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), public agency loans and grants, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds from HUD, and private partnerships. ICLT also generates revenue through ground lease payments, which are reinvested into future affordable housing projects.
