Frequently asked questions
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations governed by a board of directors comprising CLT property residents, supportive community members, and professionals with specific qualifications, i.e., accountants, realtors, and general building contractors.
Funding for property purchases is available through donations from private individuals, grants from state and county governments and nonprofit organizations, operating revenues from rental properties, public land disposition, and low-cost loans.
A CLT home is either rented or sold at an affordable price. When it is sold, the CLT retains ownership of the land and gives the homeowner a 99-year ground lease with restrictions to ensure the affordability of the home for future buyers.
Public and private funding grants to CommonSpace Community Land Trust (CSCLT) always want us to demonstrate local backing through membership and membership contributions. The more comprehensive our membership, the more likely we are to be funded.
All members are welcome to apply to join a committee. You are entitled to vote at our annual membership meetings, nominate board members, receive annual reports, periodic newsletters and updates, and receive invitations to meetings and special events.
CSCLT is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation with an open membership and a democratically-elected board of directors.
CommonSpace CLT serves all of Sonoma County, both rural unincorporated areas and all Cities and Urban Service Areas.
To volunteer with CommonSpace, please contact us using our
contact form.
You can also email our general inbox at [email protected], or write to us at:
Commonspace CLT
1809 Cooper Rd
Sebastopol, CA 95472
YES.
If you own real estate and are inspired by the idea of putting land back into the Public Trust, and providing affordable housing for future generations, consider donating part or all of your property to CommonSpace Community Land Trust (CSCLT).
Yes, there are many options you may consider.
Each option has advantages depending on your needs, goals and financial situation. There are tax advantages to each possibility, and we recommend you consult with your tax accountant or attorney to decide which best matches your situation.
CommonSpace Community Land Trust (CSCLT) is open to being creative with possibilities — as we are all in this together. By contributing your property to CSCLT, you will experience the satisfaction of contributing to a growing movement changing the way our society views private property and how we live together.
