Prioritizing Affordable Housing for Irvine Residents and Workers
The City of Irvine is committed to addressing housing instability and ensuring that affordable housing opportunities are accessible to those with strong ties to our community. In alignment with California’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) goals, the City adopted a Community Preference Policy in 2025 to prioritize affordable housing for Irvine residents and workers.
What is the Community Preference Policy?
The Community Preference Policy, established under Section 2-3-11 of the Irvine Zoning Ordinance, gives priority for affordable housing units approved after August 1, 2025, to:
- Individuals and families currently residing in Irvine; and
- Individuals employed within the City limits.
This policy applies to both rental and for-sale affordable housing units and is designed to:
- Address housing instability among at-risk populations;
- Support essential middle-income workers who contribute to Irvine's economy but struggle to secure affordable housing near their jobs; and
- Enhance access to supportive services and promote financial stability for those with established ties to Irvine.
Legal Framework
The policy aligns with Government Code Section 7061, enacted by Senate Bill 649, which permits local jurisdictions to implement community preference policies that comply with fair housing laws.
Implementation and Oversight
The Community Preference Policy is part of the City's broader efforts to expand affordable housing and support local populations in need. It is implemented through the Affordable Housing Implementation Procedure and is overseen by the Office of Health and Wellness. Developers providing affordable housing units are required to adhere to this policy when placing individuals and households into affordable housing units.
Learn More
For more information on the Community Preference Policy and affordable housing opportunities in Irvine, contact the Office of Health and Wellness at (949) 724-6114 or via email at affordablehousing@cityofirvine.org.