The following table compares the most common legal ownership structures used in community development across key dimensions relevant to regenerative community design.

Structure

Affordability Control

Governance Model

Financing Access

Tax Treatment

Complexity

Community Land Trust

Permanent via resale formula

Nonprofit board + resident rep

CDFIs, grants

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)

High

Limited Equity Coop

Resale restrictions in bylaws

Democratic 1-member-1-vote

Share loans; limited conventional

Cooperative corp

High

Homeowners Association

None by default (CC&Rs can add)

Board + member votes per lot

Conventional mortgages

Pass-through to owners

Medium

Tenancy in Common

None by default

TIC agreement terms

Portfolio/private lenders

Pass-through to owners

Low-Medium

LLC / LP

None (market rate)

Operating agreement

Commercial loans, investors

Pass-through

Medium

Note: This comparison is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before selecting a legal structure for community development.