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Home Improvement Permits & Inspections
The City of Irvine is no longer issuing building permits or providing inspection services for any building on UC land, including home improvements in University Hills. Building permits and inspections will now be the responsibility of UCI Design & Construction Services (D&CS).
UCI D&CS is directing University Hills residents with a proposed home improvement to first contact ICHA Community Development. To start the process, please send an email to homeimprovements@icha.uci.edu. ICHA will connect homeowners needing permits to a third-party inspector that will process all permits on behalf of UCI.
For more information, including fees, timeline and University Hills Special Process, go to the UCI D&CS Permits & Inspections page.
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Be on the Lookout for an Important Change to Autopay (ACH)
We are excited to announce a new feature for the University Hills Resident Portal (CondoCafe) that allows homeowners to have more control over their accounts, including setting up recurring ACH, making secure online payments and viewing account activity.
Please be on the lookout for email invitations to join the portal and sign up for payments. (This new payment method replaces the current ACH program. Homeowners will need to reenter banking information). Your invitation will contain instructions to set up banking information for each payee (up to three) associated with your address: University Hills-ICHA, Townhomes-ICHA, GroundSublease-ICHA Real Estate, Schubert Condos-UHCOA, Whitman Condos-UHCOA II.
We will also send an email closer to launch with a specific time frame to check your messages for the invitations. Thank you for your prompt attention.
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For-Sale Capital Improvements Information | |
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Did you know that at the time of sale, qualified capital improvements (generally additional permanent physical improvements to your home) that you have made during your ownership may be assessed by a qualified appraiser and the fair-market value may be added to your Final Maximum Resale Price? Thirty days prior to signing the documents to sell, owners may contact one of three ICHA-qualified appraisers to complete a physical inspection of the improvements. Here are some tips to prepare for a future sale:
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Review the list of qualified capital improvements below prior to making an improvement.
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Contact ICHA Real Estate Sales & Administration if you have questions about an improvement that is not listed.
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Keep your receipts for the work that you have completed on your home.
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Remember, the appraiser will consider costs for qualified improvements and make a decision based on quality, condition, market appeal, and useful life among the other factors they consider when determining the fair market value. Please note that value assessed for capital improvements typically depreciates over time. The return on any capital improvement is primarily for your own use and only a portion of the cost is returned to you when appraised at fair market value.
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In Memorium - Chuck Hayward | The ICHA team is sad to report the passing of Chuck Hayward in July, 2024. Chuck served in various leadership roles at ICHA from 1989 to 2014, including Executive Vice President, President & CEO and CEO Emeritus. A creative thinker, Chuck would often encouraged the team to analyze projects from various angles and vantage points in order to derive the best solutions. His leadership of the organization, integrity and humanity left an enduring legacy: to make the world a better place one brick, one tree and one house at a time. Thank you, Chuck. You are remembered and missed. | |
Let's Talk Fire Hardening & Fuel Modification | |
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California's fire season has moved to a year-round new normal, and the cost of homeowner's insurance is increasing in response. It's time to take a good hard look at doing what you can to protect your home. The State of California has some great resources for this, including a home hardening guide and information on the California Fair Plan for insurance. Also check CalFire's insurance preparedness guide.
For UCI Emergency Management resources, including evacuation zones and plans, and zotAlert sign up info, click on https://em.uci.edu/
And finally, click here to read ICHA's fuel modification program. The program explains how ICHA collaborates annually with UC Irvine and the Orange County Fire Authority to remove and minimize “fuel” in natural areas surrounding University Hills.
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Don't Miss Fall Fiesta Survey on Intergenerational, Multicultural Connections | |
The UHills Homeowners' Representative Board (HRB) is launching a brief survey at the Fall Fiesta on 10/13 about promoting intergenerational and multicultural events and activities in University Hills. The electronic survey can be easily completed using a mobile phone. Visit the HRB booth at Fall Fiesta to take the survey, which will assist the HRB in the important work of assessing the needs of the UHills community! | |
City of Irvine/OC Seniors Guide | |
Last year, the HRB organized a focus group of residents to learn more about the specific needs of 65+ individuals living in University Hills. They worked to better understand what “aging in place,” (staying in your own home as you get older) looks like in University Hills. The HRB's work on this issue inspired the collection of a comprehensive listing of resources and activities for Irvine seniors, both private and public. To view it, click the button below. | |
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Be Aware of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks
We are all aware that lithium-ion batteries are powering the electric vehicles, cell phones, e-bikes, laptops, toys, smoke alarms and power tools that drive our modern, connected world. But the dangers these batteries can pose if they overheat are less known. Poorly stored or low quality lithium batteries can cause a fire or explosion, risking harm to you and your family as well as your home or apartment. Keep yourself and your family safe by following these safety tips. Please review this safety flyer from the Orange Country Fire Authority.
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University Hills Tree Care Program | |
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Commencing in early September, Management began addressing various tree pruning areas across the Hill. Generally, alternating every year, leafy (deciduous or evergreen) and conifer (pines, cedars, etc.) tree varieties are scheduled for lacing, removal or other arboricultural care. In 2023, University Hills pines and conifers were addressed and will be reviewed again in 2025. This year's focus is on various Eucalyptus varieties on and within the common paseos and slope areas.
In addition, each year, street tree pruning projects are addressed as growth dictates. ICHA's ongoing Neighborhood Tree Management Program has resulted in exceptional tree care, reduced risk, our own healthy and attractive Neighborhood Forest, environmental and wildlife enhancements and extremely limited branch and tree failure. The benefits and biodiversity of a tree-enhanced community go on and on.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Andrew Herndon, VP of Community Development and International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
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Construction is progressing on schedule. Please use caution when travelling near the Area 12 site. As construction ramps up, so will the number of construction vehicles entering and exiting the site. For construction timeline, site plan, video renderings of new homes, interactive floor plans and more, visit https://icha.uci.edu/area12
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Google Fiber will host a booth to answer questions about fiber internet service coming to University Hills. Other providers including Cox and AT&T have been invited as well, but have not yet responded.
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ICHA reserves the right to send to an unsubscribed e-mail certain important communications such as construction notifications or emergencies. The unsubscribed status will be respected for all other ICHA or HRB communications. | | | | |
