Land Bank
The City of Cleveland Land Bank Program
The City of Cleveland Land Bank Program helps put public land back to productive use.
The City acquires properties through demolition, neglect, foreclosure and other circumstances, then makes eligible parcels available to residents, property owners, businesses and other applicants for reuse.
Whether you want to expand your yard, start a community garden, build on a parcel or pursue another eligible use, the Land Bank Program can help you take the next step toward putting public land to work.
Eligibility
Applicants for land bank parcels must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicant is not tax delinquent on any property they own in the city of Cleveland.
- Applicant does not have open code violations on any property they own in the city of Cleveland.
- Applicant has current rental registration for all rental property they own in the city of Cleveland.
- If applying for a yard expansion, applicant owns and lives in the adjacent property as their primary residence.
- Commercial property owners (including apartment building owners) may apply and are only eligible to purchase at a market rate price.
Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Cleveland’s Land Reutilization Program (Cleveland Land Bank) owns, manages and maintains vacant land owned by the City. Land bank property is made available for sale or lease to individuals, developers, partner agencies and non-profit organizations for the purposes of redevelopment. The goal of the Land Bank is to contribute to the social, economic and environmental health and vibrancy of Cleveland’s neighborhoods through the redevelopment and revitalization of its land.
The Cleveland Land Bank is part of the Office of Land Strategy and Asset Redevelopment, which is one of five offices in the Department of Development. The Land Bank was previously administered by the Department of Community Development. The Department of Development also administers the City’s Industrial-Commercial Land Bank.
Applicants must be current on property taxes and have no active code violations on property they own. If applicant owns residential rental property, applicant must be current on all rental registrations.
The yard expansion program is available to homeowner-occupied residents who live in the home that borders a City land bank property. Owner-occupants in one, two and three-family homes are eligible. The City reserves some parcels for new construction in order to support neighborhood investment and create housing, so not all parcels are available as yard expansions. Interested homeowners should submit a Land Bank Application and site plan, and Land Bank staff will help you determine if the parcel is available.
It depends. Applicants seeking to improve property with permanent improvements are considered a development and are not usually available as yard expansions. These improvements include paved surfaces and structures that require a foundation and require lot consolidation. Please reach out to the City Land Bank Staff will review your submission to determine if your request qualifies as through the Homeowner Yard Expansion Program, or if it will be processed as a development application. We’re here to help!
The City Planning Commission and Department of Building & Housing can provide you with information to help you get started. Here are some initial considerations:
- Site Plans are required to get started: Applicants can start the land bank application process by submitting a complete Expression of Interest and a site plan. Required site plan elements include key dimensions such as setbacks from property lines, widths of structures and drives, etc.
It is important to note that if your application is approved, the parcel cannot transfer until design review approval and proof of financing are completed and submitted. - Shop around for architects and builders: Find a contractor who is licensed and experienced. Check references and ratings including the Better Business Bureau. Builders must be registered with the City of Cleveland in order to pull permits. These entities will also be able to help you with a site plan to get started.
- Gather Financing: Speak with your bank or local lenders to ensure you will be able to secure funding to finance your home construction project.
- Complete the Design Review process: Submit your building plans to the City for approval. Applicants will work with their Neighborhood Planner to guide them through the process.
- Secure a building permit: You need permission from the City to start building. Contact the Department of Building & Housing to learn about the permit application process.
- Building and Zoning Codes: All Building and Zoning codes apply. Your home must meet the City’s building codes and zoning rules. Codes help ensure the structure is safe. You must also follow the City’s design guidelines and secure the proper permits. Typically, your neighborhood planner and builder will help you navigate these processes.
The Land Bank currently leases properties for community gardens and agricultural uses. The Land Bank is exploring policy updates to consider sale of land for gardens and agriculture following a successful license period. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, in order to request a license or lease for a community garden or agricultural use, start by filling out the City of Cleveland's Land Bank Application.
No. You will be contacted via email if your application is approved. Payment is not required until all approvals are completed, and deeds are prepared for signature. Land Bank Staff can provide you with more information.