Large Lots

Frequently asked questions

How do I purchase a sideyard?
Where can I find an application?
Do I pay for the lot when I return the application?
How much does a property cost?
How much in property taxes will I pay?
Can I buy the lot behind my home?
Why can’t I purchase a lot for a sideyard that isn’t adjacent to me?
What would prevent me from getting the property that I am applying for?
Would speaking to the council person for the area where the land bank parcel is help?
I’m already maintaining the vacant lot – does this increase my chances of getting it?
What are the steps in the application process?
Why can’t you tell me how long it will take to make a decision about my application?
How will I be notified when a decision is made about my application?
What can I plant in my sideyard?
Can I put a fence around my sideyard?
What if the sideyard I purchase still includes the driveway apron?

How do I purchase a sideyard?

You must own a home adjacent to the vacant lot you wish to purchase. The lot you desire must be in the city of Cleveland’s inventory at the time of application. You must be current on your taxes, and your property must be free of any code violations (this stands for any additional property you may own in Cuyahoga County).

You may put in an application with the city land bank. Applications must include a photo of your property, a photo of the vacant lot you wish to purchase, and a site design for the vacant lot.

Where can I find an application?

You can apply directly through this website! Applications can also be picked up at the office of Community Development at 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 320, Cleveland, OH 44114. You can also contact the community development department via phone or e-mail and request that an application be mailed to you. Applications can be returned via mail, e-mail, or at the office of Community Development.

Phone: (216) 664 – 4126
E-mail: CD-DND@city.cleveland.oh.us
Download the application here

Do I pay for the lot when I return the application?

No. You will be contacted via mail if your application is approved and payment will be requested then. We are not able to process refund payment for applications paid for in advance in the event that the application ends up not being approved.

How much does a property cost?

Cost is determined by the planned use.

Side Yard Expansion: $200
New Housing Construction Lot: $200
Development Lots: by appraised value
Agriculture/Garden Lots: $200 or lease purchase price for $1. There is a “claw back” provision if used for non-agricultural purposes.
Interim Uses (License): Negotiated. Generally licensed for $1 per year for gardening/greening uses.

How much in property taxes will I pay?

Can I buy the lot behind my home?

These purchases are discouraged because the residents who are adjacent and share a side property line may be interested in purchasing the lot. Also, while the lot may be a valued addition for your personal property, the flow of the street on which the lot resides may be interrupted by a lot used in that way.

Why can’t I purchase a lot for a sideyard that isn’t adjacent to me?

Lots not adjacent to your property are not considered side yards and aren’t eligible for purchase for that purpose. Lots not adjacent to your property have potential for development or greenspace only. Those applications can be found here.

What would prevent me from getting the property that I am applying for?

Reasons to deny a resident’s request to purchase a lot might be but are not limited to:

Delinquent taxes
Poor condition of applicant’s own property
If applicant’s property has gone into foreclosure (even if payment arrangements have been made).

Would speaking to the council person for the area where the land bank parcel is help?

Speaking to the council person in the area that the land bank lot is in is never a bad idea, with the understanding that while their input is important, they do not have the final say in regards to the resident’s application approval.

I’m already maintaining the vacant lot – does this increase my chances of getting it?

Providing maintenance (mowing, removing trash, etc.) to a lot you wish to purchase can demonstrate that you would be willing and capable of continuing to take care of the property if it was in your possession. However, no resident is required to maintain a vacant lot. Even if you have not done any maintenance to the lot you wish to purchase, your application is considered with the same regard.

What are the steps in the application process?

Why can’t you tell me how long it will take to make a decision about my application?

The application process can be a lengthy one for the following reasons:

Staff changes which contributed to a current backlog of applications.
Land bank staff is waiting to receive additional requested information from the applicant.
Application must be reviewed by many people (as shown in the flow chart), which can take time.
Additional review may be required for lots in Design Review Districts, Landmark Districts, or Sustainable Development Planning areas.

How will I be notified when a decision is made about my application?

You will be notified by mail if your application is approved or disapproved. If approved, you will receive a deed package which will include the property deed that you will need to sign and return, along with payment for the property.

What can I plant in my sideyard?

Native plants and shrubs are welcome to be planted, though you are invited to be creative. For a list of native plant examples, visit Plant Native. For more on native plants, check out the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio. For ideas on incorporating native plants, shrubs, and trees, visit the Re-Imagining Cleveland Ideas to Action Resource Book.

Can I put a fence around my sideyard?

Yes, you can put a fence around your sideyard, but it must be to city code. It must be no more than 6 feet high at the back and sides of the property. Fencing at the front of the property must be no more than 4 feet high, and usually must be constructed of an ornamental fencing material. For a more detailed description of the fence requirements, see the Cleveland Code on the topic.

What if the sideyard I purchase still includes the driveway apron?

It is possible that a driveway apron may remain as part of the lot from when the demolition was completed. If this is the case, once you purchase the sideyard, you must have the driveway apron removed, and re-instate the tree lawn and curb for that lot.