Side Lot Program

The Side Lot Program allows Applicants (residents, garden groups and non-profit organizations) to acquire vacant lots owned by the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation (Cuyahoga Land Bank). Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements listed below to be considered. Please note that certain restrictions may apply.

Basic Eligibly Requirements

-The Applicant must live in and own a property adjacent to the Cuyahoga Land Bank's lot.

-The Applicant must be current on all property taxes and have no current housing or zoning code violations.

-The lot must be vacant and unimproved real property with no structures.

-The Applicant must be able to maintain the lot in accordance with all local building, housing and zoning codes.

If the property is located in THE CITY OF CLEVELAND, you must obtain and submit a letter of support from your Councilperson within 30 days from the date of application.

If the property is located in a Suburb of Cleveland, you must obtain and submit a letter of support from the Building and Housing Department of that Municipality, Mayor, or your Councilperson.

Key Considerations

1. Applications will not be processed until the structure is demolished.

2. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

3. Once the application has been approved, Cuyahoga Land Bank and the buyer will work together to close the transaction.

4. Please note that the property will be transferred 'AS IS,' via a Quit Claim Deed. (Once demolition is complete and the site has basic finishes).

5. In the event that multiple adjacent property owners desire to acquire the same lot, the lot can be split, consolidated and transferred to the respective property owners.

6. The Cuyahoga Land Bank maintains the right to condition the transfer of title on the buyer's acceptance of certain deed restrictions. Restrictions may be included in the deed to ensure properties are maintained in an agreed upon way. If the buyer fails to maintain the property in an agreed upon way, the Cuyahoga Land Bank may exercise its discretion and take title to the property back from the buyer.

7. The cost to purchase a single lot is $100.00 (Larger lots capable of redevelopment or multiple lots may vary in price). This fee is due once the applicant receives a property conveyance agreement from Cuyahoga Land Bank. The fee can be paid by check or money order to: Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation

Click here to download the Side Lot Program Application

Land Bank Vacant Lots

Cities have first right of refusal for properties within their jurisdictions for the first 30 days after a property is posted on this website.

The Cuyahoga Land Bank reserves the right to withhold any property from the Side Yard Program.