Vacant Lot Sales Programs

Program Goal

Create low-cost opportunities for owner-occupants to acquire adjacent vacant lot to expand the use of their property.

Intended Uses

Larger yard, fenced-in area, play space, personal garden

Eligible Parcels

Vacant lots up to 4,000 square feet with no existing structures.

Eligible Applicants

Adjacent property owners, churches, businesses, and nonprofit organizations may be eligible. Intended use must be in line with program goals and submitted with the application. Owner – occupants will be prioritized.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed in the order received.

Cost

$1.00

Type of Transaction

Deed

Restrictions

End use of property as side yard. Should buyer wish to build new construction, Landbank approval is required.

Other Program-Specific Information

Buyer is not required to consolidate parcels but doing so will reduce the number of tax bills. Should an applicant decide to build on side yard, they will return to Landbank to request release of restrictions.

Monitoring

Annually for 3 years to check for property maintenance violations, delinquent taxes, and unexpected construction.

Program Goal

Create opportunities for nearby owner-occupants to increase property ownership and build wealth by acquiring a vacant lot on their block.

Intended Uses

Garden, new construction, fenced-in area, maintained community space.

Eligible Parcels

Vacant lots up to 5,000 square feet with no existing structures.

Eligible Applicants

     Owner-occupants or long-term renters on same block.

• A block includes all properties on the same street, between cross streets and alleys. The buyer should be able to easily see the other lot from their front or back yards.

• “Long-term renter” is a person who has legally and verifiably occupied the same rental unit for at least 5 years.

    Applicants with documented family ownership or rental history of the parcel

• Eligible applicants include children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of a previous owner or renter.

• Must provide intended use, plan, and project timeline.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. If two or more applications are received within 5 days of each other, preference will be given to the first owner-occupant applicant.

Cost

$250.00

Type of Transaction

Deed

Restrictions

Buyer is restricted from selling property for 3 years from the date of purchase.

Other Program-Specific Information

Buyer may build on property. Restrictions will be released if construction is completed within 3 years of date of purchase.

Monitoring

Annual check for property maintenance violations, delinquent taxes, and construction. Monitoring at 3 years from date of purchase prior to releasing restrictions.

Program Goal

Create affordable homeownership opportunities for neighborhood residents to build wealth through new construction

Intended Uses

New residential or commercial construction

Eligible Parcels

Vacant lots up to 10,000 square feet with no existing structures

Eligible Applicants

Individuals and organizations with plans and capacity to construct new residential or commercial buildings. Preference given to neighborhood residents and those creating homeownership or local business opportunities.

Application Process

Applications can be submitted during open 14-day window and will be scored with standard program criteria.  Click here to see Scoring Criteria. Applicants are encouraged to self-score prior to submission.  Minimum scoring threshold: 57.  Maximum score: 115. 

Cost

Build Back our Blocks has two convenient cost options, both at a reduced rate from the private market.

Ready Rate: Buyer provides project plan, budget, timeline, and proof of funds:

• Properties under 5,000 square feet: $500.00

• Properties 5,001-9,999 square feet: $1,000.00

• Properties 10,000 square feet and above: n/a, will be offered for sale via Community Impact Solicitations.

Opportunity Rate: Buyer provides project plan, budget, and timeline (no proof of funds):

• Properties under 5,000 square feet: $2,500.00

• Properties 5,001-9,999 square feet: $5,000.00

• Properties 10,000 square feet and above: n/a, will be offered for sale via Community Impact Solicitations.

Type of Transaction

Deed

Restrictions

Restrictions will include end use and timeline. May be released after construction is complete and property is occupied.

Other Program-Specific Information

Applicant must provide a project plan, budget, timeline, and proof of funds. Should buyer not have proof of funds, application may be submitted with project plan, budget, timeline, and plan for raising funds.

Organizations providing proof of funding commitment from Louisville Metro Government or the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund are eligible to purchase BBOB properties for $1.

Monitoring

Projects will be regularly monitored from date of purchase through construction until completion. Monitoring will include on-site inspections (in addition to required regulatory inspections) and desk reviews (review of LMG databases for permits, violations, etc.). At initial occupancy, buyer may request release of restrictions.

Program Goal

Provide opportunities for vacant land re-use as urban agriculture.

Intended Uses

Community garden, market garden, other agricultural uses

Eligible Parcels

Vacant lots up to 7,000 square feet with no existing structures

Eligible Applicants

Individuals and organizations with the capacity to complete and maintain the proposed garden project for a minimum of 3 years.

Application Process

All applications must be reviewed by the UK Extension Office representative prior to being reviewed by the Landbank staff. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.

Cost

Lot may be leased for $1.00 per year pending annual renewal.

Type of Transaction

Lease

Restrictions

Use for vacant lot is limited to the proposed garden project submitted by the applicant.

Other Program-Specific Information

Applicant must provide a project plan, budget, timeline, and proof of funds. Budget and proof of funds must include 3-year operating costs. Soil testing, liability insurance, staked survey completed by a licensed surveyor, and water for purposes of maintaining the garden shall be available on site.

Monitoring

Projects will be regularly monitored from the date of lease throughout the completion of the proposed project. The lease will be reviewed annually for renewal. Monitoring will include on-site inspections and desk reviews.