FAQs
Browse frequently asked questions to learn more about City-owned land and the land sale process.
Jump to FAQs about:
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How many vacant lots does the City of Chicago own?
The City owns approximately 10,000 parcels of land, mostly on the south and west sides. Much of the land has been in City inventory since the early 1980s. The City has acquired land through the foreclosure of demolition liens, the Cook County tax scavenger sale, property condemnation, and sometimes direct purchase.
You can see all City-owned land in the City's inventory via the open data portal and visualize surplus vacant land using the City-owned vacant land map.
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How do I know whether a vacant lot is owned by the City or someone else?
Land owned by the City is recorded in the City's open data portal. Vacant surplus land can be visualized using the City-owned vacant land map.
If you do not see a vacant lot in the data portal, you can assume that it is not owned by the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago does not collect information about private vacant lot ownership. The Cook County Clerk's Recordings Division accurately records, stores and maintains land records and other official documents.
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How can I report a problem with a vacant lot in my neighborhood?
If there is a problem with a vacant lot in your neighborhood, please submit a 311 request at 311.chicago.gov. The Department of Streets and Sanitation handles issues on vacant land such as high weeds, presence of trash and debris, and fly dumping.
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I have a question about property taxes on a property I own.
The Cook County Treasurer's Office is responsible for the collection of property taxes from property owners in Chicago. Visit their website for more information on what you owe and how to pay your bill.
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When can applications be submitted through ChiBlockBuilder?
The first round of land applications was open from November 17, 2022, through February 3, 2023. A second round of applications opened Nov. 1, 2023, with submission deadlines of Nov. 30, 2023 and Jan. 12, 2024, depending on the property.
Future rounds will open on an ongoing basis. To stay up to date on future rounds, sign up for the DPD Land Sales email list.
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When can I expect to hear back about my application?
The applications submitted ahead of the Feb. 3, 2023 deadline are currently being reviewed and processed. If you submitted an application, you can expect to hear back from the Department of Planning and Development in fall 2023.
If you would like to be contacted when the next round of applications open, sign up here.
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What buyer support is available during the application process?
DPD held three information sessions during the inaugural application period:
- December 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. (English) - Watch the recording
- December 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. (Español) - Watch the recording
- January 12, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. (English) - Watch the recording
Assistance is also available in English and Spanish by phone at 312-935-1030, and by email at info@chiblockbuilder.com.
Potential buyers can also review an application checklist at this link.
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Who is eligible to purchase land and for what types of uses?
Residents, developers, community organizations, and other entities are eligible to purchase lots for use as side yards, housing, commercial projects, and open spaces such as gardens or plazas.
Housing Side Yard Commercial Development Open Space Urban Agriculture Affordable: For sale housing that will be affordable to households at up to 120-140% of area median income (AMI)
Market Rate: Housing that will be occupied by the builder or sold at market rate
Fenced yard directly adjacent to a neighbor’s home; can be used for any purpose allowable by zoning A property intended to house a business, such as a store, restaurant, or office. This includes mixed-used buildings, which have both commercial space and housing. Spaces for community and recreation, such as gardens, parks and plazas. Sites for growing food that will be licensed by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. -
How does ChiBlockBuilder differ from previous land sale programs?
ChiBlockBuilder replaces all of the City’s land sale programs with a universal application process. The online portal includes an interactive map of available properties, pricing information, and a digital submission process that will foster infill development and open space projects within local neighborhoods.
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How does the City decide which properties to sell?
Available properties are being offered in support of existing neighborhood planning goals based on environmental conditions, location, and input from the public and elected officials.
If a parcel of interest is currently not available for sale, it may be available in future rounds. Interested applicants can request notification about future availability through the online portal.
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What does it mean if a parcel is "Not for sale at this time due to: Further Environmental Review Needed"?
The City of Chicago has performed a limited environmental review of various internal files and other publicly available records for the vacant lots available for sale through this program. Land has been categorized as either:
- Cleared for sale, which means the City’s review either 1) did not identify potential environmental concerns associated with the property or 2) identified potential environmental concerns associated with the Property that the City will not require to be assessed further before acquisition. As a result, the City will not require the buyer to complete any additional environmental assessment.
- Requires further review, which means there were environmental records of concern associated with this property and, as a result, the City has determined that additional environmental assessment of the property is required before any acquisition.
More information about the limited environmental review process is available here.
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What are the specific steps for purchasing a property through the web site?
- Step 1: Browse available properties. Filter by community area, ward, zoning and other criteria.
- Step 2: Complete an eligibility form. The form helps determine whether you are eligible to purchase a given property for a proposed use.
- Step 3: Complete an application. The application asks for relevant info about your goals for a given site.
- Step 4: Receive application response. The response will detail whether your application has been approved.
- Step 5: Complete the City review and approval process. Depending on the project, your designs may need to be formally approved and require Building Permits for new construction.
- Step 6: Close on property. Pay for the property and receive the deed to the land.
- Step 7: Begin project. Activate your land.
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I'm interested in a site that includes a parcel or parcels owned by the Cook County Land Bank Authority. Do I need to take additional steps to acquire that property?Yes, land owned by the Cook County Land Bank Authority must be acquired through that agency. A brochure is available with more information about how to engage with the CCLBA.
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What opportunities exist for homeowners?
Owner/occupants may purchase City land adjacent to their homes for 10% of the lot’s market value. When applying, select the “Side Yard” application.
Owners may purchase City land on the same block for use as open space for 10% of the lot’s market value. When applying, select the “Open Space” application.
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What opportunities exist for business owners?
Business owners may purchase land for new construction based on existing zoning. When applying, select the “Commercial Building” application.
Owners may purchase City land adjacent to their businesses for use as open space for 10% of the lot’s market value. When applying, select the “Side Yard” application.
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What opportunities exist for Block Clubs?
Block Clubs may purchase City land on the their block for use as open space for 10% of the lot’s market value. When applying, select the “Open Space” application. Block Clubs may apply as a non-profit if they are organized as such, or an individual resident on the block may apply on behalf of a Block Club.
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How are lots’ market values determined?
The City partnered with a network of local real estate brokers to conduct market assessments for each lot using a sales comparison approach for comparable properties in each area. The approach also considered lot sizes, zoning, shape, condition and other factors to arrive at their individual market values.
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Are buyers required to submit a minimum bid?
No. Each parcel has a price based on its market value. Some parcels may be available at 10% of the market value depending on buyer information and project scope.
Buyers who are unable to pay market value may propose lower purchase prices that can be detailed through the online application process.
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How will are multiple buyer applications for the same lot prioritized?
Applicants are scored based on the following criteria:
Category Description Applicant Priority given to buyers living on the block, residents of Chicago, and small developers. Project Type Priority given to new housing construction, followed by side yards for neighbors, followed by open space projects. Project Feasibility Priority given to projects with clear plans and designs, realistic timeline, and that are consistent with existing zoning requirements. Experience Priority given to applicants with proven experience completing similar projects. Financing Priority given to projects with existing financing or a viable plan to secure financing. Neighborhood Benefit Priority given to projects that reference existing community plans, have written or other proven support from neighbors, or have other tangible community benefits. -
Is more than one lot available per application?
No. Applications are limited to single lots. Buyers with projects that include multiple adjacent City parcels should submit multiple applications that identify the other lots as part of the project descriptions.
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What are the property taxes on lots being sold through Chi BlockBuilder?
Property taxes are determined by the Cook County Assessor based on a property’s assessed value. Assessed value is not the same as market value.
For comparative purposes only, the 2021 taxes for vacant lots previously sold by the City to private buyers are below:
Address
Neighborhood
2021 taxes
Assessed value
Sq ft
5938 W IOWA ST
Austin
$858.29
$4,268
4,493
3459 W FULTON ST
East Garfield Park
$1,246.44
$6,178
5,258
5014 S LAFLIN ST
Greater Englewood
$390.30
$1,942
2,987
5006 S MICHIGAN AVE
Greater Englewood
$1,938.26
$9,610
5,653
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Do buyers have to maintain possession for a minimum time before selling?
Purchasers of land for side yards and open space must hold the property for at least five years prior to selling. Exceptions require written approval from the Department of Planning & Development.
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Is the City conducting an impact evaluation of ChiBlockBuilder?
The Great Cities Institute (GCI) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) will conduct an evaluation of the program based on utilization, public safety, wealth-building and fiscal impact. More information on the evaluation is available here.
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Is the City’s $1 Large Lots $1 sale program still active?
The last Large Lots application period closed in 2018. Any previously approved sales to Large Lot buyers that have yet to be completed will continue to be processed and closed by spring 2023. For an update on an outstanding Large Lots application, call 312-935-1030 or email info@chiblockbuilder.com.
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How are property deeds made available to buyers?
Deeds are available from the Cook County Clerk's Office. Deeds dated before 1985 are available at Recorder of Deeds offices at 118 N Clark St. Deeds dated after 1985 may be downloaded from the County Clerk website.
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What City requirements exist for new owners after sales are completed?
Basic requirements include ongoing maintenance, fencing if the lot remains vacant, and payment of property taxes moving forward, as determined by the Cook County Assessor.
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How do I know if my project is allowed by zoning?
To learn more about City of Chicago zoning requirements, please visit Second City Zoning and the City’s interactive zoning map. The Zoning Ordinance Administration Division within the Department of Planning and Development reviews building permit applications to ensure compliance to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
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How can I get information about creating a community garden or urban farm?
Learn more by visiting the BACP Urban Agriculture Land Access website or reviewing the City’s Urban Agriculture FAQ.
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Can lots be used for market rate housing?
Yes, lots are available for purchase at market values for market rate housing. Applications should have a clear plan for construction, funding, and occupancy commitments. When applying, select the “Market Rate Housing” application.
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Can lots be used for affordable housing?
Yes, lots are available for purchase for $1 for affordable housing projects, provided the projects are part the Department of Housing’s City Lots for Working Families (CL4WF) program. Through the program, eight to 20 City-owned lots with a maximum appraised value of $125,000 can be conveyed per developer for each project. Read more about CL4WF and learn about program requirements here.
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Are “tiny homes” allowed on the lots?
Tiny home proposals will be solicited through a Department of Housing Request for Proposals in early 2023. A tiny home in Chicago can only be established in RT-4 zoning or in a planned development, pursuant to Section 17-2-0500 of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
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Can lots be used for a community land trust?
The City’s Community Wealth Building model defines a community land trust as an organization governed by community owns land in perpetuity while residential and commercial tenants own the structures atop the land via a 99-year ground lease. If you are interested in purchasing land for a community land trust as defined, please submit an application for “Open Space” and ensure you have included a plan to fence, maintain, and activate the land.