Disposition Case Studies

The Boston Yard Sale Program allows abutters to purchase vacant lots to be used as side yards, off street parking, garden, or expansion of an existing building. The lot is sold with a deed restriction preventing any future sale of open space lot separate from the building lot. Owner-occupied abutters pay $500-$1000 and non-owner occupied abutters pay $1000-$2000. The procedure takes 4 to 6 months. Chicago has a similar program, where property costs $300

Under a Vacant House Receivership Law enacted locally in Baltimore, a community-based organization may join the city in a legal action against a vacant property with city code violations that are not being addressed by the owner. The court appoints a receiver that may improve the property to code standards and sell it, using the sales proceeds to repay improvement costs or sell the property “as-is” to a qualified buyer. A nonprofit organization, the Community Law Center, has assisted many community-based organizations through receivership in coordination with the city.

Both Rockford, Illinois and Shreveport, Louisiana have programs where adjacent property owners take possession of a vacant property and keep it maintained.

The San Francisco Urban Gardens Program allows the League of Urban Gardens to lease vacant properties for an annual cost of $1. A five year lease is signed, with the League responsible for maintenance, utilities (if necessary), and insurance.

Chicago's Abandoned Property Program allows parties to bid for a property to rehabilitate. Once the property is rehabilitated the title can be transferred. The title reverts to the city if applicant fails to complete the approved project.

The Detroit Repair and Own Program allows private individuals to enter into contract with the city to acquire a city owned vacant home. The sale price is the cost of the home minus repairs. The contract is valid for three years, during which new owners do not pay property taxes. After three years, and repairs, purchasers gain title to the property.

St. Paul's Houses to Homes program subsidizes up to $40,000 of the rehabilitation costs of vacant single-family houses that are sold to low- to moderate-income persons.

Nashville's Urban Homesteading program offers vacant lots to persons willing to build and live in the residences for at least seven years.