City of Columbus

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who do I contact to make an inspection of Land Bank structures for sale?
  For each structure listed for sale on our website, the Asset Manager for that structure is given along with their email and phone number. 
• What should I bring to an inspection of a structure?
  An individual should wear protective shoes or boots and bring a flashlight. A notebook and camera are recommended to help document what will need to be completed for the rehab specifications on the application. A copy of the rehab specifications template from the Land Bank’s application may also be helpful at the time of inspections.
• Are there deadlines for when to submit an application?
  There is an initial offering period of four weeks when a structure is listed for the first time. At the end of four weeks, if an application has been received, the property will be taken off the market while applications are being reviewed.
• What if the Land Bank receives no applications by the four week deadline?
  If the Land Bank receives no applications during the initial four week deadline, the property will remain on the market without a deadline. When an application is received for a property past that initial offering period, the Land Bank will notify the public via our website. The structure will then be placed into a two week final offer period to allow any other potential applicants to finalize their applications and submit them before that date. After that two week deadline, the property will be unpublished from the website and all received applications will be processed. 
• Can I negotiate on prices of Land Bank properties?
  Yes, like any house sale the Land Bank will accept offers below or above the asking price for a structure. The Land Bank reserves the right to reject any application. Lot prices are typically non-negotiable unless the applicant wants to offer more. In order to reduce the price of a vacant lot without a structure, the applicant should choose to participate in the City's Improve to Own program. Property improvements and sweat equity put into the property can be used to offset the asking price of the lot.
• How do I submit my application? 
  1) Hand deliver your application to the Land Redevelopment Office at 845 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206.
  2) Email your application to [email protected].  
  3) Fax your application to Attn: Land Bank at 614-645-6675. 
  4) Apply for a Land Bank property online.  
  
  Please note that you will still need to complete the Land Bank addenda if you apply online. Part of the application is digitized online, but there are attachments that must be uploaded online as well.
• Are there fees for the application or at closing?
  There is no longer an application fee when an application is submitted. There is a $195 processing fee due upon staff approval of the application but prior to submitting the property for approval to City Council. The fee is non-refundable and is in addition to the purchase price. Checks or money orders should be made payable to "Columbus City Treasurer."
• How long is the review process and who reviews the application?

  An application for a structure will take at least 8 weeks to process after the structure’s application deadline. An application goes through multiple review steps before a property can be transferred. These include:

  • A review for completion of the application
  • A background review of the applicant
  • A project review of the building specifications and offer price
  • An administrator final approval review
  • A review by a neighborhood group such as an area commission as applicable
  • An approval from the Columbus City Council; this step may extend the time frame due to holidays, Council recess, etc.  
• What do I need to include with my application to rehab or build a structure?

  Besides turning in the application packet, there are several addenda required depending on the application, including:

  • Proof of Funds & Funding Documentation 
  • Applicant Property List
  • Applicant’s Property Photos 
  • Project & Experience Narrative for Renovation & New Construction
  • Lead Warning Statement for Renovation
  • Rehab Specifications and Project Costs for Renovation
  • List of additional contractors (if applicable)
  • Certificate of good standing, articles of incorporation or operating agreement, and a resolution authorizing applicant to purchase property ( only if the applicant is a business entity or nonprofit)
  • Site Plans & Elevation Drawings for New Construction
  • Project Costs & Breakdown for New Construction
  • Improvement Plan & Budget for ITOs or Gardens
  • Site Plan for ITO or Gardens
  • Liability Waiver for Gardens
• Who is eligible to buy a vacant lot? 
  1) An adjacent property owner of a parcel with an occupied structure whose property shares a property line with an undeveloped Land Bank parcel.
  2) An individual or organization may purchase a vacant lot if they are purchasing for new construction. 
• What is the 50% Improve-to-Own (ITO) program?
  Under the 50% ITO any applicant that owns an adjacent parcel with an occupied structure may participate. In other words, you do not have to live next to the property to be eligible. For 50% ITO, the applicant must make some kind of property improvements that are worth half of the asking price, which may include: fences, flower beds, tree trimming, etc.  These improvements must be completed in one year after signing an agreement with the City.  Then the buyer will get a 50% credit and only pay half the asking price.  The application processing fee is still due upon approval of your application.
• What is the 100% Improve-to-Own (ITO) program?
  Under the 100% ITO, only adjacent owner occupants are eligible. The 100% ITO follows the same guidelines but have a couple of important differences.  Under 100% ITO, the applicant can receive a 100% credit for improvements to and maintenance of the parcel.  The applicant may complete improvements that equal a minimum of 50% up to 100% of the purchase price of the property.  Additionally, the applicant may complete improvements that equal a minimum of 50% of the purchase price and earn additional credits of up to 50% of the purchase price by mowing and maintaining the property.  The applicant has up to three years to earn 100% credit using this program.  For example, a parcel costs $1,600. The applicant could put up a fence for $800 and mow the property for two years to receive an additional $800 in credits ($400/year mowing). They would pay zero dollars for the property.  The application processing fee is still due upon approval of your application.  
• Will the Land Bank inspect my structure after I complete my rehab?
  Yes, the Land Bank Asset Managers will do an inspection approximately six months after the sale of a structure to confirm the applicant is in compliance with their rehab specifications as submitted in their application. The Land Bank Asset Manager will contact you to schedule the inspection.  Alternatively, you may contact the Asset Manager upon completion to schedule the inspection. The Land Bank Asset Manager will require access to the interior to inspect the rehab work.
• How do I remove the deed restrictions placed on my property by the Land Bank?
  Upon completion of your rehab project and final inspection by the Land Bank Asset Manager, you may request that a Release of Restrictive Covenants be prepared and recorded by the City Land Bank.  There will be a $95 fee, which can be paid by check or money order made payable to the Columbus City Treasurer.

Land Redevelopment Contact Info
City of Columbus
Land Redevelopment Division
845 Parsons Avenue
Columbus, OH 43206-9030   
(614) 645-LAND (5263)
(614) 645.5263   
(614) 645-6675  [FAX]
E-Mail


Franklin County Auditor
Franklin County Recorder's Office
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
- learn more