Build a Custom Single-Family Home in Historic Shaker Heights on a Vacant Lot

There are approximately 38 City owned lots and 75 privately owned vacant lots where you may be able to build your dream home. City owned lots are available

• to build single-family owner-occupied homes, and
• for use in some cases as side yards.

Financial incentives available to help you make your dream home a reality.

Demonstration homes from first phase of program

The City is offering its vacant residential lots:

• to encourage construction of new, high quality homes
• to attract those who want new housing to Shaker’s traditional neighborhoods
• to broaden the range of housing options available (e.g. houses with first floor masters)
• to build the City’s tax base.

How to Acquire City-owned Lots

Vacant lots in the City's land bank can be purchased for redevelopment as owner-occupied single-family homes or as side yards. Applicants who want to use the lot as a side yard will need to propose a capital improvement such as a new home addition, patio space, etc. Call 216-491-1370 for more detailed information.

To acquire a City owned residential lot “AS IS” for redevelopment as an owner-occupied single-family home or for use as a side yard, complete the application for acquiring City-owned residential lots and return it to Neighborhood Revitalization. 

Lots available for New Single-Family Homes
Call 216-491-1370 for most updated list of available properties.

Review & Approval Process for new construction:

1. Neighborhood Revitalization staff determines:
           a.  That application is complete and meets City requirements
           b.  Builder/developer qualifications
2. Staff  presents proposals to Neighborhood Revitalization Committee for approval.
3. Successful applicants receive conditional approval so they can proceed with financing and developing architectural plans.
4. Applicants work with Planning & Development to develop a design that meets design guideline and zoning requirements.
5. Architectural Board of Review and City Planning Commission review and approve appropriate applications.
6. Proposals approved by Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, Architectural Board of Review, and City Planning Commission go before City Council for final approval.

General guidelines for the side lot program:

• Neighboring properties will be proactively notified of the availability of the vacant lots for sale.
• Applicant must owner-occupy the adjacent lot.
• There is unlikely current or anticipated market for infill (e.g. because of lot size, configuration, easements, etc.)
• Applicant is proposing to make capital improvements to the property that would increase tax value, such as: construction of house addition or garage, landscaping, etc.
• The property may not be flipped or sold for infill development; the City has reversionary rights.
• Applicants must be in good standing with Housing Inspection, current on property taxes, not in foreclosure, etc.

How Shaker Can Help You Build a New Home

Property Tax Abatement

• 75% property tax abatement for 5 years for construction of new owner-occupied single-family homes is available in neighborhoods south of Van Aken Boulevard.
• Minimum investment of $200,000 to qualify.
• See Residential Property Tax Abatement for more information.

$5,000 Architectural Excellence Grant

The City offers applicants a $5,000 architectural grant to encourage great architectural design. To be eligible for the grant:

• Plans must be pre-approved for the program by the City’s Planning and Development Department and/or the Architectural Board of Review (ABR). Call 216-491-1430 for more information.
• Your architect must sign an agreement with the City to offer the plans to future Shaker buyers at a discounted rate of $1,100 and to modify the plans at a discounted rate.
•  The plans become part of the City’s pool of pre-approved plans available to future residents, developers, and buyers to construct new infill homes in Shaker. 

Pre-Approved Plans Available at a Great Price

The City works with architects to offer beautiful home designs for only $1,100. There are also discounts for modifying plans. For more information call 216-491-1370.