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Vacant Lot Application—Infill (Single Family Housing)

  1. Thank you for your interest in acquiring a City-owned residential lot for the purpose of building a single-family home (infill). Before completing this online application, please be sure to:


    — Download, complete (including notarize), and scan to a PDF file the Non-Collusion & Disclosure Affidavit, which you will be required to upload as part of this online application. You might consider using an online notary service.


    Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The receipt of a completed application does not guarantee a property transfer. The City will carefully review applications and accept/deny based on their merit.


    You may consider creating an account using the link in the yellow box at the top of your screen, if you have not already done so. This will allow you to save your progress and complete this form at a later date.


    If you have any questions about the program, application, please contact Brendan Zak in the Building & Housing Department.

  2. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING
  3. • The City is offering lots for redevelopment as owner-occupied single family homes.
    • An owner occupant buyer or a builder/developer may apply to acquire the lot.
    • The City can take back the property if the home is not built and used as an owner-occupied single-family home.
    • The City’s Design Guidelines for new home construction must be adhered to and will be a requirement in the Development and Use agreement with the City. Applicants must meet with City Planning & Neighborhood Revitalization staff before applying.
    • To be eligible, applicants must be in good standing with the City’s Building and Housing and Planning Departments, have no Criminal Nuisance Activity violations, be current with all property taxes in Shaker Heights and no properties they own can be in foreclosure.
    • The receipt of a completed application does not guarantee a property transfer. The City will carefully review applications and accept/deny based on their merit. Approval by City Council is required.
    • For the details of the City’s Vacant Lot Program guidelines, view the Vacant Lot Program Guidelines (PDF) and the Vacant Lot Process Chart (PDF).

    Additional Resources:
    Shaker Heights Zoning Code (PDF)
    Design Guidelines for Single Family Infill Housing (PDF)
  4. REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOME CONSTRUCTION
  5. 1. Review by staff to determine:
    • That application is complete and meets City requirements
    • Builder/developer qualifications
    2. Staff presents qualified single family home construction proposals to the Neighborhood Revitalization and Development Committee (NRD) of City Council for their review and recommendation to the full City Council.
    3. Successful applicants must enter into a Purchase and Development Agreement with the City so the applicant can proceed with obtaining financing and developing architectural plans.
    4. Applicants will work with Planning Department staff to develop a design that meets design guideline requirements and will meet zoning requirements.
    5. Architectural plans and front elevation drawings must be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) and City Planning Commission (CPC).
    6. After proposals approved by ABR, and CPC, the property will then be transferred to the applicant.
  6. VACANT LOT INFORMATION
  7. List the Permanent Parcel Numbers (PPN), addresses and offer price of the vacant lots you are applying for. Please use the format ###-##-### for the PPN.
  8. Intended Use*
  9. APPLICANT INFORMATION
  10. Use format ###-###-####
  11. Are you a:*
  12. Do you own property in Shaker Heights?*
  13. Do any of the properties you own in Shaker Heights have existing Building, Housing, or Zoning Code Violations? Any Criminal Nuisance Activity violations?
    1. Are property taxes current on all properties you own in Shaker Heights?
      1. Are any properties you own anywhere in foreclosure?*
        1. PROPOSAL
        2. This application is for a:*
        3. Is the design of the home one of the City’s pre-approved plans?
        4. Do you have experience/expertise relating to home construction?
        5. Have you built a house in Shaker Heights before?
        6. Is the design one of the City's pre-approved plans?
        7. Have you selected an architect?*
        8. Have you selected a builder?*
        9. Do you have plans ready?
        10. Use PDF format.
        11. ESTIMATED PROJECT TIMELINE
        12. Estimate the time needed between the following actions:
        13. ESTIMATED BUDGET
        14. Do you have financing in place?
        15. How do you plan to finance this development proposal?
          Check all that apply.
        16. Enter $ amount
        17. Enter $ amount
        18. Enter $ amount
        19. Enter $ amount
        20. Do you have financing in place?
        21. Please upload a PDF scan of the completed and notarized Non-Collusion and Disclosure Affidavit.

        22. I/We Acknowledge that we have been advised and understand that:
          1. All applications for City-owned properties must be reviewed and approved by City Staff, City Council, City Planning Commission, and the Architectural Board of Review. The City may reject the application altogether or ask for revisions.

          2. This application is a statement of interest only. By receiving it, the City does not commit to transfer property. I/We understand that if the application is accepted I/we will be required to enter into an agreement with the City to complete the transaction.

          3. All City-owned property is sold “as is” and no further work will be done to the property by The City of Shaker Heights.

          4. The City of Shaker Heights does not guarantee the existence of utilities to the property and it will be my/our responsibility to pay for any needed utility hook-ups.

          5. The City of Shaker Heights does not certify that there is no underground debris or materials from prior construction i.e. foundations, basements, etc. The City is not responsible for the removal of anything found underground during construction.

          6. I/We will be responsible for all taxes, assessments, water charges, waste charges, governmental and private liens and encumbrances, if applicable, and any other taxes and assessments that become due from taking title to the property. I/we are responsible for inquiring at the appropriate offices to determine the amounts of taxes, assessments and charges that will be due.

          7. I/we will close on a property sale within 90 days of the execution of the Purchase and Development Agreement with the City. The City will not transfer the property if this deadline is missed (subject to Force Majeure).

          8. For single family home proposals, construction will be completed within 12 months of transfer. If this deadline is missed, the City will issue a penalty equal to the average selling price of comparable lots plus lost interest (subject to Force Majeure). An extension of up to 6 months may be obtained by written notice to the City.

          9. I/we agree to all City requirements of submitting documentation and/or any additional information that the City of Shaker Heights may need for the completion of the application process.

          10. I/we agree that if this application is approved, the property will be maintained and developed in compliance with the completed application and the terms of the Purchase and Development Agreement.

          All information and supporting documentation supplied to The City of Shaker Heights is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that providing false information may violate Federal, State, and local laws and be punishable and as such will invalidate this application.
        23. Applicant Electronic Signature Agreement*
          By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that 1) your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document, 2) by signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3) you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.
        24. Co-Applicant Electronic Signature Agreement
          By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that 1) your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document, 2) by signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3) you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.
        25. Leave This Blank:

        26. This field is not part of the form submission.