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2. Thank you for your interest in acquiring a City-owned vacant lot. 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, or review process, please contact Brendan Zak in the Building & Housing Department,

4. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USE AS A SIDE YARD OR COMMUNITY USE

6. • The City is offering lots to adjacent property owners to use as side yards for $1.00.

   • The City will also entertain offers from residents, community groups, institutions, etc. for community uses such as a community garden, etc.

   • Side yard applicants must owner-occupy the adjacent property.

   • Side yard applicants will be required to consolidate the vacant lot with their existing lot and bear all the costs associated with the consolidation and transfer of the vacant lot. These can range from $1,500-$3,000. There may be increased property taxes for the new larger consolidated lot.

   • 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, have no open building permits, 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. Applications must be approved by City Council.

   • For the details of the City’s Vacant Lot Program guidelines and procedures, view the Vacant Lot Program Guidelines (PDF).

8. RESTRICTED VS. UNRESTRICTED VACANT LOTS
10. • When the City acquires a vacant lot, it lists all available properties on the City website, and indicates which ones are Restricted for new housing applications only.
    • Owner occupants who live adjacent to an Unrestricted lot are notified by mail that the lot is available, at the time of original acquisition by the City.
    • If a lot is designated as Restricted, applications will NOT be accepted for side yard and community uses.
    • Staff reviews these designations at least once per year and adjacent owner-occupant owners are notified if a lot becomes Unrestricted.
    • If you wish to request that the designation of a property be changed, submit a written request explaining why to the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization at 3450 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120.
    • Final determinations about designation are approved by the Chief Administrative Officer.
12. VACANT LOT INFORMATION
14. Permanent Parcel Number*
    Use format ###-##-###
15. Property Address*
17. Intended use:*

    1. Side lot

    1. Community use

    After making your selection, please fill out the required fields below to complete your application.
19. Are you applying to acquire the entire lot?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
20. If you are requesting a portion of the lot, identify what fraction.
22. APPLICANT INFORMATION
24. Applicant(s) Name*
26. Mailing Address (PO Box is not acceptable)*
28. City*
29. State*
30. Zip*
32. Phone*
    Use format ###-###-####
33. Email*
35. List all properties currently owned in the City of Shaker Heights.
37. Do any of the properties you own in Shaker Heights have existing Building, Housing, or Zoning Code Violations? Open Building permits? Any Criminal Nuisance Activity violations?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
39. Are property taxes current on all properties you own in Shaker Heights?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
41. Are any properties you own anywhere in foreclosure?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
43. PROPOSAL
45. Are you an owner occupant of a property adjacent to the City-owned lot?

    1. Yes

    1. No
47. If you are requesting a portion of the lot, identify what fraction and how the lot will be split.
49. Describe any improvements you plan to make on the City owned lot (upload drawings as appropriate using the link below). In the event of competing applications, this information may be used to rank multiple applications for the same lot:
51. What is the estimated cost of any improvements you are proposing?
52. Upload drawings if appropriate.
    PDF format preferred.
54. Describe your proposed community use of the City-owned lot.
56. What neighborhood is the project in?
    -- Select One --BoulevardFernwayLomondLudlowMalvernMercerMorelandOnawaySussex
58. Does the relevant neighborhood association support the project?

    1. Yes

    1. No
59. If applicable, upload a letter of support from the neighborhood association.
61. How many residents will be involved with the project?
62. How many residents will benefit from the project?
64. Describe how residents/community will benefit from the project and how the project will be funded.
66. APPLICATION REVIEW, APPROVAL & TRANSFER PROCESS
68. Review, Approval & Transfer Process for Side Yards:
    1. Review by City staff to determine that the application is complete and meets City requirements.
    2. Staff will review all qualified applications received within 30 days of the initial application. See details here.
    3. If there are competing applications, staff will make a recommendation based on timing of receipt of applications, proposed use of the vacant lot, and overall benefit to the City, among other factors.
    4. Staff presents qualified side lot proposals directly to City Council.
    5. Successful side yard applicants must enter into a Purchase Agreement with the City, and have the lots surveyed and consolidated in order for the property to be transferred.
    6. Side yard applicants will work with Planning Department staff to obtain the required Planning Commission approvals for the consolidation, and with the Law Department for the recording of the deed and plat in order to transfer the property and consolidate the two properties, once all approvals are in place.
70. Review & Approval Process for Community Uses:
    1. Review by City staff to determine that the application is complete and meets City requirements.
    2. If there are competing applications, staff will make a recommendation based on timing of receipt of applications, proposed use of the vacant lot, and overall benefit to the City, among other factors.
    3. Community use applications will be reviewed first by the Neighborhood Revitalization & Development (NRD) Committee of Council, and then by the full Council.
    4. Community Use applicants will work with Neighborhood Revitalization staff on any additional needed approvals, depending on the project specifics, and must enter into a Purchase or License Agreement with the City.
74. Non-Collusion and Disclosure Affidavit*
    Please upload a PDF scan of the completed and notarized Non-Collusion and Disclosure Affidavit.
78. I/We Acknowledge that we have been advised and understand that:
    1. All applications for City-owned properties may 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 landscaping or 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 City Council’s approval. The City will not transfer the property if this deadline is missed (subject to Force Majeure).
    
    8. 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.
    
    9. I/we agree that if this application is approved, the property will be maintained and developed in compliance with the completed application.
    
    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.
80. 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.

    1. I agree.
82. Electronic Signature*
84. 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.

    1. I agree.
86. Electronic Signature
Leave This Blank:


88. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
89. Email address

    This field is not part of the form submission.

90. Submit

* indicates a required field