Mow to Own Program. Adjacent Homeowner. Neighboring Homeowner.

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1 Mow to Own Program Xenia, OH Page 1 of 3 8/10/2016 Mow to Own Program The Mow to Own Program s (PDF) purpose is to improve Xenia neighborhoods and return vacant, abandoned and underutilized properties to community assets. The Mow to Own Program strengthens existing community investments by transferring ownership of vacant and abandoned parcels acquired by the City of Xenia to adjacent property owners and nonprofit neighborhood stakeholders. Adjacent homeowners may purchase an adjacent lot to expand the homeowner s existing property by earning all or part of the purchase price with maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot. Ownership of vacant lots may also be earned by an individual who owns and occupies a property within the same block, across the alley, or within 400 feet of an undeveloped property, or a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status that is an existing stakeholder within the same neighborhood or area as the City owned property to be acquired. Property may also be acquired by a company or an individual who wants to build on the lot. Priority will be given to adjacent property owners. An application is required to participate in the program. Once the application is approved, the City and buyer will enter into an agreement that specifies the purchase price, proposed improvements, and maintenance plan. The property is transferred to the buyer once enough credits are earned toward the purchase price, either by completing and paying for the agreed upon improvements or in conjunction with cash payments. Additionally, the deeds for the vacant lots acquired through the Mow to Own Program will contain deed restrictions, including, but not limited to a restriction that the acquired vacant lot may not be resold without written approval from the City of Xenia for a period of five years from the closing date. Potential purchasers, in preferential order, must meet the following qualifications: Adjacent Homeowner Own and occupy the property adjacent to the vacant lot to be acquired No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations No delinquent utility accounts for the previous 12 months Neighboring Homeowner Own and occupy the property within the same block, across the alley, or within 400 feet of an undeveloped parcel No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County

2 8/10/2016 Mow to Own Program Xenia, OH No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations No delinquent utility accounts for the previous 12 months Page 2 of 3 Adjacent Nonprofit Neighborhood Organization Own and occupy the property adjacent to the vacant lot to be acquired Have, at the time of application, and maintain 501(c)(3) status No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations No delinquent utility accounts for the previous 12 months Non-adjacent Nonprofit Neighborhood Organization Have, at the time of application, and maintain 501(c)(3) status Successfully maintain a vacant lot within the City of Xenia a minimum of one year Be an existing stakeholder within the same neighborhood or area boundaries as the vacant lot to be acquired No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations No delinquent utility accounts for the previous 12 months Company or Individual Who Wants to Build On the Lot No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations No delinquent utility accounts for the previous 12 months Responsibilities of All Purchasers Responsibilities of all purchasers of vacant lots through the Mow to Own Program: Submit the required application with a proposal attached detailing the maintenance and/or improvements to be completed on the vacant lot Pay a nonrefundable administrative fee of $15 Complete all proposed maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot to be acquired, including required maintenance sufficient to satisfy the asking price as set by the City Option agreement is good for two years Pay the deed recording fees and transfer fees Process Price - The vacant lots must sell for $5 per foot frontage of a lot. For example, if a lot is 50-foot by 165-foot, the lot has a frontage of 50-foot. At $5 per foot, the cost of the lot is $250.

3 8/10/2016 Mow to Own Program Xenia, OH Credit - Purchasers will receive a $25 credit for each mowing occurrence, up to a maximum of 15 times per year. Additionally, potential purchasers may submit a proposal to earn additional credit toward the purchase price by completing further maintenance or improvements on the vacant lot, such as gardening or landscaping. Purchasers will be required to submit receipts for any proposed additional improvements. Potential purchasers always have the option to pay all or part of the purchase price for the vacant lot. Administrative Approval Process - Purchaser must submit a completed application and nonrefundable administrative fee of $15. Along with the application, a potential purchaser will have the option to submit a proposal to earn all or any portion of the final purchase price by maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot. Maintenance shall include, but not limited to, mowing, removal of trash and debris, gardening or landscaping on the vacant lot. The application and submitted proposal will be reviewed by City Staff. Staff may request additional information from the applicant including the maintenance and improvements proposal cost and timeline. Applicant will receive a notification letter if the application has been approved or not. If approved, the applicant must sign an option agreement to purchase the vacant lot. The option agreement will require that the vacant lot revert to the City of Xenia if the potential purchaser fails to adequately perform the proposed maintenance and/or improvements to the vacant lot. Closing - After the purchase price of the vacant lot has been earned or paid in accordance with an executed option agreement between the purchaser and the City, Staff will prepare the necessary communication and legislation for City Council approval. Once approved by Council, Staff will also prepare documents and schedule the closing to affect the transfer of the vacant lot. All deeds will contain deed restrictions, including, but not limited to a restriction that a vacant lot acquired through the Mow to Own Program may not be resold without written approval from the City of Xenia for a period of five years from the closing date. Staff will compute the necessary closing costs, including the cost of recording the deed and property transfer fees. The purchaser shall be responsible for all closing costs. The City will not provide title insurance to the purchaser. The purchaser may independently purchase title insurance through a title company. Page 3 of 3

4 APPLICATION FOR MOW TO OWN PROGRAM Name: Address: Phone Number(s): (s): 1. Mark one of the following (see the qualifications on pages 2 and 3): I own and occupy the adjacent property. I own and occupy a property within the same block, across the alley, or within 400 feet of an undeveloped parcel. We are an adjacent 501(c)(3) organization who recently improved a property as a community garden or beautification project for a minimum of one year. We are a non adjacent 501(c)(3) organization who recently improved a property as a community garden or beautification project for a minimum of one year. I wish to purchase the lot on which to build a house. 2. Have you ever failed to pay your property or City income taxes on time? Yes No 3. Have you ever received a notice from the City indicating that you are in violation of the City code? Yes No 4. Do you have delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County? Yes No If you responded yes to question 2, 3 or 4, please explain: Property Information: Parcel ID Number: Address (if no house number on GIS, indicate house number of adjacent property):

5 Please list proposed improvements and a timeline for the work: Proposed Improvement Completion Date Example: Mow 15 times in Estimated completion date September 30, 2013 Proposed use of property: Yard Garage Home addition Other Please attach any relevant information including site plans, estimates, pictures, etc. ATTACHMENTS: The following information must be attached to this document before your application will be processed. The application will be considered incomplete if it is not submitted with all parts. A non refundable application fee of $ Bank checks or money order should be made payable to the City of Xenia. Signature (required) I hereby verify the information supplied in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Signature Name of non profit agency or business Date Submit application, application fee, and, if applicable site plans, estimates, pictures to City of Xenia Law Department, Attn: Sandy Fackler, 101 N. Detroit St., Xenia, OH Questions? Call (937)

6 CITY OF COLUMBUS LAND REDEVELOPMENT OFFICE MOW TO OWN PROGRAM The Mow to Own program strengthens the City of Columbus Land Bank s purpose by improving Columbus neighborhoods and returning vacant, abandoned and underutilized properties into productive community assets. Additionally, the Mow to Own program strengthens existing community investments by transferring ownership of vacant and abandoned parcels acquired by the City of Columbus Land Bank to adjacent property owners and nonprofit neighborhood stakeholders. As required by Ohio Revised Code , the vacant lots owned by the City of Columbus Land Bank will be sold at not less than fair market value. Adjacent homeowners may purchase an adjacent vacant lot to expand the homeowner s existing property by earning all or part of the purchase price by maintaining and/or making improvements on the vacant lot. Ownership of vacant lots may also be earned by a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status that is an existing stakeholder within the same neighborhood or Area Commission boundaries as the City owned property to be acquired. However, priority will be given to the adjacent property owners. An application is required to participate in the program. Once the application is approved, the City and buyer will enter into an agreement that specifies the purchase price, proposed improvements, and maintenance plan. The property is transferred to the buyer once enough credits are earned toward the purchase price, either by completing and paying for the agreed upon improvements or cash payment. Additionally, the deed for the vacant lot acquired through the Mow to Own program will contain deed restrictions, including, but not limited to a restriction that the acquired vacant lot may not be resold without written approval from the City of Columbus Land Redevelopment Office for a period of five years from the closing date. Potential purchasers must meet the following qualifications: Responsibilities of all purchasers of vacant lots through the Mow to Own Program o Submit the required application with a proposal attached detailing the maintenance and/or improvements to be completed on the vacant lot o Pay a nonrefundable administrative fee of $175. This fee will be waived if the purchaser contributes at least 50% of the fair market value in cash and/or improvements to the lot. o Complete all proposed maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot to be acquired, including required maintenance sufficient to satisfy the fair market value purchase price Adjacent Homeowners and Adjacent Nonprofit Neighborhood Organizations o Own and occupy the property adjacent to the land bank vacant lot to be acquired o No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Franklin County 1

7 o No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations o No delinquent utility accounts o Adjacent Nonprofit Neighborhood Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status at the time of application and maintain it throughout the agreement Non-adjacent Nonprofit Neighborhood Organizations o Have 501(c)(3) status at the time of application and maintain it throughout the agreement o Successfully license and maintain a land bank vacant lot for a minimum of one year o Be an existing stakeholder within the same neighborhood or area commission boundaries as the land bank vacant lot to be acquired o No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Franklin County o No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations o No delinquent utility accounts o Provide evidence that the nonprofit organization has the ability to complete the proposed project, including maintenance and improvements, in a timely manner in compliance with all city, state and other applicable regulatory requirements Process Price o O.R.C requires that the City of Columbus Land Bank Program sell the vacant lots for not less than fair market value. The sales price will be based on an internal fair market value determination by the Land Bank Program. However, the potential purchasers have the option to hire an independent appraiser to value the vacant lot or use the land value listed by the Franklin County Auditor. Administrative Approval Process o Purchaser must submit a completed application. Along with the application, purchasers will have the option to submit a proposal to earn all or any portion of the final purchase price by maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, mowing and removal of trash and debris on the vacant lot. Purchasers will receive a $25.00 credit for each mowing and related maintenance occurrence, up to a maximum of 15 times per year. Improvements shall include, but not be limited to, gardening, landscaping, fencing, etc. Credit given for improvements will not exceed 50% of the fair market value. Purchasers will be required to submit receipts and photographs of any improvements. 2

8 o Purchasers will have the option to pay all or part of the purchase price for the vacant lot at any time during the agreement. o The application and submitted proposal will be reviewed by the Land Bank staff. As required, the Land Bank staff may request additional information from the applicant and negotiate the terms of the purchase, including the maintenance and improvements proposal cost and timeline. o Applicant will receive a notification letter with their approval or disapproval status. o If approved, the applicant must sign a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) to purchase the vacant lot. The MOU will become null and void if the purchaser fails to adequately perform the proposed maintenance and/or improvements to the vacant lot. Legislative Approval o After the application has been approved, the Land Bank staff prepares the required communication and legislation for City Council approval. Closing o After the purchase price of the vacant lot has been earned or paid in accordance with an executed MOU between the purchaser and the City of Columbus Land Bank Program, the Land Bank staff will prepare the necessary documents and schedule the closing to effect the transfer of the vacant lot o A deed will be prepared for transfer of the property o The City will not provide title insurance to the purchaser. The purchaser may independently purchase title insurance through a title company 3

9 PLEASE DO NOT GLUE, SPIRAL BIND OR STAPLE APPLICATION AND/OR ATTACHMENTS CITY OF COLUMBUS LAND REDEVELOPMENT OFFICE MOW TO OWN AND IMPROVE TO OWN PROGRAMS The Mow and Improve to Own Programs are designed to help adjacent property owners acquire City Land Bank vacant lots for less money and improve neighborhoods at the same time. Buyers commit to maintaining the vacant lot and improving the property with landscaping, fencings, tree removal, grass restoration, and other improvements. The cost of maintenance and improvement is subtracted from the purchase price. As required by Ohio Revised Code , the vacant lots owned by the City of Columbus Land Bank will be sold at not less than fair market value. Adjacent property owners may purchase eligible lot by contributing the in-kind cost of maintenance and lot improvement toward the purchase price. Priority will be given to owner occupants of adjacent property that share a property line. New for September 2014: The City Land Bank Program has changed the program as follows: Mow to Own Program Eligible Participates: Eligible Work: Adjacent owner-occupants or 501(3) (c) non-profit organizations that own property next door (share a property line) Maintaining the lot with or without additional improvements Cost Reduction: Up to 100% of the price of the lot, with an additional $175 administrative fee. The fee is waived if the buyer pays 50% or more in cash and improvements within the first year. Lawn mowing: $25.00 per cut, maximum reimbursement of $ per year Leaf removal: $25.00 per removal, maximum of $75.00 per year Snow removal: $25.00 per snow removal on front sidewalk Improvements: Cost agreed upon in Improvement Plan Time to Complete Work: Five years Adjacent owners can maintain the lot as their side yard and count the maintenance and improvements made toward the acquisition cost. Unlike the Improve to Own Program, the homeowner has the option of making improvements and can choose to only maintain the property. Basic maintenance includes mowing and trimming the lot once every two weeks, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and picking up trash. Only homeowners that live next door (share a property line) may participate. 1 Revised: 12/5/14

10 PLEASE DO NOT GLUE, SPIRAL BIND OR STAPLE APPLICATION AND/OR ATTACHMENTS Improve to Own Program Eligible Participates: Eligible Work: Cost Reduction: Time to Complete Work: Any applicant eligible for side yard and vacant lot purchase (including property owners within 400 feet and area nonprofit organizations) An improvement plan is required, both the cost of maintenance and improvements are counted toward the purchase. The proposed improvements must equal at least 50% of the purchase price. 50% of the price of the lot Lawn mowing: $25.00 per cut, maximum reimbursement of $ per year Leaf removal: $25.00 per removal, maximum of $75.00 per year Snow removal: $25.00 per snow removal on front sidewalk Improvements: Cost agreed upon in Improvement Plan One year Anyone eligible to purchase a land bank parcel is eligible to participate in this program, including property owners within 400 feet and non-profit organizations. Participates must submit an improvement plan, listing the amount and locations of improvements to the property. Examples include fences, grass restoration, landscaping beds, trees, sidewalks and paths, gardens, and similar improvements that benefit the neighborhood. Construction of buildings or parking lots is not eligible and applicants for these projects must submit the application for new construction. An application is required to participate in both programs. Once the application is approved, the City and buyer will enter into an agreement that specifies the purchase price, proposed improvements, and improvement plan. The property is transferred to the buyer once enough credits are earned toward the purchase price, either by completing and paying for the agreed upon improvements or cash payment. Additionally, the deed for the vacant lot acquired through the Mow and Improve to Own programs will contain deed restrictions, including, but not limited to a restriction that the acquired vacant lot may not be resold without written approval from the City of Columbus Land Redevelopment Office for a period of five years from the closing date. 2 Revised: 12/5/14

11 PLEASE DO NOT GLUE, SPIRAL BIND OR STAPLE APPLICATION AND/OR ATTACHMENTS Buyers must meet the following qualifications: Responsibilities of all purchasers of vacant lots through both the Mow to Own and Improve to Own Program o Submit the Application for Yard Expansion and Vacant Lot Purchase and application o Pay a nonrefundable administrative fee of $175. This fee will be waived if the purchaser contributes at least 50% of the fair market value in cash and/or improvements to the lot in the first year. o Complete all proposed maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot to be acquired, including required maintenance sufficient to satisfy the fair market value purchase price o No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Franklin County o No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations o No delinquent utility accounts o Nonprofit Neighborhood Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status at the time of application and maintain it throughout the agreement Adjacent Homeowners and Adjacent Nonprofit Neighborhood Organizations Participating in the Mow to Own Program o Own and occupy the property adjacent to the land bank vacant lot to be acquired Improve to Own Participants o Meet the eligibility requirements contained in the Application for Yard Expansion and Vacant Lot Purchase o Submit an Improvement Plan Process Select a vacant residential lot from the for sale list. o Only lots listed for sale with a price are eligible, applications for lots not listed for sale will be returned o Non-residential properties and properties along some commercial corridors are not eligible for the programs o The City has the absolute right to exclude properties from the program. Price o O.R.C requires that the City of Columbus Land Bank Program sell the vacant lots for not less than fair market value. The sales price will be based on an internal fair market value determination by the Land Bank Program. However, the potential purchasers have the option to hire an independent appraiser to value the vacant lot or use the land value listed by the Franklin County Auditor. 3 Revised: 12/5/14

12 PLEASE DO NOT GLUE, SPIRAL BIND OR STAPLE APPLICATION AND/OR ATTACHMENTS Administrative Approval Process o Purchaser must submit a completed application. Along with the application, purchasers will have the option to submit a proposal to earn all or any portion of the final purchase price by maintenance and/or improvements on the vacant lot. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, mowing and removal of trash and debris on the vacant lot. Purchasers will receive a $25.00 credit for each mowing and related maintenance occurrence, up to a maximum of 15 times per year. Improvements shall include, but not be limited to, gardening, landscaping, fencing, etc. Credit given for improvements will not exceed 50% of the fair market value. Purchasers will be required to submit receipts and photographs of any improvements. o Purchasers will have the option to pay all or part of the purchase price for the vacant lot at any time during the agreement. o The application and submitted proposal will be reviewed by the Land Bank staff. As required, the Land Bank staff may request additional information from the applicant and negotiate the terms of the purchase, including the maintenance and improvements proposal cost and timeline. o Applicant will receive a notification letter with their approval or disapproval status. o If approved, the applicant must sign a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) to purchase the vacant lot. The MOU will become null and void if the purchaser fails to adequately perform the proposed maintenance and/or improvements to the vacant lot. Legislative Approval o After the application has been approved, the Land Bank staff prepares the required communication and legislation for City Council approval. Closing o After the purchase price of the vacant lot has been earned or paid in accordance with an executed MOU between the purchaser and the City of Columbus Land Bank Program, the Land Bank staff will prepare the necessary documents and schedule the closing to effect the transfer of the vacant lot o A deed will be prepared for transfer of the property o The City will not provide title insurance to the purchaser. The purchaser may independently purchase title insurance through a title company 4 Revised: 12/5/14

13 Mow to Own Addendum Include this sheet with your completed Application for Yard Expansion or Vacant Lot Purchase. About the property you wish to purchase: Parcel ID Number: Address: Purchase Price of the Property: Please list the proposed improvements and a timeline for the work: Proposed Improvement Completion Date Please attach a site plan, estimates, pictures or any other relevant information that will assist us in evaluating your application. Signature (Required) I hereby authorize the Land Redevelopment Office of the City of Columbus to obtain any credit, criminal, or other information necessary to 1) Determine my ability, or the ability of the party that I represent, to complete the proposed project. 2) Verify the information supplied in this application. All the information that I have provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. X Date 4

14 CITY OF SANDUSKY OHIO LAND REUTILIZATION PROGRAM MOW TO OWN SIDE LOT DISPOSITION PROGRAM

15 The City of Sandusky s Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program aims to stabilize and strengthen property owners investments in their neighborhoods by transferring vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent parcels that are of insufficient size to permit independent development to adjacent property owners through the Land Reutilization Program. The parcels are generally too small to be developed based on current zoning regulations. The City of Sandusky has many parcels that were platted at a time when houses were typically much smaller and closer together and off-street parking was not needed. Today, the City of Sandusky s zoning regulations do not allow development on these small parcels. In addition, prospective homebuyers generally are more attracted to larger residential lots for reasons such as desire for a larger house and a spacious yard. Given the limited usefulness of side lot parcels for development due to zoning regulations and homebuyer preferences, the Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program will encourage the adjacent property owners to purchase these parcels for yard expansion and off-street parking at a reasonable cost. Pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, the parcels acquired by the Land Reutilization Program must be sold for not less than fair market value. The Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program will encourage the adjacent property owners to purchase these unbuildable parcels by requiring a small down payment to cover the City s cost of acquisition with the balance to be paid for by in-kind service of mowing and maintaining the lot over a certain number of years. The required years will be determined by subtracting the required down payment from the Erie County Auditor s appraisal value and then dividing the balance by the average yearly cost of the City to mow and maintain the parcel. A reverter clause in the deed will require the parcel to be properly mowed and maintained and if at any time it is not adequately maintained within the required number of years, the property will automatically revert back to City ownership. By implementing the Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program, the City aims to produce several positive outcomes by transferring ownership to the adjacent property owners: Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program Policy City of Sandusky Resolution No R Adopted July 11, 2011 / Effective August 11,

16 1. To stabilize neighborhoods by transferring vacant and abandoned properties to adjacent property owners who are more likely to care for the land next to their home. 2. The evidence of use and a well-maintained condition will help to improve the neighborhood character and appearance. 3. Reduce the public costs associated with maintaining these properties. 4. Encourage the creation of off-street parking where there currently is none. 5. Return these properties to the tax roll and increase property tax revenue for Erie County and the City of Sandusky. The Land Reutilization Program aims to stabilize neighborhoods that are in decline with many vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent properties. Providing incentives for adjacent property owners to take ownership of vacant land will strengthen the neighborhood s character, appearance, and better sense of community. Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program Policy City of Sandusky Resolution No R Adopted July 11, 2011 / Effective August 11,

17 A. Qualified Properties. Parcels of property eligible for inclusion in the Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program shall meet all of the requirements pursuant to the City of Sandusky s Land Reutilization Program Policy and Procedures and shall also meet the following minimum criteria: 1. The property shall be vacant unimproved real property. 2. The property shall be physically contiguous to the adjacent owner s real property with a significant common boundary line. 3. The property shall consist of no more than one lot of insufficient size to permit independent development, which for the purposes of the Mow to Own Program shall be defined as a lot smaller than 40 X 125 or, in the case of an irregular shaped lot, as determined by the Land Bank Committee with the final approval of City Commission. B. Applicants. 1. All applicants must own the contiguous property, and priority shall be given to applicants who personally occupy the contiguous property. 2. The applicant shall not be delinquent on any real estate or personal properties taxes in Erie County. 3. The applicant shall not have a history of property maintenance, nuisance and/or building code violations. 4. The applicant shall not own any property that has an unremediated property maintenance, nuisance and/or building code violation. 5. Applicants must meet all other requirements pursuant to the City of Sandusky s Land Reutilization Policy and Procedures. C. Purchase. 1. Lots purchased for addition to existing developed properties shall be sold with deed restrictions prohibiting construction of additional dwelling units and limiting usage to ancillary facilities or building additions. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the City before erecting structures on the property (i.e. garage, fence, etc.) Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program Policy City of Sandusky Resolution No R Adopted July 11, 2011 / Effective August 11,

18 D. Price. 2. Situations not herein defined or deemed to be unusual shall be resolved at the discretion of the Land Bank Committee. 1. The purchase price shall be fair market value as determined by the Erie County Auditor s current valuation and appraisal. 2. The purchaser shall be responsible for the recording and transfer fees in addition to the cost of the lot. 3. The City shall not provide purchaser with title insurance. Title insurance may be purchased independently through the title company by the purchaser. E. Payment. 1. The purchaser shall provide a down payment in an amount not less than the costs incurred by the City for acquisition of the property. 2. The remaining balance due shall be determined by subtracting the amount of the down payment from the fair market value. 3. The remaining balance due shall be paid by in-kind service of the purchaser by mowing and maintaining the property in a nuisance free condition for a minimum number of years that shall be determined by dividing the remaining balance due by the estimated average yearly cost to the City for mowing and maintaining the property, which shall be rounded up to the next whole number. 4. The purchaser shall agree to pay all real property taxes by the date due, mow, maintain and keep the property free from nuisance for the minimum number of years as determined above, which shall be enforced by a reverter clause in the deed. 5. If the property owner becomes delinquent in real property tax payments and is issued a penalty for non-payment of real property taxes by the Erie County Treasurer or fails to maintain the property at anytime within the required minimum number of years and is issued a nuisance violation pursuant to the City of Sandusky s Codified Ordinances or if the City must maintain the property in any way within the required minimum number of years, the property shall automatically revert back to the ownership of the City of Sandusky. F. Revertment. Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program Policy City of Sandusky Resolution No R Adopted July 11, 2011 / Effective August 11,

19 1. Upon revertment to the City, the property shall be offered to the other adjacent property owner. If the other adjacent property owner declines, or in the event there is no other adjacent property owner, the entire lot shall be offered to the rear abutting property owner. 2. If all of the adjacent/abutting property owners decline, the lot shall be considered for community development efforts such as community gardens, neighborhood play areas and community green areas. Mow to Own Side Lot Disposition Program Policy City of Sandusky Resolution No R Adopted July 11, 2011 / Effective August 11,

20 City of Sandusky Land Reutilization Program Preliminary Application Land Acquisition Request Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Daytime Telephone No: Cell Phone: Real Property Address or Location: Tax Parcel ID No.: Proposed Use of Property: Yard Garage Home Addition Gift of Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Other: RETURN THIS FORM TO: Amanda Meyers City of Sandusky Law Department 222 Meigs Street Sandusky, OH Acquisition of nonproductive land through the Land Reutilization Program normally requires several months. If you have any questions during this process, please call Amanda Meyers at (419) Form A1 Acquisition / Request Application December 2010

21 Springfield mow-to-own proposal would reduce vacant lots, blight Page 1 of 2 8/10/2016 Wednesday, Aug. 10, :09 p.m. Subscribe epaper Posted: 5:39 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 Springfield mow-to-own proposal would reduce vacant lots, blight Related By Michael Cooper Staff Writer Follow Michael Follow Michael SPRINGFIELD The number of abandoned lots in Springfield could be reduced through a proposed mow-to-own sweat equity program. The program would allow city landowners to maintain vacant land next to their property and eventually take ownership of the lot. The city currently has about 300 properties on its abandoned lot list, including city land, properties forfeited to the state and extended foreclosures, Springfield Community Development Director Shannon Meadows said. About 15 percent of those properties would likely qualify for the program immediately, she said. The program would also reduce the city s costs for mowing those lots during the spring and summer. The city spends about $90,000 annually on mowing for both code enforcement actions and vacant lots. The city could save up to $10,000 each mowing season, Meadows said, as well as staff time. It s been in development for nearly two years and other Ohio cities have similar programs, including Sandusky and Xenia. The program was presented to commissioners last week and will likely be up for a vote sometime early next month. It s a tool, but it s not a solution, Meadows said. Residents would be able to acquire the land by paying a $100 application and then earning credit for mowing it. The city would value the land at $5 per front foot and side foot. So if a lot is 50 by 70 feet, the cost of the lot would be $600. It s a fairly minimal value, about $750 to $800 for an average lot, as compared to the taxes that might be owed, Meadows said. The estimated value of mowing the lot is $35 per week, Meadows said. Once a neighbor has mowed it enough times to equal the lot value, they can acquire it. The application fee would also count toward the mowing credit. Applicants will likely be able to maintain the property for one season and receive the deed, Meadows said. The land must be kept to city code standards, meaning it must be free of junk and weeds can be no taller than 10 inches high. The application fee would cover administrative costs and serve as an incentive for the applicant to keep mowing, said Tom Dwyer of the city s Community Development Department. Abandoned structures aren t eligible, Meadows said. If two property owners are next to a vacant lot, the property can be split in half. If it s a rental property, the landlord must be the applicant. Applicants would also need to be current on property and city income taxes, and couldn t have a violation of property maintenance, nuisance or building codes within the prior 36 months. The city can also acquire additional lots for the Mow to Own program through the county land re-utilization program, which allows them to purchase unproductive land. If the city says it s interested in a property, it will go up for auction twice. If no one purchases the land at auction, the city can purchase the property for $1. After speaking with residents earlier this summer, the city has had several interested applicants and has created a waiting list, Meadows said. The city also might contact property owners this winter who live next to city-owned properties on the abandoned lot list, Dwyer said, which is currently about 30 to 40 lots. The program is needed because the city gets complaints all summer about weeds, Springfield City Commissioner Joyce Chilton said. She s concerned about previous owners trying to purchase the land and wants a term on how long owners must wait to sell the newly acquired side lot. I don t want to end up with some of the same problems we have now, Chilton said. The land cannot be sold separately to others for future use, Meadows said, only if they re selling their home. The city has trouble keeping up with mowing vacant lots, City Manager Jim Bodenmiller said. With less lots to cut, he said it will allow other lots to get mowed faster. It will be a great improvement for the neighborhoods, he said. Tall grass and weeds was a major problem last spring, Mayor Warren Copeland said. The program isn t a solution, but it s a step in the right direction for reducing blight, he said. The program could be expanded in the future if it works well, he said. It also gives neighborhood people a chance to do something positive, instead of simply having to complain to us, Copeland said. The program was discussed with several neighborhood associations earlier this year and was well received, Meadows said. The West End Neighborhood Association is supportive of the program, Vice President and Treasurer Deb McClendon said. She hopes the program can expanded in the future to include lots behind properties or down the street. I think it s perfect, McClendon said. I certainly think it needs to be implemented. Unmatched coverage The Springfield News-Sun provides complete coverage of government spending, including recent stories on the city budget meetings and planned vehicle purchases for next year. By the numbers 300: The number of properties on the city of Springfield s abandoned lot list.

22 Springfield mow-to-own proposal would reduce vacant lots, blight Page 2 of 2 8/10/2016 $90,000: Estimated amount of money city spends per year to mow vacant lots. $10,000: Estimated savings per year through mow-to-own program. 0 comments Sign in + Follow Share Newest Oldest

23 Springfield program cuts costs, number of vacant lots Page 1 of 2 8/10/2016 Wednesday, Aug. 10, :10 p.m. Subscribe epaper Posted: 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 9, 2016 Springfield program cuts costs, number of vacant lots Related By Michael Cooper Staff Writer Follow Michael Follow Michael SPRINGFIELD A sweat equity program introduced by the city of Springfield last year could lead to nearly 10 percent of its vacant lots put back into productive use by property owners by the end of More than 20 property owners are expected to receive deeds for land this year after participating in the Mow-to-Own program, which allows city landowners to maintain vacant land next to their property and eventually take ownership of the lot. The city hopes to have another 15 properties in the process by the end of the year, Springfield Planning, Zoning and Code Enforcement Administrator Stephen Thompson said. The city currently has about 300 properties on its abandoned lot list, including city land, properties forfeited to the state and extended foreclosures, Springfield Community Development Director Shannon Meadows said. More than 80 people applied for the program. It s more than I thought, Meadows said. I m really, really pleased with the response to the program. The program isn t the solution to the problem of vacant lots in the city, she said, but another tool in the toolbox. It s turning properties that no one is taking responsibility for, except for the government, back to responsible property owners, Meadows said. The moment an applicant becomes an owner, we stop our investment that s not getting returned. The program reduces the city s costs for mowing those lots. The city will spend about $50,000 on mowing this year for both code enforcement actions and vacant lots. The city has had trouble keeping up with mowing vacant lots in recent years, but through several changes to the process including Mow-to-Own and other mowing procedures the city completed nearly eight full grass-cutting rotations last year. That s double the previous year. Residents can acquire the land by paying a $100 application fee and then earning credit for mowing it. The city values the land at $5 per front foot and side foot meaning if a lot is 50 by 70 feet, the cost of the lot would be $600. The estimated value of mowing the lot is $35 per week. Once a neighbor has mowed it enough times to equal the value of the lot, they can acquire it. The application fee also counts toward the mowing credit. The land must be kept to city code standards, meaning it must be free of junk and weeds taller than 10 inches high. Abandoned structures aren t eligible, Meadows said. If two property owners are next to a vacant lot, the property can be split in half. If it s a rental property, the landlord must be the applicant. The city also acquires additional lots for the Mow-to-Own program through the county land re-utilization program, which allows them to purchase unproductive land. For Springfield resident Valerie Adams, the program has been a hit. After the city demolished the vacant home next to her house at 123 Euclid Ave., she tried to purchase the land but it was too expensive. The cost to buy it through auction was more than people could afford, Adams said. So when this program came out, this was really nice. I can invest time and I can take care of it. It made it a lot easier to get it. After spending about a year maintaining the property through mow to own, Adams will soon have a new yard. She plans to put up a fence and plant a garden there. To have this addition, it s really nice There s space for a garden, space to sit outside. It ll just be nice, Adams said. Last week city commissioners also agreed to spend up to $300,000 to demolish as many as 50 structures this year. Between 2011 and 2014 the city demolished more than 220 structures, using extra funding from the Ohio Moving Forward and Neighborhood Stabilization projects. A year ago, without the extra funding, the city demolished 28 structures. This year the city will use both federal Community Development Block Grant money and sewer funds to demolish homes to help with the combined sewer overflow project which is federally mandated to reduce storm water and raw sewage from running into local streams and rivers. The abandoned structures are still tied to the sewer system, Meadows said. It s typically three times cheaper to demolish the vacant homes than remove them from the sewer system. The properties can eventually be used by nearby property owners for the Mow-to-Own program. By the numbers $50,000: The amount of money Springfield will spend mowing abandoned lots and code enforcement actions this year. $300,000: The amount of money the city will spend on demolitions this year. 300: Number of properties on the city s abandoned lots list. Staying with the story The Springfield News-Sun has written extensively about the city s efforts to demolish abandoned homes and then maintain the vacant lots, including stories digging into the costs and new programs, such as Mow-to-Own. 2 comments Sign in

24 Springfield program cuts costs, number of vacant lots Page 2 of 2 8/10/ Follow Share Newest Oldest Thomas Riley May 9, 2016 I am doing the mow to own. Its a great idea to help the community look better. The only problem I have is once you submit your paperwork. It takes the city forever to get the deed to you. I would think once you do it they should give you the deed in like thirty days. I have been waiting like almost six months. You can't put anything on the property untill you obtain ownership. I have people walking through my yard just doing as they please. So they need to release the properties faster instead of a year. That's too long. Like Reply GBY24 May 9, 2016 There they go again, exploiting our sewer fees with the excuse that tearing down abandoned houses will somehow keep city sewers from overflowing. BS. They'll say anything to justify the way they handle taxpayer funds. Like Reply

25 Xenia starts mow-to-own program Page 1 of 1 8/10/2016 Wednesday, Aug. 10, :25 p.m. Subscribe Now As low as $0.99 epaper Posted: 5:44 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 Xenia starts mow-to-own program By Amelia Robinson Staff Writer Follow Amelia Follow Amelia Xenia Residents here will soon be able to mow their way to property ownership. The city of Xenia has started a mow-to-own program designed to reduce the number of vacant or unused city-owned properties and get them into the hands of private owners. The city s program will transfer ownership of vacant and abandon lots to adjacent property owners, non-profit neighborhood groups, individuals or businesses. Each property will cost $5 per square foot of frontage. Applicants will receive a $25 credit toward the purchase of the property each time they mow or otherwise perform upkeep on properties in the program as many as 15 times a year. Maintenance includes mowing, removing trash, gardening and landscaping. City law director Ron Lewis said priority will be given to adjacent property owners followed by property owners within the same block, adjacent non-profits community groups, nonadjacent non profits and then individuals and companies. This is a tool, hopefully we will have some other tools in the near future, city manager Jim Percival. He referred to the county s plans to start a land banking program that would take possession of blighted properties so they could be turned into tax revenue generating homes. The Greene County Department of Development and the county treasurer s office are applying for a state grant that would help fund the land bank. The city currently maintains about a dozen vacant properties, mowing the grass and performing other routine maintenance. It expects to get as many as 34 more in the near future, Lewis said. Xenia s mow-to-own program is similar to an initiative in Columbus. The city of Dayton also has a mow-to-own program called Lot Links. 0 comments Sign in + Follow Share Newest Oldest

26 Community Cleanup Trailers & Affiliate Programs and Initiatives 7/22/2013

27 Table of Contents Introduction... 2 Tool Rental Programs... 3 Akron, Ohio:... 3 Montgomery County, Ohio:... 7 Clark County, Ohio... 8 City of Hamilton, Ontario... 8 City of Scottsdale, Arizona... 8 Available Grants... 9 Conclusion... 9

28 Introduction Tool trailers tend to be available during the spring and summer months to residents and volunteer groups within the cities and counties that have them available. The work volunteers do with the trailers depends heavily on the expertise of the individuals volunteering. For example, the Akron trailer has been used to plant trees and flowerbeds in addition to general cleanup activities. Note: It seems like most of the programs run the exact same way from city-to-city, with many of the guidelines being copy-and-pasted from city-to-city. Many cities also have programs meant to curb issues related to poorly-maintained vacant lots. Care-A-Lot Dayton is a program in the City of Dayton that encourages individuals to maintain vacant lots by providing resources and knowledge to communities about how to effectively do so 1. Dayton also operates the Lot Links program which assists community homeowners with acquiring neighboring lots that are vacant and tax delinquent for the purposes of expanding yard space, adding additions onto homes or creating community gardens 2. Dayton also provides a list of city-owned lots that are for sale 3. More recently, Xenia has established a Mow-to-Own program with the goal of transferring ownership of poorly maintained vacant lots to adjacent homeowners or nonprofit organizations, or to developers seeking to build on the lots 4. It may also be helpful to link the availability of the trailers up to other organizations that specialize in improving vacant lots. KaBOOM is an example of an organization that turns vacant lots into parks and playgrounds for the community 5. Others, such as Keep Cincinnati Beautiful (specifically the Future Blooms component of the group), specialize in planting gardens on vacant lots, and, where possible, building paths through the vacant lots to better connect the neighborhood. Future Blooms also builds fences to better guard vacant lots from illegal dumping 6. Another Cincinnati-Area organization, Spring in Our Steps, focuses on cleaning up public alleyways and stairways throughout the city with the help of volunteers 7. 1 Care-A-Lot Dayton: 2 Lot Links: 3 City of Dayton Owned Vacant Lots Available for Lot Links: 4 Mow to Own Program, Xenia, OH: 5 the main webpage for KaBOOM: 6 The main webpage for Future Blooms: 7 Spring in Our Steps:

29 Tool Rental Programs Akron, Ohio: The Community Pride Trailer (CPT) is available through Keep Akron Beautiful (KAB) for loan to City of Akron residents and community volunteer groups free of charge. There is a minimum of five households or a group of five volunteers needed to be committed to the project to make the group eligible for use of the trailer. The trailer is stocked with landscaping tools and cleanup supplies to assist residents with removing debris and clearing vacant lots in Akron s neighborhoods. This program is Keep Akron Beautiful s attempt at spreading urban beautification beyond the downtown Flowerscapes by reviving vacant land so the abandoned lots become safe, appealing spaces where community gardens, playgrounds, and/or gathering green spaces can be developed by neighbors. Keep Akron Beautiful Litter Program Staff will deliver and pick-up the trailer to and from the designated location. The trailer is booked on a first come, first serve basis April through October 8. Requirements for renting Akron s trailer: Must be used in Akron, Ohio Event must have Project Coordinator (PC) Trailer may be borrowed for a maximum of three days Project Coordinator will assume responsibility for the following: o Completion and submittal of the CPT Application Form and the Participant List to KAB two weeks prior to the event. o Ensuring all participants using equipment from the trailer are at least 18 years old and have completed all Participant s Responsibilities and Waiver Form o Confirmation of the equipment inventory prior to receipt of the trailer and upon the return of the trailer to Keep Akron Beautiful Litter Program personnel. o Distributing supplies to participants and ensuring all equipment is operated safely and used only at the event site. Retrieving supplies once participants have completed the project. o Properly securing the trailer and its contents overnight. o Ensuring the trailer is free of trash and debris upon its return. o Ensuring proper parking location of the trailer at the project area. o Replacing missing items not returned in the condition they were received (normal wear & tear excluded) o Completion of the Cleanup Summary Form and submission of event photos. o Recruiting a minimum of five households to be involved in the project or a group of 5 dedicated volunteers. 8 Keep Akron Beautiful: Community Pride Trailer:

30 Akron Trailer Equipment List: 1 Supply Trailer Trailer hitch lock 2 Gas powered 19 lawn mower 1 Oil/Gas powered line trimmer 1 Oil/Gas powered weed wacker 1 Oil/Gas powered leaf blower 1 Oil/Gas powered backpack leaf blower 1 Gas Chipper/Shredder Vac & Hose 1 Vinyl Wheelbarrow- Jackson 8 cu. ft. 2 Steel Wheelbarrow- True Temper 6 cu. ft. 2 Upright broom 4 Push broom 1 Pitch fork 1 Shovel- Large scoop 4 Shovel- Round nose 5 Shovel- Square nose 1 Drain Spade 5 Rake- Bow 5 Rake- Leaf 1 Rake- Landscape 12 Split leather denim back glove 24 Safety vest 6 Traffic cone

31 2 First Aid kit 100 Latex gloves CUAW Protection items: Goggles, mask, earplugs 1 goggle, box of masks, box of ear plugs 1 Gallon Bottle of Hand Sanitizer-refill wall unit 2 Rectangular Bins with lids 2 Round plastic bins with rope handles 4 Trash can (20 gallon) with lid 2 Trash cans without lids 2 Water Coolers with cup dispensers 12 Litter Grabbers CUAW 36 Pounds of Grass Seed *Based on 1, 200 SQ F lot E-Z Seed from Scotts 1 box Borax to use with H2O if exposed to ivy 3 Safety Glasses 1 Trimmer line replacement spool 1 Gas can- 2.5 gal 1 Gas can gal 3 Hand Cultivator 5 Hand Trowel 1 Dandelion Digger 2 Short Handle Bulb Planters 3 Anvil Pruner 1 PowerGear Bypass Pruner

32 2 Bypass Lopper 2 Hedge Shears 3 Purple plastic totes 2 21 Bow Saw 1 Electric Hedge Trimmer with Battery 4 Black & Decker batteries (2 re-charging) 1 50 Vinyl Water Hose Vinyl Water Hose 2 Water Hose Nozzle 7 Pattern On two hoses 5 Aluminum Dust Pans 1 2 Step Stool 1 Tool Kit in plastic case 1 2 Gallon Sprayer (Clean thoroughly after use) 1 6V Task Force Flashlight 2 Cases of Bottled Water for each job While supplies last 1 Clean up summary form and stamped return envelope for Project Coordinator On clipboard with inventory forms 1 Plastic container with equipment instructions 1 CPT Manual 1 Spade Fork 2 Master Locks 2 Location for locks

33 Montgomery County, Ohio: The Community Pride Cleanup Supply Trailer is available for loan to Montgomery County residents and community volunteer groups free of charge (minimum of five households or groups with five volunteers). The trailer is stocked with landscaping tools which will assist residents with removing debris and help with beautification within Montgomery County neighborhoods. Montgomery County will deliver and pick up the trailer from the designated project area. The trailer is loaned on a first come, first serve basis 9. Examples of the types of cleanup projects: Requirements for Rental: Must be used in Montgomery County Project must have a designated coordinator. Designated coordinator will assume responsibility for the following: o Completion and submittal of the Community Pride Cleanup Supply Trailer Application and Participant List two weeks prior to event. o Ensuring all participants using the equipment from the trailer are at least 18 years of age and have completed the Participant's Waiver. o Confirmation of equipment inventory prior to receipt of trailer and upon return of trailer with Montgomery County Solid Waste District personnel. o Distributing supplies to participants and ensuring all equipment is operated safely. Retrieving supplies once participants have completed the project. o Properly securing the trailer and its contents. o Ensuring trailer is free of trash and debris upon return. o Ensuring proper parking location of the trailer in the project area. o Replacement of any missing items or items not returned in the condition they were received (normal wear and tear excluded). o Completion of a Cleanup Summary Form. Minimum of five households involved in the project or a group of five volunteers. Trailer may be borrowed for a maximum of three days. 9 Keep Montgomery County Beautiful: Community Pride Cleanup Supply Trailer: