Application Guide
For the round of applications opening April 1, 2024, the deadline to apply is within 45 to 90 days, depending on the property.
Future rounds will open on an ongoing basis. To stay up to date on future rounds, sign up for the Land Sales email list.
To be considered as a prospective purchaser of City-owned land, all applications require certain information to verify eligibility to purchase, capacity to fulfill proposed improvements and/or use of the property per the application type, and appropriateness of the proposed improvements and/or use of the property, among other details.
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Step 1: Browse available properties. Filter by community area, ward, zoning and other criteria.
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Step 2: Complete an eligibility form. The form helps determine whether you are eligible to purchase a given property for a proposed use.
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Step 3: Complete an application. The application asks for relevant info about your goals for a given site.
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Step 4: Receive application response. The response will detail whether your application has been approved.
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Step 5: Complete the City review and approval process. Depending on the project, your designs may need to be formally approved and require Building Permits for new construction.
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Step 6: Close on property. Pay for the property and receive the deed to the land.
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Step 7: Begin project. Activate your land.
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Assistance is available via email at info@ chiblockbuilder.com and over the phone in English and Spanish at 312-935- 1030.
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Residents, developers, community organizations, and other entities are eligible to purchase lots for use as side yards, housing, commercial projects, and open spaces such as gardens or plazas. The application for each parcel being offered is linked to one of the uses shown below. For example, if a property is being offered as a side yard, the linked application will require information specific to that use.
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City-owned land will be offered for sale at a price determined through a market valuation undertaken by DPD and its consultants. Market assessments are conducted for each lot using a sales comparison approach for comparable properties in each area. The approach also considers lot sizes, zoning, shape, condition and other factors to arrive at individual market values.
Land sales are subject to approval by City Council. If the length of time from the date of publication on ChiBlockBuilder to introduction to City Council exceeds two years, the City will update the market valuation to establish the then-current market value and purchase price.
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Deeds are available from the Cook County Clerk's Office. Deeds dated before 1985 are available at Recorder of Deeds offices at 118 N Clark St. Deeds dated after 1985 may be downloaded from the County Clerk website.
Affordable Housing
Property that is intended for the development of housing that will be affordable to households at up to 140% of area median income (AMI).
Market Rate
A property intended to house a business, such as a store, restaurant, office or social or cultural service. This includes mixed-used buildings, which have both commercial space and housing.
Side Yard
A side yard is a fenced yard directly adjacent to a neighbor’s home and can be used for any purpose allowed by zoning.
Open Space
Property sold to be used as open space that is fenced and managed by a resident, group of residents, non-profit organization, or business for local neighborhood activities.
Urban Agriculture
Property sold to be used as urban agriculture that is fenced and managed by local growers. Sites are licensed by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.