Development Tiers
Louisville Metro’s Development Tiers help guide how and where growth occurs across the community. These tiers outline different levels of development intensity—from established urban areas to suburban and rural locations and help determine appropriate land use, infrastructure investment, and planning priorities. By organizing development in this way, the city can support sustainable growth, protect neighborhood character, and ensure that new projects align with long-term planning goals for housing, transportation, and economic development.
Single Development Criteria
- End user: Self, Buyer or Renter
- Aquisition Quantity: 1
- Application Process: Standard
- Eligible Programs: Build Back Our Blocks, Demo for Deed, Homeowners First, and Save Our Structures
- Parcel Type: Structure and/or Vacant Lot
- Project Types: Rehab a Structure, Demo for New Construction, or New Construction
| Quantity | 1 parcel |
|---|---|
| Compliance |
The entity must be registered in the state of Kentucky, with a majority of its members residing in Kentucky or Louisville Metro area. Be Metro Compliant (and other related agencies). |
| Experience |
No prior development experience required. Applicants may be new to development or trades-based individuals and can work independently or in partnership with experienced contractors or professionals. |
| Capacity |
Ability to manage timelines, contractors, and budgets effectively. Construction capacity to build or rehab 1 unit within a 12-month timeframe. Access to financing or partnerships with investors. |
| Community | Willingness to engage with community stakeholders. |
| Application Process | Review Single-Parcel Development Packet and apply via the Louisville Landbank Property Portal and its Application for Development Programs (Single-Parcel Purchaser or Small Developer). |
Small Development Criteria
- End user: Buyer or Renter
- Acquisition Quantity: 2-4
- Application Process: Standard
- Eligible Programs: Build Back Our Blocks, Demo for Deed, Homeowners First, and Save Our Structures
- Parcel Type: Structure and/or Vacant Lot
- Project Types: Rehab a Structure, Demo for New Construction, or New Construction
| Quantity | 2-4 parcels |
|---|---|
| Compliance |
The entity must be registered in the state of Kentucky with a majority of its members residing in Kentucky or Louisville Metro area. Be Metro Compliant (and other related agencies). |
| Experience |
Minimum of 2 years of experience in real estate development, residential construction, or rehab projects. Evidence of completing 3 successful rehabilitation and/or land development projects. |
| Capacity |
Ability to manage timelines, contractors, and budgets effectively. Construction capacity to build or rehab 2-4 units within a 12-month timeframe. Access to financing or partnerships with investors. |
| Community | Willingness to engage with community stakeholders. |
| Application Process | Review Small Development Packet and apply via the Louisville Landbank Property Portal and its Application for Development Programs (Single-Parcel Purchaser or Small Developer). |
Large Development Criteria
- End user: Buyer or Renter
- Aquisition Quantity: 5+
- Application Process: 2 Step
- Eligible Programs: Build Back Our Blocks, Demo for Deed, Homeowners First, and Save Our Structures
- Parcel Type: Structure and/or Vacant Lot
- Project Types: Rehab a Structure, Demo for New Construction, or New Construction
| Process |
Multi-Step Requirements:
|
|---|---|
| Quantity | 5 or more parcels |
| Compliance |
Entity must be registered in the state of Kentucky for a minimum of 2 years, with a majority of its members residing in Kentucky or Louisville Metro area. Be Metro Compliant (and other related agencies). |
| Experience |
Minimum of 5 years experience in real estate development, residential construction, or rehab projects. Evidence of completing 5 successful rehabilitation and/or land development projects. |
| Capacity |
Ability to manage timelines, contractors, and budgets effectively. Construction capacity to build or rehab 5+ units within a 12-month timeframe. Access to financing or partnerships with investors. |
| Community | Willingness to engage with community stakeholders. |
| Additional Information |
Annual open call period: July 1 – September 30 Large Developer status is for 3 years with annual compliance reviews. |
| Application Process | Review Large Development Packet and apply via the Louisville Landbank Property Portal and its Application for Development Programs (Large Developer). |
- Click on the “FILTERS” tab located at the top of the map.
- Navigate to “Inventory Type”, select “Structure”, and click “Apply”
- If you are interested in any of the properties that pop up, please apply by clicking on that property and clicking “Apply”. At that point, you will be prompted to create an account, which is required before applying for a property/parcel.