Neighborhood Programs

The Louisville Landbank offers several programs for people to lease and/or purchase vacant city-owned lots. The lots can be used to expand a neighbor’s yard, create a garden, design a community space and more.

If you are interested in purchasing or leasing a vacant lot from the Louisville Landbank and you reside in the Louisville Metro area, please review the program guidelines listed below and call Landbank staff at (502) 574-4200 if you have questions.

My New Side Yard
Program Goal Create low-cost opportunities for owner-occupants to acquire adjacent vacant lots to expand the use of their property.
Intended Uses Larger yard, fenced-in area, play space, personal garden.
Eligible Parcels Vacant lots up to 4,000 square feet with no existing structures.
Eligible Applicants Any adjacent property owner, church, business, or nonprofit organization who occupies or rents out the qualifying adjacent structure may be eligible. Individual owner-occupants will be prioritized.
Application Process Applications will be reviewed in the order received. The deed or active lease agreement for the applicant’s qualifying structure must be submitted with the application. Applicant’s intended use must be in line with program goals.
Cost $1.00
Type of Transaction Deed
Restrictions End use of property as side yard. Landbank approval is required should buyer wish to build new construction on the lot. At its discretion, the Landbank can assert the Right of First Refusal for any parcel sold under this program.
Other Program-Specific Information Buyer is not required to consolidate parcels but doing so will reduce the number of tax bills. Should an applicant decide to build on a side yard, they will return to the Landbank to request a release of restrictions. All buyers are limited to one (1) parcel per qualifying adjacent structure through this program.
Monitoring Annually for 3 years to check for property maintenance violations, delinquent taxes, and unexpected construction.
Release of Deed Restrictions Will be prepared once monitoring has ceased. The Landbank may retain its first right of refusal based on the property owner’s request for a release.

Lot On My Block

Program Goal Create opportunities for nearby owner-occupants and long-term renters to gain property ownership and build wealth by acquiring a vacant lot on their block.

  • A block includes all properties on the same street, between cross streets and alleys. The buyer should be able to easily see the Landbank lot from their front or back yards.
Intended Uses Larger yard and/or a private garden and maintained private space.
Eligible Parcels Vacant lots up to 5,000 square feet with no existing structures.
Eligible Applicants
  • Individuals whose “occupied” property is on the same block as the Landbank lot.
  • Long-term renters who have legally and verifiably occupied the same rental unit for at least 5 years and their rental unit is on the same block as the Landbank lot.
  • For-profit or non-profit organizations whose “occupied” property is adjacent to the Landbank lot.
  • Children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of a previous owner or renter with documented family ownership or rental history of the Landbank lot.
Application Process Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. The deed or active lease agreement to the Applicant’s qualifying structure must be submitted with the application. Applicant’s intended use must be in line with program goals and stated on application. Note: A fence is strongly recommended for any private garden cultivating food crops.

If 2 or more applications are received within 7 days, preference will be given to the first qualifying owner-occupant.
Cost $250.00
Type of Transaction Deed
Restrictions Buyer is restricted from selling property for 3 years from the date of purchase. The Landbank can assert the Right of First Refusal for any parcel sold under this program.
Other Program-Specific Information This program is designed for the maintenance of a vacant lot. If Buyer decides to build within 3 years, restrictions will be released if construction is completed within that timeframe. All buyers are limited to one parcel through this program.
Monitoring Annually for 3 years to check for property maintenance violations, delinquent taxes, and unexpected construction. Restrictions will be released after 3 years.
Release of Deed Restrictions Will be prepared once monitoring has ceased and the property owner is in good standing.

Create In Your Neighborhood

Program Goal Empower established organizations to creatively reuse vacant lots for community-focused projects.
Intended Uses Green Space, Micro Park, Solar Panel Farm, Art Installation, Bicycle Station, Dog Park, Outdoor Fitness Area, etc.
Eligible Parcels Vacant lots up to 7,000 square feet with no existing structures.
Eligible Applicants Established organizations with the capacity to complete and maintain the proposed land use project for a minimum of 3 years.
Application Process All applications must be reviewed by the Landbank staff. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
Cost A lot may be leased for $1.00 per year pending annual renewal.
Type of Transaction Lease Agreement
Restrictions Use for vacant lot is limited to the proposed land use project submitted by the applicant.
Other Program-Specific Information Applicant must provide a project plan that includes the following:

  • A project timeline
  • 3-year operating budget
  • Maintenance plan
  • Proof of funds for the first 3 years of operating and maintenance costs
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • A community notice period for the proposed project
  • The posting of a sign that displays the project name, operator, and contact information

Note: Soil testing may be required based on the project’s intended end use.

Monitoring Projects will be regularly monitored from the date of lease through project completion. The lease will be reviewed annually for renewal. Monitoring will include on-site inspections and desk reviews.

Grow In Your Neighborhood

Guide to Community Notice and Feedback

Program Goal Provide opportunities for vacant land to be re-used for urban agriculture.
Intended Uses Agricultural use (e.g., community or market gardens).
Eligible Parcels Vacant lots up to 7,000 square feet with no existing structures.
Eligible Applicants Individuals and organizations with the capacity to complete and maintain the proposed project for a minimum of 3 years.
Application Process Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. An applicant’s project plan will also be submitted to the UK Extension Office for its review and approval before the Landbank will approve the application.
Cost A lot may be leased for $1.00 per year pending annual renewal and sold for $250.00 if the applicant/lessee submits a request to purchase after 3 successful years of operation.
Type of Transaction Lease with an option to purchase after 3 successful years of operation.
Restrictions Use of the vacant lot is limited to the proposed agricultural project submitted by the applicant. At its discretion, the Landbank can assert the Right of First Refusal for any parcel sold under this program.
Other Program-Specific Information

Applicant must provide a project plan that includes the following:

  • A project timeline
  • 3-year operating budget
  • Proof of funds for the first 3 years of operating and maintenance costs
  • Show how water shall be available on site to maintain the agricultural project
  • Results of soil testing
  • A community notice period for the proposed project
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • The posting of a sign that displays the name of the project, its operator, and contact information
Monitoring Projects will be regularly monitored from the date of lease throughout the completion of the proposed project. The lease will be reviewed annually for renewal. Monitoring will include on-site inspections and desk reviews.
Release of Deed Restrictions Will be prepared once monitoring has ceased and the property owner is in good standing.

Ready to find a property and apply?

Click Here

Once on the interactive Property Portal linked above, please follow these instructions to filter for a vacant lot:

  1. Click on the “FILTERS” tab located at the top of the map.
  2. Navigate to “Inventory Type”, select “Lot”, and click “Apply”
  3. 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.