About The Land Bank Center · Columbus
The Land Bank Center, located at 845 Parsons Avenue on the South Side of Columbus, Ohio, is the shared home of two complementary land-reutilization authorities: the City of Columbus Land Bank (run by the City of Columbus Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment) and the Franklin County Land Bank, which is operated by the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC). The two entities co-located in the former Parsons Avenue Library building in 2017 and together work to acquire, demolish, renovate and resell vacant, abandoned and tax-foreclosed properties across the city and county. The online portal at public-cbus.epropertyplus.com is the public-facing listing tool where buyers can browse featured Land Bank properties, apply to purchase parcels, and learn about incentive programs such as the Owner Occupant Incentive Program and the Moderately Priced Housing Incentive Program.
The Land Bank Center is not a single private company but a combined service center for the public land-reutilization authorities serving Columbus and Franklin County. The City of Columbus Land Bank, administered by the city's Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment, was created to acquire vacant and abandoned properties and return them to productive community assets. COCIC (originally formed as a Community Improvement Corporation in 2005 to mitigate a hazardous landfill in Gahanna) has operated as the Franklin County Land Bank since 2012 under Ohio's 2010 Land Reutilization Program (ORC 5722.01), giving it powers to take title to problem properties, clear liens and fees, intercede in sheriff sales, and transfer land for redevelopment. From 2012 to 2017 the two Land Banks together spent more than $35 million demolishing 1,658 structures (3,166 units) in Franklin County. In January 2017 both entities moved into the renovated former Parsons Avenue Library at 845 Parsons Avenue in Columbus's South Side neighborhood, creating a single point of contact — The Land Bank Center — where residents, developers, Community Development Corporations and faith-based affordable-housing partners can apply to purchase parcels and access incentive programs. The online listing site, public-cbus.epropertyplus.com, publishes all available properties with photos, asking prices (often under $25,000) and application links; visitors can also view more detailed summaries for individual parcels by parcel number. The Land Banks work closely with affordable-housing partners including the Central Ohio Community Land Trust, Healthy Homes, Habitat for Humanity–MidOhio, Homes on the Hill, the Gertrude Wood Community Foundation and the Franklinton Development Association to prioritize redevelopment for owner occupancy, moderate-priced housing and community gardens.
- In business
- COCIC formed as a CIC in 2005; became Franklin County Land Bank in 2012. City of Columbus Land Bank operating since 2010. The Land Bank Center co-located at 845 Parsons Ave since January 2017.
- Owner
- Operated by the City of Columbus Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment and the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC / Franklin County Land Bank). The City of Columbus has a presence on COCIC's board.
- Serves
- City of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio (including neighborhoods such as the South Side and surrounding Franklin County municipalities)
About the Land Bank Center
The Land Bank Center at 845 Parsons Avenue on Columbus's South Side is the shared office and service location for two public land-reutilization authorities: the Columbus Land Bank (City of Columbus Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment) and the Franklin County Land Bank (operated by the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation, COCIC). The two authorities co-located in the renovated former Parsons Avenue Library building in January 2017, creating a single point of contact for residents, developers, Community Development Corporations and affordable-housing partners who want to buy, redevelop or report issues with Land Bank-owned properties. The online hub — public-cbus.epropertyplus.com — is the public-facing listing portal where all available properties, applications and program rules are published.
- Address: 845 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
- Houses the City of Columbus Land Bank and the Franklin County Land Bank (COCIC)
- Co-located in the former Parsons Avenue Library since January 2017
- South Side, Columbus neighborhood location
History of the Columbus and Franklin County Land Banks
In 2010 Ohio enacted the Land Reutilization Program (codified at ORC 5722.01), extending land-bank authority to 42 of the state's most populous counties. The City of Columbus Land Bank began demolishing properties in 2010 using Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds. COCIC, originally formed in 2005 to mitigate a hazardous landfill in Gahanna, took on the role of Franklin County Land Bank in 2012. COCIC's first major funding was more than $8 million in 'Moving Ohio Forward' (MOF) demolition grants from the Ohio Attorney General; it later received more than $23 million through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) in 2013. Between 2012 and 2017 the Land Banks together spent more than $35 million demolishing 1,658 structures / 3,166 units across the county, and in 2017 COCIC's annual budget reached approximately $13.5 million. The two organizations have remained separate legal authorities while sharing office space and coordinating redevelopment strategy.
- 2010 — Ohio Land Reutilization Program (ORC 5722.01)
- 2010 — City of Columbus Land Bank begins demolitions with NSP funds
- 2012 — COCIC becomes Franklin County Land Bank; receives 'Moving Ohio Forward' funds
- 2013 — $23M OHFA Neighborhood Initiative Program grant
- January 2017 — Both Land Banks co-locate at 845 Parsons Avenue as 'The Land Bank Center'
Land Bank Property Search & Listings Portal
All available Land Bank properties are published on the public portal at public-cbus.epropertyplus.com. The site lists each parcel with photos, a map view, parcel summary, purchase price and a link to apply online. Visitors can view all featured properties or browse additional listings. Sample listings visible on the portal in recent data include 2891 E 7th Ave at $13,600, 922 Ann St at $8,258, parcels on Glendower Ave at $14,149, 2236 Sagamore Rd at $21,900, and 1974 Marston Rd at $24,580. Because the program's mix of properties is being realigned with the City's Affordable Housing Strategy, the bulk of properties are now reserved for ongoing affordable housing and community redevelopment initiatives with Community Development Corporations and the Central Ohio Community Land Trust; more owner-occupancy and general-redevelopment listings are expected to be posted 'shortly,' according to the current program notice.
- Portal URL: https://public-cbus.epropertyplus.com/landmgmtpub/app/base/authLanding
- Each listing includes photos, map view and parcel summary
- Application link on each listing plus general PDF application
- Not all Land Bank properties are for sale — unlisted parcels are reserved for community redevelopment
Owner Occupant Incentive Program
The Owner Occupant Incentive Program allows eligible applicants to purchase Land Bank properties at a reduced cost during a specified listing period. Qualifying applicants receive a 50% discount off the asking price. To participate, applicants must show proof of funds, demonstrate rehabilitation or new-construction experience, submit a rehab or new-construction plan, and agree to occupy the structure for a minimum of five years after completion. Buyers must apply for permits immediately after closing, start construction within 6 months and complete it within 12 months; a Preliminary Site Plan Review with the Building and Zoning Department is recommended before closing.
- 50% discount off Land Bank asking price
- Applicant must occupy the home for at least 5 years
- Construction start within 6 months, completion within 12 months
- Addendum VI: Owner Occupant Incentive Program (PDF, 143KB) must accompany the application
Moderately Priced Housing Incentive Program
The Moderately Priced Housing Incentive Program was created to increase the supply of moderately priced residential units in Columbus neighborhoods. Eligible buyers who develop housing through existing affordable-housing programs or who offer moderately priced for-sale or rental units receive a reduced price (a 50% discount, like the Owner Occupant Incentive Program). Applicants must show proof of funds, demonstrate rehab or new-construction experience, submit associated plans, list proposed sale prices and rents, and agree to a restrictive covenant. Investor-developers follow a different acknowledgment path on the application.
- 50% price discount for affordable / moderately priced housing development
- Requires proof of funds and rehab experience
- Applicant signs a restrictive covenant
- Addendum VII: Moderately Priced Housing Incentive Program (PDF, 148KB)
Community Garden & Urban-Farm Licensing
Each year the Land Bank licenses properties for community gardens, urban farms, community-beautification projects and similar activities. License terms run for one year with yearly renewal options. Prospective licensees are encouraged to call the Land Bank Center to identify which neighborhood they are interested in; staff will check what is available. A separate Community Garden License application (PDF) is used rather than the standard purchase-application packet.
- One-year license with annual renewal options
- Used for community gardens, urban farms, beautification projects
- Separate Community Garden License application required
- Available parcels vary by neighborhood; call 614-645-5263 to inquire
How to Apply to Purchase a Land Bank Property
Purchasing a Land Bank property requires submittal and approval of a written application — no sale-contract offers are accepted. Buyers complete the full Application with Addenda (PDF, 2MB) and attach the addenda that fit their project (new construction vs. renovation). Required addenda include Proof of Funds, Project Narrative and Experience, Lead Warning Statement, Rehab Specifications (for structures only), Owner Occupant Incentive Program acknowledgment, and/or Moderately Priced Housing Incentive Program acknowledgment. Applicants must also read the General Land Bank Policies (PDF, 314KB) and the FAQ. Accepted applicants may, during their due-diligence period, request a Preliminary Site Plan Review with the Building and Zoning Department and even have the City serve as co-applicant on a zoning application. Many Land Bank parcels are within Community Reinvestment Areas and may qualify for additional residential tax incentives offered through the Housing Division.
- Step 1 — Review property listings on the portal
- Step 2 — Download Application with Addenda (PDF, 2MB)
- Step 3 — Submit required addenda (I–VII) plus Addendum II Applicant Property List
- Step 4 — Mail to Land Bank Center, 845 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43206 or email [email protected]
- Step 5 — Preliminary Site Plan Review (recommended) and close
Affordable Housing & Community Partners
The Land Banks coordinate with a network of affordable-housing nonprofit partners, prioritizing them for transfer or sale of properties that advance their mission. Working from the Land Bank Center, the program collaborates with local Community Development Corporations and the Central Ohio Community Land Trust to convert Land Bank parcels into owner-occupied affordable homes. COCIC also partners with Habitat for Humanity–MidOhio, Homes on the Hill, Healthy Homes, the Gertrude Wood Community Foundation and the Franklinton Development Association on specific initiatives, including the goal of returning 500 Land Bank properties to productive use by 2026.
- Central Ohio Community Land Trust
- Healthy Homes
- Habitat for Humanity–MidOhio
- Homes on the Hill
- Gertrude Wood Community Foundation
- Franklinton Development Association
- Target: 500 homes back to productive use by 2026
Reporting Issues with a Land Bank Property
Anyone can report a maintenance or safety issue on a Land Bank-owned parcel. Issues can be reported by emailing [email protected], calling (614) 645-5263, or submitting a Columbus 311 service request. When reporting, identify the Land Bank parcel number so staff can dispatch the correct address. Common issues include overgrown lots, dumped trash, damaged structures, lead hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (614) 645-5263
- Online: columbus.gov 311 service request
- Always include the Land Bank parcel number
Real Estate Management (City of Columbus)
Separate from the Land Bank side of the division, the City of Columbus Real Estate Management office handles acquisition, sale and leasing of surplus city real property (other than rights-of-way and utility easements used in city operations). The office negotiates leases on behalf of the city, markets surplus city property and serves as the city's real-estate agent. It is not a portal for buying Land Bank residential parcels, which are listed through the Land Bank Center and the epropertyplus.com portal.
- Real Estate Management — 90 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone: (614) 645-5189; Fax: (614) 645-6675
- Handles surplus city property sales, leases and acquisitions
- Operated by the same Division as the Columbus Land Bank