Land bank committee reviews resolution to remove "mow-to-own" side-lot option from disposition policy

Land bank staff presented a proposed amendment to Resolution 24-11R on Sept. 15 that would remove references to the "mow-to-own" side-lot disposition program from the City of Sandusky's land reutilization policy. The committee discussed the change and asked staff to return with a list of parcels that might be affected before taking final action.

Debbie told the committee the original side-lot program was adopted by city commission on July 11, 2011 and allowed adjacent property owners to acquire certain land bank parcels in exchange for multi-year in-kind mowing and maintenance. In January 2023 the land bank revised pricing to allow an adjacent owner to buy a non-buildable lot for a flat rate of $200 plus survey, deed preparation and recording fees; the revised pricing reduced the need for multi-year "mow-to-own" contracts, Debbie said. She noted six "mow-to-own" contracts had existed and the last expired Aug. 15, 2025 (627 Decatur Street), which is now transferring.

Why it matters: The proposed amendment would streamline side-lot sales and remove the multi-year maintenance-for-ownership pathway from the resolution; if the committee approves changes, the amendment must go before the city commission for final approval.

Discussion and next steps: Committee members thanked staff for preparing the redline and supporting documents, asked for an accounting of how many parcels remain subject to the former program and suggested bringing recommended edits back at the Nov. 17 meeting for possible approval. Staff said exhibit A (redline) and exhibit B (policies and procedures section for non-buildable lots) were included in materials and that only Section 11 of policies/procedures would need changes.

No formal motion to amend the resolution was made at the meeting; staff will return with parcel counts and any recommended language changes.