Land Bank Committee approves split to create buildable lot on Large Pipe Street

The Sandusky Land Bank Committee voted March 17 to approve a staff-recommended disposition for the 3.368‑acre parcel on Large Pipe Street (parcel number 5702553.000), preserving one buildable lot while splitting remaining portions for adjoining owners to expand their yards.

Committee staff said the city obtained the parcel on April 30, 2015, and has sought a viable disposition since 2018. Staff reported certified letters sent on Feb. 7, 2025, produced interest from seven adjacent owners willing to combine parts of the rear parcel into their lots. "We do have a scenario that does leave a buildable parcel," staff said, outlining a plan in the meeting packet.

Under the plan, the city would pay for the lot-split survey, new legal descriptions and deeds; staff estimated a professional survey would cost at least $5,000 and said funds are available in the land bank budget. In return, the city would be relieved of lot maintenance estimated in a prior meeting at about $10,000 a year. Property owners taking adjacent pieces would pay the standard $200 side-lot expansion fee plus recording and combination costs; the committee’s materials specified examples such as $400, $600 and $800 totals for owners acquiring multiple pieces before survey and recording fees.

Committee members praised staff work and the long-running effort to relieve the city’s maintenance burden. One member thanked staff for presenting "what is a complicated disposition strategy to a very long time held piece of property," and noted the approach moves an underutilized parcel back into private ownership.

The committee approved the motion by roll call. Final approval of any sale or transfer will follow preparation of deeds and purchase agreements and return to the city commission as required. Staff said they will obtain a firm survey quote before completing transfers and will collect owner fees prior to any conveyance.