Step 1: Browse available properties from ChiBlockBuilder's Application Map or Current Listing web pages. The Interactive Map and Current Listing document can be searched via the filter function by community area, ward, zoning and other criteria. 

Step 2: For vacant city-owned land that is currently being marketed for sale, an applicant must first complete an eligibility form. The form helps determine whether an applicant is eligible to proceed with the application process to purchase a given property for a proposed use.

Step 3: Complete and submit an application by the stated deadline. Please make sure to follow the detailed instructions and to provide all of the requested information. The application asks for relevant information about development experience, proposed program and uses, proposed project budget and financing, construction schedule, any demonstrated community engagement and the proposed purchase offer for the subject site.

Step 4: Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by city staff and complete applications will be scored based on the application program's evaluation rubric, and as outlined on ChiBlockBuilder. City staff may request additional information and clarification from applicants as part of their review process. Once reviews are completed by city staff, each applicant will then receive a response identifying whether their application has been denied or accepted to proceed to the next steps in the land sales process.

Step 5: If an application has been accepted to proceed to the next steps in the land sales process, the City will assign a project manager for that application. Additional documents from the applicant will be required during this time, such as conceptual design drawings, zoning analysis, project budgets with sources and uses, Economic Disclosure Statements, financial statements, Certificate of Good Standing, Residential Developer License (if applicable) and confirmation that the applicant has no outstanding debt or delinquent taxes owed to the City.  The applicant may want to obtain a survey and conduct a phase 1 environmental review during the due diligence process. To do so, the applicant will need to provide information for a right-of-entry.

Step 6: Once all of the necessary documentation is provided, a Term Sheet is finalized and the Land Sale Ordinance and Agreement is submitted for City Council introduction. The City Council review process involves City staff presenting the proposal at a Committee on Housing and Real Estate meeting to answer questions that the committee members may have. Applicants are encouraged, but not required to attend this meeting.

Step 7: After City Council votes to support the Land Sale Ordinance and Agreement, closing on the property requires evidence from the applicant of permit issuance, proof of financing, deposit of the purchase offer payment and other closing documents listed in the Land Sale Agreement.

Step 8: Construction can commence after closing and within the time frame outlined in the Land Sale Agreement.

Assistance is available via email at landsales@cityofchicago.org and over the phone in English and Spanish at (312) 744-LAND. 

Residents, developers, community organizations, and other entities are eligible to purchase lots for use as side yards, housing, commercial projects, and open spaces such as gardens or plazas. The application for each parcel being offered is linked to one of the uses shown below. For example, if a property is being offered as a side yard, the linked application will require information specific to that use. 

City-owned land will be offered for sale at a price determined through a market valuation undertaken by DPD and its consultants. Market assessments are conducted for each lot using a sales comparison approach for comparable properties in each area. The approach also considers lot sizes, zoning, shape, condition and other factors to arrive at individual market values.

Land sales are subject to approval by City Council. If the length of time from the date of publication on ChiBlockBuilder to introduction to City Council exceeds two years, the City will update the market valuation to establish the then-current market value and purchase price.

Deeds are available from the Cook County Clerk's Office. Deeds dated before 1985 are available at Recorder of Deeds offices at 118 N Clark St. Deeds dated after 1985 may be downloaded from the County Clerk website.