Land Based Project FAQs

A land based project uses land for urban agriculture, gardening, or beautification, whether for profit or as a community based activity.

Eligible vacant lots must share a property line with a residential property you own. The house must be occupied and the side lot must be 7,500 square feet or less to qualify. Your home may be across the alley from a side lot, but not across the street. Lots are purchased through the Detroit Land Bank Authority.

If you own properties that are next to one another on the same block, it’s often a good idea to consolidate your parcels before you apply for a permit. The owner must be current on all payments or payment plans to the City of Detroit. Visit the Assessor’s Office at 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 804 to combine parcels. Call 313-224-3024 before visiting to check on what to bring.

Parcels across the street from one another or interrupted by an unvacated alley cannot be combined. However, unused alleys can be officially vacated in order to combine it and the parcels on each side. Alley vacations require petition signatures from all property owners next to the alley and City Council approval. Contact Department of Public Works at 313-224-3970.

A permit is required to register and record your project with the City. A permit protects your rights as a property owner to use your land in a legally allowable way. Note, you do not need a permit if you are doing a project on a side lot next to your house or business, as long as you have combined your parcels.

Zoning defines what land uses are allowed on every parcel in property in Detroit. Zoning rules are designed to make sure that neighboring properties have compatible uses. For example, so that a school or home is not next door to a factory. Some types of land uses: may always be allowed in some areas of the city (By Right uses); may be allowed in some areas only under strict conditions (Conditional uses); or may never be allowed in some areas in Detroit (Not Allowed uses). When it comes to land based projects, there are no uses that are allowed by right in every area of Detroit, so it is important to check to make sure your desired land and project are compatible .

Every property in Detroit falls into a zoning district such as residential, commercial, or industrial zone. You can look up your zoning at www.detroitdevelopment.org .

Generally projects that are over one acre in size are more likely to be conditional land uses in many neighborhoods. When purchasing land, you may be able to choose a different property where your project is allowed by right, which would allow you to avoid the conditional land use process. Alternatively, when permitting, you may be able to change your project so that it is allowed by right on a property you already have. BSEED’s Zoning Division can help with advice.

Fair market value for a property is determined by a professional who looks at “comparable values” of other similar properties that have been sold. This means prices may be higher in an area where market demand is increasing land costs nearby; prices also may be higher for commercial or specially zoned properties.

Using an urban garden as an example of a primary use, the garden could have a variety of accessory uses such as a shed, garage, farm stand, or hoophouse. In this case you would look at the zoning restrictions for “urban garden.” For another example, if there is only a hoophouse on the lot, the hoophouse is then the primary use.

Engagement of the community surrounding your project is not required by the City unless your project is a conditionally allowed urban agriculture project. However, it strongly encouraged because it will lead to a more successful project longterm and better relationships. There are two types of projects that require you to engage with your neighbors:

If your land based project is an urban garden (agriculture less than or equal to 1 acre in size) that was permitted on a conditional use basis, or an urban farm (agriculture more than 1 acre in size), then you must provide your name, address, and telephone number to neighboring property owners or tenants and/or the first nearest property owner or tenant at least 30 days before you start doing site work.

If your land based project involves uses that are considered conditional, and will require a Special Land Use Hearing in order to receive a permit, then the City will send a letter to all addresses within a 300 feet radius of your project, no less than 15 days prior to your scheduled hearing date. The letter includes:

• Your project’s address
• The time, date, and location of your hearing
• Your/ your organization’s name
• A brief description of your project and proposed use
• An invitation for them to express their opinion of your project.
• They can do this in writing before the hearing, or in person by attending the hearing.

Two kinds of projects require you to engage your neighbors: Urban gardens permitted on a conditional use basis, and all urban farms that are more than 1 acre. You must provide your name, address, and telephone number at least 30 days before you start doing site work to neighboring property owners or tenants and/or the first nearest property owner or tenant.

City Contacts

District Managers at the Department of Neighborhoods (DON)

To participate in the Community Partner program, you must be recommended by your City Council member or district manager and approved by the Land bank to participate. Contact your District Manager to find out more information. 

Community Partners

Use these resources for additional help with your Land Based Project, including plot plans, site design and maintenance tips.

1. Getting Started
2. Check Land Zoning
3. Purchase Land
4. Permitting