City-Owned Property

The City of Mt. Vernon owns a number of vacant lots throughout the city available for sale or transfer. To encourage investment in neighborhoods, the City offers three programs designed to support homeownership, property maintenance, and neighborhood revitalization.

For a current list of properties available, please contact the Engineering and Inspections Department.

Homeownership Program

As a first step to revitalize our older neighborhoods and encourage home ownership and construction of new residential homes, the City will offer the lot to a resident or future resident for free if they agree to and meet the following conditions:

• R-1 or R-2 zoned property: Buyer agrees to build a new home or place a modular home on the property within one year of the agreement.
• RM-2 zoned property: Buyer agrees to either build a new home or place a modular or manufactured home (meeting ordinance standards) on the property within one year.
• Only one lot per person may be acquired.
• Lots are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Placement of a dwelling must occur within 12 months of agreement or ownership reverts back to the city.

Property Only

If you do not intend to place a new dwelling on the property, you can purchase the property from the city.

• Lots are available on a first come, first served basis.
• If more than one person is interested in the property, the City will requires sealed bids. The highest bidder will acquire the property.

Mow to Own Program

The Mow to Own program helps adjacent property owners acquire the vacant properties and improve neighborhoods at the same time by permitting acquisition of the property through routine maintenance instead of a cash purchase. It is the desire of the city to see these lots incorporated into neighboring yards and improved.

Process

• Select a vacant lot from the City's surplus property list.
• Submit a completed application online or download and submit in person to the Engineering and Inspections Office.
• Applications will be reviewed, and additional information may be requested.
• If approved, you will sign an agreement stating maintenance requirements.
•  After two years, the property will be signed over to you by quit claim deed.

Requirements

• You must own the property adjacent to the vacant lot.
• You must maintain the property for a two year period.
• You must not have any nuisance, building and/or zoning violations within the last two years.
• No delinquent utility accounts in the last two years
• Property taxes have been paid in the last two years
• 501(c)(3) Non profit Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status at the time of application and maintain it throughout the two year period
• You cannot build on the property until the two year period is over and the property is conveyed to you.

For full program details, please review the Mow to Own Program Requirements document.

Get Started Today

These programs are a great way to strengthen neighborhoods and reduce vacant lots while giving residents a chance to invest in our community. Review the requirements, then contact the Engineering and Inspections Office to see if one of these programs is right for you. We’re here to help!