Overview

The 'Mow to Own' Program is designed for City residents who wish to acquire a vacant lot owned by LRA.

The 'Mow to Own' Program is a 'sweat equity' program where residents may take immediate ownership of a vacant lot that is located next to an occupied residential or commercial property that they own, for a nominal fee. Participants must agree to continually maintain the lot, including regular mows and debris removal, for twenty-four months.

The LRA Board of Commissioners must approve each transaction. Following approval by the Board of Commissioners, the successful applicant will receive a deed to the property with a maintenance lien, allowing the property to be reacquired by LRA should the applicant fail to maintain the lot.

After twenty-four months, if there are no findings of violation from the City's Forestry Division and no complaints, LRA will remove the maintenance lien and the owner will own the property.

Preparation

Step 1: Identify An Eligible Lot

Eligible Lots are:

Lot may not exceed 40 feet frontage

Lot may not be contiguous to three or more LRA, LCRA, or PIEA owned parcels

The lot must be the property of the LRA for a minimum of three years

Lot must be vacant and unimproved real property

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Step 2: Applicant Qualifications

An applicant to qualify must:

Applicants must have paid all real estate taxes on all properties that they own in the City of St. Louis, and have no outstanding violations on those properties

Applicants must own property with an occupied residential or commercial structure, immediately adjacent to the desired lot

Step 3: Maintenance Requirements

During the 24 month period, the applicant must agree to:

Keep property free and clear of debris and excess vegetation

Comply with City ordinances, including keeping grass cut to no higher than seven inches

Pay current real estate taxes assessed on the lot

Instructions

In-Person

To apply for the Mow To Own Program:

Download the Mow To Own application or pick up an application in the LRA office at 1520 Market St., Suite 2000 Fill out the application and return it to the LRA office along with the $25.00 processing fee. Submit the application by 12:00 noon on the following dates:

May 6, 2020 for the May 27, 2020 meeting

June 3, 2020 for the June 24, 2020 meeting

July 8, 2020 for the July 29, 2020 meeting

August 5, 2020 for the August 26, 2020 meeting

September 9, 2020 for the September 30, 2020 meeting

October 7, 2020 for the October 28, 2020 meeting

November 24, 2020 for the December 16, 2020 meeting

Fees

$25.00 application processing fee, cashiers check or money order (non refundable).

$100.00 administrative fee, which includes recording costs for the initial deed and the subsequent release of the maintenance item.

There is no additional cost for the land itself

Note: Participants may choose to acquire title insurance at their own cost.

What to Expect

Each application to the Mow To Own program will be reviewed by staff to determine if the parcel meets the program's requirements.

Staff will provide a recommendation to the board of Commissioners regarding the application.

The application will be presented to the Commission at the next available meeting.

If the application is approved by the Board of Commissioners, the successful applicant will receive a deed to the property with a maintenance lien allowing the property to be reacquired by LRA should the applicant fail to maintain the lot.

The LRA Commission meetings are held on the following dates at 8:30 am in the SLDC Board Room at 1520 Market St., Suite 2000. (All dates and times are subject to change without notice.)

May 27, 2020

June 24, 2020

July 29, 2020

August 26, 2020

September 30, 2020

October 28, 2020

December 16, 2020

Additional Information

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