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Land Bank

Kansas City, Kansas is a place of enormous potential for growth and development. However, the urban core of Kansas City, Kansas has many residential parcels that have remained vacant for years.

These vacancies are largely the result of the myriad of challenges to building infill housing in historic neighborhoods. In light of this challenge, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas implemented innovative solutions to reduce the cost of building, and streamlined the process for new construction in existing neighborhoods.

How to Build on a Land Bank Lot

Learn about how to locate, acquire and improve properties in the land bank.

Join the Land Bank Rehab Program

We are looking for contractors, real estate investors and experienced rehabbers to join our program and help revitalize our community.

How to Get a Yard Extension

Learn about the rules and process to extend property lines by obtaining a vacant property

Helpful Resources to Navigate the Building Process

Get links to resources and learn about items you might need.

Find Properties in the Land Bank

Use our interactive map of land bank lots to discover what is available for improvements

Land Bank Successes and Planning

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Land Bank Policy Update

From October 2022 to January 2023, the Land Bank hosted four engagement events to elicit feedback on the current Land Bank program and policy. Public meetings were hosted at:

Eisenhower Community Center, October 18, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm - Completed
Beatrice Lee Community Center, October 25, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm - Completed
Argentine Community Center, November 1, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm - Completed
Beatrice Lee Community Center, January 10, 2023, 6:30pm to 8:00pm - Completed

Presentations from public meetings and summaries of feedback from all engagement meetings are listed below:

Final Public Engagement Summary 2023

Let's Talk Land Bank January 2023 Presentation

Let's Talk Land Bank Fall 2022 Presentation

Let's Talk Land Bank 2022 Developer Meeting

Let's Talk Land Bank 2022 Engagement Summary

Next Steps: Land Bank Policy Review Subcommittee Meetings

Following public engagement, the Land Bank Policy Review Subcommittee will review and update the policy based on feedback. Meetings are offered in hybrid format and scheduled for the following dates:

Thursday, February 23, 2023 | 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM - Completed. Meeting recording available here.
Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Thursday, April 27, 2023 | 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Thursday, June 22, 2023 | 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

Land Bank Policy Review Subcommittee Presentation February-2023.pdf

What Kind of Properties are In the Land Bank

The Land Bank is divided into (3) types of parcels, which are determined by the Unified Government Planning and Zoning Department.

Non-Buildable Parcels:

Parcels where houses or other large buildings cannot be built, but garages, fencing, paving, or similar structures can be built.

Buildable Parcels:

Parcels of land without any free-standing structures before purchase where structures such as houses or other large buildings can be built.

Parcels with a Structure:

Parcels of land with structures already on them (including homes, garages, and businesses).

Who Controls the Property in the Land Bank?

The Land Bank Manager operates the Land Bank and serves at the direction of the Land Bank Board of Trustees. Under Kansas State law (K.S.A. 19-26, 109), the board assumes possession and control of any property it acquires and has the power to hold and administer such property.

How Do Properties Get Into the Land Bank?

The Wyandotte County Land Bank acquires its property through tax foreclosure. The land bank also reserves the right to accept land through private donation that is deemed necessary or beneficial to Wyandotte County’s community building efforts.