44 vacant lots up for grabs in Akron's mow to own program: How it works

AKRON, Ohio — The city of Akron has 44 vacant lots up for grabs in the latest round of their “mow to own” program, which officials say “takes strain off the city’s mowing crews and puts vacant land back into productive use.”

Here’s how it works…

“Neighboring property owners and non-profits may be eligible to purchase city-owned property for the cost of mowing from the time a contract is signed through closing, in addition to paying standard closing fees (estimated to be around $100) at the time of transfer,” the city of Akron explains in a press release. “Letters will be sent in the next two weeks to the adjacent property owners to notify them of the program and provide instructions for how to apply.”

There is no fee to apply for the lot, but here are the eligibility requirements:

• All applicants must own the contiguous property and priority will be given to qualified owner-occupants.
• The applicant shall not be delinquent on any real estate.
• If an applicant owns other properties in the city, all of the owner’s properties shall be registered through the Rental Registration Program.
• The applicant shall not have property maintenance, nuisance and/or building code violations on any properties they own.

You can see a list of the available lots in Akron by exploring the document below: 

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“The city will first mail letters to owner-occupied property owners adjacent to the lot,” city officials explain. “In the event the neighboring property owner does not want the lot or does not qualify for the program, the lot would then become available to property owners next to the lot who do not occupy the residence. If they don't want it, the lot is then open to local non-profit organizations and property owners within 300 feet of the lot.”

Once a resident applies – and is accepted in the mow to own program – they will be responsible for the maintenance of that property, including mowing, weeding, snow shoveling, litter removal, raking leaves, etc.

Since the mow to own program first launched in 2020, Akron has given more than 100 vacant city-owned lots away to nearby property owners.

Have more questions? Here's a guide from the city:

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