Frequently Asked Questions

A vacant lot that is contiguous to a homeowner’s lot. This lot can be adjacent to your property on either side or directly behind your lot. It cannot be across the street or the alley.

• Owner-occupied property applicants will have the highest priority within the open period.
• Multiple applications from owner-occupied properties will be awarded to the property owner with less acreage or random computerized draw.
• For non-owner-occupied properties, first come, first served.
• Any approved applicant that does not pay the fees/purchase price, may lose eligibility to obtain the property and the next interested party will be made eligible.
• Any application received after the open period for a property receiving multiple applications will be considered only if the first applicant is ineligible.

A member of our team will review your application and make sure that it meets the qualifying criteria. Not all requests will be granted, the City reserves the right to deny the application, see “Why my application was denied?” for additional details.

The process from application to closing takes approximately 1 to 2 months.

Email is the primary form of communication used by the City of Peoria Side Lot Program. Applicants must provide an email address in order to apply. Information regarding application status will be sent to applicants via the email address they provided. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted.

The City denies applications for the following reasons:

• No deed was provided and we could not find proof of ownership
• Name on deed does not match the name of applicant
• Lot requested does not meet the definition of a "side lot"
• City of Peoria Community Development Department does not support the sale of the lot
• Applicant has outstanding debt to the City

Applications are on a first come, first serve basis.

No, the City will not subdivide a parcel. The Side Lot Program offers whole lots only.

You can direct questions to the Community Development Department:

• Email the Side Lot Program Team
• Call the Side Lot Program Team at 309-494-8622
• Email Matt Smith - Land Development Manager

Yes, there are fees associated with purchasing the property from the City of Peoria. The Peoria County Recorder of Deeds charges approximately $57 for the recording of the deed and the City of Peoria charges $50 for the processing fee. The total cost for a side lot is $107.

No. When the lot is sold, no unpaid taxes by the previous owner will be transferred to you.

The amount of yearly property tax you will pay is determined by the Peoria County Assessor and based on the assessed value of the property and the tax rates for all local governments providing services in your community.

This is not an estimate of your future taxes. It is only meant to provide a sense of what the property taxes are on vacant lots. Here are the taxes paid for a few vacant lots sold by the City of Peoria:

You must maintain the lot in accordance with the City of Peoria Municipal Code. The following information is presented as links to Municode to better provide a complete picture of what is required and possible with your side lot:

• Vegetation
• Accessory structures and fences - Appendix A, Section 5.4.2 and 5.4.6
• Residential District Regulations

Additionally, lots purchased from the Side Lot Program are all zoned Residential, meaning you may build on the lot as long as it's in accordance with the City of Peoria Zoning Ordinance on residential lots. You may also build one accessory storage structure (shed, garage, etc.) or place a fence, if both parcels are under the same ownership to be considered one zoning lot, any required permits are obtained, and work is done in accordance with the Unified Development Code. Any additional questions can be emailed to the Side Lot Program or please call the Community Development office at 309-494-8600.

Yes, it is a requirement of the Side Lot Program. If you want to add anything to the lot, i.e. garage or fence, you must combine the side lot to your existing parcel. This is a simple process and allows for one tax bill. There is no fee for combining parcels.

The Peoria County Recorder of Deeds holds records of property ownership. The entire process takes approximately 1 to 2 months. After that time period, the City of Peoria will contact you and mail a copy of the deed to you.