DEKALB COUNTY LAND BANK’S PROCESS
YOU APPLY
INTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS
CONTACT APPLICANT
BOARD APPROVAL
PURCHASE
RETURN PROPERTY TO PRODUCTIVE STATUS
PROGRAMS
The DeKalb Land Bank is committed to revitalizing the metro Atlanta area with our programmatic initiatives, with the help of the below stakeholders.
Non Profits | Developers | Development Corporations | City Governments | County Governments
Land Banking Depository
The Land Banking Depository Program enables governmental entities or nonprofits to transfer the title of real property, including multiple properties, to the DRLBA. The DRLBA holds these properties for up to five years, allowing time for strategic purposes such as developing affordable housing, creating open spaces, and establishing greenways. Once the strategic purpose is achieved, the DRLBA transfers the property title back to the original governmental entity or nonprofit. During the holding period, the property remains tax-exempt under the Land Banking Agreement. Maintenance and insurance costs are covered by the DRLBA and passed through to the nonprofit.
Donation Program
The Dekalb Regional Land Bank Authority (DRLBA) may accept donations of real property, subject to the discretion and approval of its Board of Directors. The DRLBA’s acquisition of real property is limited to properties within the geographic boundaries of Dekalb County.
Permanent Affordability
The DRLBA has established guidelines for the sale and pricing of residential real property and vacant lots zoned for residential use to neighborhood nonprofit entities. These guidelines are designed to support the development and provision of permanently affordable housing in alignment with the DRLBA’s mission and purpose.
*Permanent affordable housing is defined as housing where mortgage or rent plus utility costs do not exceed 30% of a low to moderate-income individual’s monthly income for a period of more than 20 years.
Side Lot Program
The DRLBA may acquire individual parcels of property and sell them to individuals who own and occupy the adjacent, contiguous property. Eligible parcels must be vacant, unimproved (without any physical structures), and located in close proximity to the adjacent owner-occupied residential property. These parcels shall consist of no more than one lot suitable for development. As a condition of the transfer, the new owner must agree to consolidate the acquired lot with their contiguous lot and refrain from subdividing or partitioning the lots for a period of five years following the transfer date.
Community-Inspired Development Proposals
The Dekalb Regional Land Bank Authority (DRLBA) welcomes community partnership requests for projects that fall outside of our approved programs. Our Staff and Board of Directors are eager to explore innovative project proposals from community partners that aim to produce affordable housing and deliver other valuable benefits to the citizens of Dekalb County. We encourage applications from partners with unique and creative ideas, as we are open-minded and committed to fostering impactful collaborations. Join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life in Dekalb County through sustainable and community-focused initiatives.