Every other Thursday from 12–1PM via Teams
Land Based Projects
A land based project uses land for urban agriculture, gardening, beautification and other productive uses, whether for profit or as a community based activity.
Land based projects enhance life in Detroit. The City recognizes the role neighborhood steward have played in preserving community through their investment into these projects over time. The City commits to enacting transparent standards that will allow these projects to thrive, and creating process that are clear, fair, and understandable.
Getting your land based project started
Need to purchase land for your LBP?
- Visit Detroit Development Opportunities Map to locate public property that is for sale.
- Remember to consider the zoning rules when selecting a property. Selecting a property that is by right saves time and money.
- Make sure you are up to date on all payments to the city, including taxes, blight tickets, and water bills. Your purchase application will not be processed with outstanding balances.
- Complete the properties application after selecting a suitable property.
Land-Based Projects Office Hours
Have a question or an issue you need help with? Join us for virtual office hours! Office hours are open to the general public to discuss and answer land acquisition and building permit questions related to starting land based projects. Download the LBP Office Hours Presentation Here.
Resources for sustaining your land based project
- Get your LBP permitted. Apply for a LBP permit here. Having a permit for your LBP is the best way to protect your property rights as a LBP operator!
- Keep your property well maintained. Review the City’s maintenance standards for LBPs here
- Interested in Small Business Support? Connect with service providers through Motor City Match.
- Locate impervious surface areas using the DWSD Drainage Viewer.
- Register your operation as organic or naturally grown by getting Organic or Naturally Grown certifications.
- Create a natural habitat. Visit the Michigan Native Plant Producers Association, the Michigan Wildflower Association, or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to learn more about native plants.
- Avoid planting prohibited plants. View Detroit’s prohibited plant list here. Wayne County and the State of Michigan maintain their own prohibited species lists.
- Register your block club with the City for public hearing notices of the City Planning Commission rezoning considerations in your area, City Planning Commission meeting agendas, and Community Development Block Grant information
- Additional zoning resources
- Read directly from Detroit’s zoning ordinances or read about specific concerns
Process improvements
As part of the 2019 planning effort, the City sought to improve the process for purchasing and permitting Land Based Projects. We gathered input to help prioritize improvements to the land purchase to permit process and Good Neighbor Guidelines for land Based Projects
More info about this recent planning effort
- Land Based Projects Office Hours Presentation
- Meet the Project Team
- Community Engagement Notes
- Results of the survey for Land Based Project Leaders and Neighbors
- January 2019 Meeting
- February 2019 Meeting
- March 2019 Workshop Presentation
- March 2019 What We Heard Answers
- 2018 TASP Report
- Project Information Sheet