Side or Rear Yards Application

The application to buy a side or rear yard will ask for information about you and the property you want to buy. It will also help us make sure you are up-to-date on your taxes, have no conflicts of interest, and comply with the City’s campaign contribution guidelines.

First download the Purchase Application

Complete all the information. The file has instructions, a checklist of documents you need to provide and you must confirm that you have read and agree to certain terms and conditions. Then you can submit your completed file, along with your plan  for the lot – a hand-drawn sketch is fine and we also ask for proof that you have enough money to pay closing costs and to make the improvements in your plans. Submit all your files either by:

1. ONLINE:
Click the Online Submission button below. Fill in the information requested, upload your completed application file, along with your Proof of Funds and Plan for the vacant lot and Submit.

Or
2. MAIL
Print out the completed application file, your Proof of Funds and Plans for the lot and mail to (“return receipt requested” strongly recommended):

PHDC
Attn: Side or Rear Yard Application
1234 Market St., 16th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107

What happens Next?

You will be contacted by PHDC’s Land Management Division after they have checked all the information you submitted. The timeline to process applications is 120 days. Land Management will contact you within 30-60 days if there are any issues with your application.