Frequently Asked Questions

1. Affordable housing generally means housing that is affordable to a household with gross income of not greater than 120% of the Dallas Area Median Income (AMI).
2. 60% AMI refers to housing that is affordable to a household earning not more than 60% of Dallas Area Median Income.
3. 60-80% AMI refers to housing that is affordable to a household earning between 60- 80% of Dallas Area Median Income.
4. 80-115% AMI refers to housing that is affordable to a household earning between 80 and 115% of Dallas Area Median Income.

1. What is the Dallas Land Bank Program?
   • The Dallas Urban Land Bank Demonstration Program (Land Bank) is a revitalization initiative aimed at acquiring, managing, and disposing of vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties to promote community development and affordable housing in the city of Dallas. The Dallas Housing and Acquisition Development Corporation (DHADC) is a non-profit local government corporation organized under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act and acts as a duly constituted instrumentality of the City of Dallas to administer the program. All sales transactions approved by the DHADC are subject to approval by the Dallas City Council.
   • The Urban Land Bank Demonstration Program is authorized by Chapter 379C of the Texas Local Government Code and is authorized to acquire and transfer, at less than market value, tax foreclosed vacant or distressed properties pursuant to Section 34.051 of the Texas Property Tax Code (i.e. HB 110)

1. How does the Land Bank Program work?
   • The Land Bank Program acquires vacant or abandoned properties, often through tax foreclosure, and holds them until they can be sold or redeveloped for community benefit. The program collaborates with developers, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to repurpose these properties for affordable housing, economic development, or other community uses.

1. How does the Land Transfer Program differ from the Land Bank Program?
   • While both programs aim to address vacant property issues, the Land Transfer Program disposes of City of Dallas owned surplus and tax foreclosed property for redevelopment, whereas the Land Bank Program properties are owned by the Dallas Housing Acquisition and Development Corporation and disposed of for community benefit or future development.

1. Who is eligible to participate in the Land Bank Program?
   • Developers, non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals interested in acquiring Land Bank properties for redevelopment or community projects may be eligible to participate in the program. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary depending on the specific program guidelines and property requirements. Qualified participating developers must have constructed one or more housing units within the 3-year period preceding their application and must be in good standing with the City of Dallas.

1. What types of properties are available through the Land Bank Program?
   • The Land Bank Program offers a variety of properties, including vacant lots, tax-delinquent properties, and other underutilized parcels of land. These properties may be suitable for residential, commercial, or mixed-use development projects.

1. How can I acquire a property through the Land Bank Program?
   • Interested parties must typically submit an application to the Land Bank Program detailing their proposed use for the property, their development plans, and their qualifications to undertake the project. The application process may involve review by program staff, approval by the Land Bank Board, and compliance with program guidelines.

1. What are the benefits of acquiring a property through the Land Bank Program?
   • Acquiring a property through the Land Bank Program can provide several benefits, including access to affordable real estate opportunities, support for community revitalization efforts, and assistance with navigating the property acquisition and redevelopment process.

1. How are properties priced within the Land Bank Program?
   • Property prices within the Land Bank Program may vary based on factors such as property condition, location, and intended use. The Land Transfer (City of Dallas owned) properties are typically sold for $1,000, while the Land Bank (DHADC owned) properties are typically sold at price points ranging from $11,500 to $20,500.

1. What are the obligations of property owners within the Land Bank Program?
   • Property owners participating in the Land Bank Program are generally required to comply with program guidelines, adhere to any development agreements or restrictive covenants, and maintain the property in accordance with local regulations and standards.

1. Where can I find more information about the Dallas Land Bank Program?
   • For more information about the Dallas Land Bank Program, including property listings, application procedures, and program guidelines, please visit the official website or contact HOULandBankLandTransDiv@dallas.gov for assistance.

This FAQ page aims to provide general information about the Dallas Land Bank Program and its operations. For specific inquiries or assistance, please contact Tyrone Wilson at 214.671.5337 or email HOULandBankLandTransDiv@dallas.gov for additional resources. You can also view the current Land Bank and Land Transfer inventory for sale at Dallas Housing Acquisition and Development Corporation.